staff & vestry
Our Music Director
Our Parish Administrator
Our Parish Administrator
Ellen J. Dondero serves as Minister of Music and Organist at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church. Ministries include playing for Sunday services, as well as other special services throughout the year as well as directing Innocents’ Choir. In addition, she is coordinator for the Spring Concert Series and the annual Messiah Sing. Ellen grew u
Ellen J. Dondero serves as Minister of Music and Organist at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church. Ministries include playing for Sunday services, as well as other special services throughout the year as well as directing Innocents’ Choir. In addition, she is coordinator for the Spring Concert Series and the annual Messiah Sing. Ellen grew up in a large household and is one of eight children raised by two musician parents. Music has always been a very important part of her life. She received her college education at Westminster Choir College, in Princeton New Jersey, earning a Bachelor’s in Music Education. In addition to her position at Holy Innocents, Ellen manages two retail stores in Beach Haven; How to Live and How to Live Bayside, and serves as Associate Conductor for Capital Singers of Trenton. She is married to John P. Dondero, and together they have three adult children, all performing musicians.
Our Parish Administrator
Our Parish Administrator
Our Parish Administrator
Mrs. Lisa Halpin is our parish administrator and comes to us from Manahawkin, New Jersey. Lisa is active in the Beach Haven Community and also works at the Surflight Theatre. She handles our schedule, arrangements for Memorial Garden niches, and much much more. She is full of hospitality and helpfulness!
Our Vestry
Our Parish Administrator
Senior Warden
The Wardens and Vestry are a group consisting of "adult, confirmed communicants in good standing," elected by the Annual Meeting of the Parish, serving together with a Priest or Bishop called by the Vestry." The Episcopal Church of The Holy Innocents in Beach Haven is blessed with a committed, active leadership through faithful service.
The Wardens and Vestry are a group consisting of "adult, confirmed communicants in good standing," elected by the Annual Meeting of the Parish, serving together with a Priest or Bishop called by the Vestry." The Episcopal Church of The Holy Innocents in Beach Haven is blessed with a committed, active leadership through faithful service. Each of the wardens and Vestry members has unique gifts and strengths, and together they collaborate well to lead the membership.
The Vestry
Class of 2023
Kay DeCicco
Larry Peacock
Rob Meyer
Class of 2024
Diane Carter
Vince Contreras
Matt Starr
Class of 2025
Bruce Hillyer
Bill Kehr
Judy Contreras
Senior Warden
Senior Warden
Senior Warden
DAVE WHITE Dave grew up here in Beach Haven and graduated from Southern Regional High School in 1983. He entered the US Army and served for 10 years including service in the Desert Storm War. He brought his Christian beliefs and way of life to the Army and ever since. He served as the AV leader in Auburn, MA, at Bethel Lutheran Ch
DAVE WHITE Dave grew up here in Beach Haven and graduated from Southern Regional High School in 1983. He entered the US Army and served for 10 years including service in the Desert Storm War. He brought his Christian beliefs and way of life to the Army and ever since. He served as the AV leader in Auburn, MA, at Bethel Lutheran Church and moved back to Beach Haven in 2010. He has been active in attending service since his return. Dave has served on the Vestry, as an Usher and now as the Junior Warden.
Junior Warden
Senior Warden
Junior Warden
Marriage first brought Pat to Long Beach Island in 1988. After some years of spiritual searching, she was baptized and confirmed at Holy Innocents’ in 1994. She and Ellen Dondero co-chaired Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for 5 years. Pat served on Vestry and was part of the search committee for Fr. Frank. All a long time ago!
Marriage first brought Pat to Long Beach Island in 1988. After some years of spiritual searching, she was baptized and confirmed at Holy Innocents’ in 1994. She and Ellen Dondero co-chaired Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for 5 years. Pat served on Vestry and was part of the search committee for Fr. Frank. All a long time ago! More recently, Pat chaired the Stewardship Committee, was integrally involved in the rectory and parish kitchen renovations. She is currently a reader. She considers her spiritual life at Holy Innocents’ to be grounding and the congregation a part of her extended family. A graduate of Duke University, Pat worked in advertising until devoting full time to motherhood. Once her sons were in elementary school, there were some ad sales gigs before getting her real estate license and working with Larry part-time. A past Commodore at the Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club, she currently serves as a senior trustee. She is excited and honored to be a Warden and work closely with vestry and Mtr. Caroline.