ST. PHILIP’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH STAFF

Interim Rector * Reverend Dr. Mary E. Conroy *

The Reverend Dr. Mary E. Conroy has most recently served as Interim Rector at Church of the Ascension & Holy Trinity in Pueblo, Colorado. Prior to that she was the Sr. Associate Rector for Worship at Trinity Church, Boston, MA from 1999-2007. She has also served churches in Houston, Texas, Greenville, SC and Phoenix, AZ. Prior to attending seminary she was a parish Youth Minister and a high school chaplain. Maribeth, as she prefers to be called, was born and raised in Williamstown, MA. She holds a BS in Business from Marymount College, Tarrytown, NY, and MS in Religious Education from Fordham University, Bronx, NY and an M.Div and D.Min from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. An avid needlepointer, Maribeth has made over 41 Christmas stockings for family and friends as well and kneelers for Christ Church Cathedral in Houston, Trinity Church, Boston and Ascension, Pueblo. She is godmother to 6 wonderful children, aunt to 4 girls and mother to a 2-year-old Shih Tzu dog named Oscar Treat Paine.

Deacon * Reverend David Karcher *

Reverend Karcher was ordained in the Deaconate in 1986 and served at Trinity Cathedral from 1986 until he joined St. Philip’s in 1999.  After graduating from the University of Chicago, David joined the Navy.  After this initial military service, he obtained his law degree from the University of Miami and was admitted to the bar in 1961.  He is a senior partner of the law firm Karcher Canning & Karcher with a practice in the maritime law.  In 1966 Reverend Karcher left his law firm for active service in the U.S Marine Corps and served in Viet Nam, where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, four Air Medals and a Purple Heart.  He retired as a Colonel in the USMCR.  Reverend Karcher has been active in diocesan affairs, has served as Chaplain of the South Miami Police Department, and teaches at the University of Miami, School of Law.  Reverend Karcher and his wife Joanne, have two sons, a daughter and six grandchildren.

Director of Music and Liturgy * Christopher Harrell *

Christopher joined the staff of St. Philip’s in 2004, having served for seven years as organist-choirmaster at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Dalton, Ga. He also served on the faculty of Emory University. Mr. Harrell earned his Bachelor or Music degree at Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and a Master’s in Sacred Music at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He also studied under Marie-Louise Langlais at the Paris Conservator and studied English Choral Tradition at Westminister Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. At St. Philip’s, he directs the parish choir and two children’s choirs and teaches piano in the St. Philip’s School enrichment program. Since moving to Miami, Christopher has performed extensively in organ recitals, including Viscaya Museum, Trinity Cathedral, Emmanuel Lutheran Church of the Upper Keys, and at Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach.

Bookkeeper * Jane Pepia *

Jane joined St. Philip’s as the parish bookkeeper in 2001. Born in Oklahoma at “an early age”, she came to us via a circuitous route. Jane graduated with a B.A. in Theater and Communications and worked for PBS and cable companies for in California and Florida for several years. It was during one of her cable television stints here in Florida that she was enticed into the accounting area by a CPA who trained her. She supplemented her on-the-job training with course work at FIU and subsequently worked for a florist, a lawyer, an accountant, a dentist, a contractor and finally St. Philip’s. Jane says, “I’ve been working my way up!” Here at St. Philip’s, Jane is not only responsible for the books of St. Philip’s Church, but she also does duty as the bookkeeper for our Capital Campaign program for St. Philip’s School.

Parish Secretary * Digna Fernandez *

Digna, our parish secretary, came to St. Philip’s in April 2008. She functions as the administrative assistant to the rector, and her primary responsibilities include assisting the rector in the publication of the various St. Philip’s publications: The monthly St. Philip’s Flyer, the quarterly Good News and the weekly Church Bulletin. Digna is the friendly voice that answers the phone at St. Philip’s and who provides a myriad of administrative and clerical services to everyone who needs her help. Digna was born in Cuba, but came to Miami at the age of 1. She studied Business Administration at Miami Dade Community College. As a wife and mother of 3, when not working, she spends time with her family. 

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Vestry Members and Ministry Coordinators