Rev, John D. Alexander, Interim Preist
The Rev. John D. Alexander was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and immigrated at an early age to the United States. He grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After majoring in International Relations at the Johns Hopkins University (B.A. 1979, M.A. 1980), he worked during the 1980s at Electronic Data Systems Corporation in assignments in Texas, Virginia, and England.
Responding to a clear call to the priesthood, he attended Virginia Theological Seminary,
receiving his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in 1992. Fr. Alexander also holds advanced theological degrees from Nashotah House Theological Seminary (S.T.M. 2004) and Boston University School of Theology (Ph.D., 2014).
Ordained deacon in 1992 and priest in 1993, Fr. Alexander served as Curate at St. Mary’s
Church in Wayne, Pennsylvania (1992-1994), Rector of the Church of the Ascension, Staten Island, New York (1994-2000), and Rector of St. Stephen’s Church, Providence, Rhode Island (2000-2019).
Fr. Alexander comes to Saint Mark’s after having served as Interim Priest in two parishes in the Episcopal Diocese New Jersey. He has completed the training offered by the Interim Ministry
Network. He finds accompanying parishes in transition between rectors hugely rewarding, and he looks forward eagerly to exercising this important ministry at Saint Mark’s.
Fr. Alexander’s involvement in the wider Church includes serving as Superior of the Society of Mary in the United States, and on the national Council of the Guild of All Souls. He is married, with two grown sons and one young grandson.
Barbara Votolato, Interim Parish Administrator
A parishioner at St. Mark’s for the past 11 years, Barbara is a lifelong Rhode Islander, graduating from Cranston High School in 1958. After working at Textron and a legal office, Barbara decided to attend Rhode Island College, earning the B.A. in Secondary Education/English in 1969, then continuing her studies at U.R.I., receiving the M.A. in English in 1971.
After working at various offices as secretary, including an ad agency, which was fun and interesting, she was hired by the U.S. Postal Service in 1994, retiring after 20 years in 2004. Thereafter, she worked part time at Warwick Public Library and later as a classroom grandparent for Foster Grandparents.
Joyce Bernau – Director of Music
Joyce Bernau’s passion for liturgical music was sparked very early on in life when she became music director in her parish at twelve years old. Since that time, she has served as Music Minister for decades in Wisconsin, California and Rhode Island. Joyce has expressed her love of directing choirs, plorking (playing + working) with children, and in general, making music with a community of believers as “food for my soul.”
In addition to her music ministry at St. Mark’s, she teaches music at Central High School in Providence, RI. and attends Salve Regina University where she will graduate in May.
Joyce welcomes all children, teens and adults who wish to share their musical gifts on a one-time, seasonal, or permanent basis at liturgical celebrations.
Most notably, Joyce is grateful to be a part of this welcoming, vibrant parish and is honored to serve as Music Director/Music Minister.
Eric Queenan – Sexton
Eric works as a custodian with the Warwick School Department. He is a life-long Warwick resident. He is the father of Caleb Queenan. Eric enjoys spending time with his son, fishing, football, and basketball. We are lucky to have Eric helping us maintain our building and grounds.