Rectory Phone: 856-429-3334, Fax  856-229-7931

Rev. Michael J. Field
Pastor

You have been told, O man, what is good,
and what the LORD requires of you;
only to do the right and to love goodness,
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

          The grandson of a Presbyterian minister, the last of five children born to John and Kathleen Field, Fr. Michael’s early road to a spiritual life included a couple of twists and turns. Born in Cleveland , Ohio , in 1954, he was not baptized at birth because his parents weren’t prepared for the commitments. Eventually, he went through the old time religious instructions with a parish priest, was baptized and received First Eucharist at the age of 12. His brother and sister, Steven and Jane, were also baptized; Jane is now a Sister of Saint Joseph of Chestnut Hill, PA.

          Michael attended public schools in Ocean City , NJ , graduated from high school and entered Mount Saint Mary’s College in Emmitsburg , MD , majoring in political science. To his surprise, the priesthood began to have a calling upon him and, following his graduation in 1976 (magna cum laude), he pondered the seminary. After much discernment, Michael found a straighter path to a vocation of faith and service, and in 1978 entered Immaculate Conception Seminary in Mahwah , NJ . He was ordained in 1982 in his home parish of Saint Augustine in Ocean City by Camden Bishop George H. Guilfoyle.

          Fr. Michael was assigned as Parochial Vicar to Sacred Heart Church in Vineland , and subsequently served at Saint Agnes, Blackwood; Holy Rosary, Cherry Hill; Saints Peter and Paul, Turnersville; and Saint Peter Celestine, Cherry Hill . In 2002 Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio appointed Fr. Michael as pastor of Saint Joseph Church in Swedesboro, and in 2005 Bishop Joseph Galante named him pastor of Queen of Heaven.

In 1992 Michael completed a dissertation entitled The Adult Catechumenate: Implementing an Ancient Catechumenate Process in a Resistant Contemporary Church. During his priesthood Fr. Michael has served on the diocesan Priests Council and as Executive Director of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Office for the Diocese of Camden (1995-2001). He is a former team member of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate—which serves dioceses throughout the world in effective implementation of the RCIA—and he also served as President of the Immaculate Conception Seminary Alumni Association.

Michael’s favorite hobby, pastime and interest is his faithful friend Rosie. Los Perros Rosita Vida Loca (Rosie) is a Havanese dog (aka Havana Silk Dog) who always brings a smile or laugh to Michael’s face. Those visiting the rectory might actually witness Rosie’s talent of dancing on two legs for an extended period of time! Rosie certainly has a way with people and has most of the staff wrapped around her paw.

Fr. Michael, who has embraced the vision of Vatican II, is known for his engaging homilies and openness, which are warmly welcomed by Queen of Heaven parishioners. As pastor Michael sees the Church growing in diversity, and he strongly encourages lay leadership in the life of the parish.

Rev. Bruno Dongo, A.J.
Hospital Chaplain

Father Bruno Dongo, AJ was born in Kameruka-Jki-Jki location in Budaka County and Pallisa District, Uganda in 1968.  He comes from a family of nine children and is twin to his sister Consolata.  Father obtained his primary and high school education in Uganda.  His diplomas include Philosophy and Religious Studies from Apostles of Jesus Philosophicum in Nairobi-Kenya, Theology from Apostles of Jesus Scholasticate also in Nairobi-Kenya and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome – affiliated to the Apostles of Jesus Scholasticate, Nairobi-Kenya.  He was ordained in the Congregation of Apostles of Jesus on August 9, 2001.  His assignments include Associate Pastor – Morokweng Pastoral in Kimberley Diocese, South Africa and Chaplain – JFK Hospital in Cherry Hill.  Father is also a member of the Universal Living Rosary Association

Ms. Kathy Isherwood. SDS

Having been involved in parish ministry for more than 30 years, Kathy Isherwood brings an enriched and extensive background to her role as Queen of Heaven’s Pastoral Associate for Parish Life and Catechesis. She is a graduate of Thomas Edison State College (BS in Management), Seton Hall University, Immaculata Seminary (certification in Parish Catechetical Leadership) and Felician College in Lodi, NJ (Masters in Religious Education). Kathy has served on various diocesan committees including curriculum development and education certification standards for parish catechetical leaders. Kathy is also a member of the Society of the Divine Savior (SDS), or Salvatorians, a religious community comprising of Priests, Brothers, Sisters and Lay Associates all working together to spread the Good News.

“I want our parishioners to know that my door is always open,” says Kathy. “My commitment to Queen of Heaven is to provide the best leadership and direction possible, and to ensure a comprehensive religious formation process for the entire community. I’ll also be working closely with Fr. Michael to ensure that our Liturgical celebrations are welcoming and inviting and provide the spiritual nourishment needed to live our lives as Catholic Christians.

“This is a very loving parish, and it’s a blessing to be able to carry out the gospel message with such a wonderful community.”

Kathy, a native of South Philly and a (very) proud graduate of St. Maria Goretti High School, now lives in Laurel Springs , NJ. She enjoys cooking, puzzles and board games—she’s even a member of the National Mah Jongg League.