November Spotlight-Deacon Anthony Repice

A Journey of Faith

Deacon Anthony Repice’s  journey to St. Pius X began during a pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., which he attended with another parish. While there, he met Deacon Anthony Martucci, and the two struck up a conversation. Both Deacon Martucci and his friend Monsignor Cassidy encouraged him to come to St. Pius X. Looking back, Deacon Anthony is grateful he took their advice!

Before joining St. Pius X, he was a parishioner at Holy Eucharist Church in Tabernacle, New Jersey, where he spent 30 years. Holy Eucharist sponsored him in 2002 as he began his journey toward the diaconate, and he was ordained a deacon on May 12, 2007.

A Calling to Serve

Today, Deacon Anthony assists with scheduling the deacons, performs baptisms with the assistance of the Knights of Columbus, and serves at Mass.

When asked what inspires him to serve, his answer is simple: “It’s a calling.” He also reflects on how God’s timing has shaped his life. He had always wanted to be married, and he believed God was waiting for the perfect time to bring his wife, Marian, into his life.

One of the most meaningful parts of his ministry is holding up the chalice during Mass. It is a moment that holds a special place in his heart and reflects the deep love and reverence he has for the Eucharist.

Through his ministry, God continues to teach him how to love people more closely. Becoming a deacon has also deepened his relationship with Jesus and transformed his prayer life, bringing it to a whole new level. This gift has given him the opportunity to help others and has taught him the importance of listening to where Jesus is calling him.

Faith in Everyday Life

Deacon Anthony remembers his journey through the diaconate as an incredibly joyful time, filled with the support and encouragement of many people. While he cannot recall many particularly difficult moments, he recognizes an important challenge that comes with serving as a deacon: living out his faith at all times and in every place.

As he humorously points out, that includes the grocery store,even when people are slamming their carts around! His reminder is a meaningful one: our faith is not something we practice only inside the church. We are called to live it wherever we go.

Beyond the Church

Outside of his ministry, Deacon Anthony enjoys amateur radio, golfing, and traveling with his wife, Marian.

He also has a few talents that might surprise people! He was a recreational scuba diver, holds a pilot’s license and can fly planes, and even has a captain’s license for ships.

A Message for Our Parish Family

Deacon Anthony’s life and ministry remind us that God calls each of us in different ways. His advice is to remain open to that calling and to listen for where Jesus is leading us.

For Deacon Anthony, serving as a deacon has been more than a ministry. It has been a gift that has strengthened his faith, deepened his prayer life, and allowed him to share Christ’s love with others.

 We are grateful to have Deacon Anthony as part of our St. Pius X parish family and thank him for his faithful service to our community!