The Mission of Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church is to spread the Good News of the Gospel and provide a loving and compassionate environment for the continuing transformation of a life in Christ Jesus. We believe this journey is shaped by God through worship, learning, friendship and service to others.
Father Edward is Trinity-by-the-Cove’s eighth Rector. Father Edward began his ministry at Trinity-by-the Cove as an Associate Rector for Youth and Family Ministries, continued as Senior Associate Rector and in May 2014 was called to be Rector. Before coming to us, Fr. Edward served as an assistant priest and chaplain in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at a church with a K-8th grade school. Before seminary, Fr. Edward received a BA in history from the University of Texas at Austin in 1996 and a J.D., cum laude, from Loyola University School of Law, New Orleans in 2000 where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the law review. Leaving the practice of law in 2005, Fr. Edward attended Nashotah House Theological Seminary receiving a M. Div., cum laude, in May 2008. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Fr. Edward has a wife, Virginia, and three young children, Howard, Eleanor, and Claire.
What excites you about Trinity-by-the-Cove?
There is something electric about being a part of a Christian community that spends time together discerning God’s will for our lives and the world and at the same time simply enjoying being in fellowship with one another. Trinity-by-the-Cove is a thriving parish with wonderful and varied opportunities to love God and neighbor.
What excites you about ministry?
As an ordained priest, I am privileged to spend my life serving God’s people. I believe that ministry—whether ordained or not—should be personal and filled with love. That ministry is expressed through talking to people about God and sharing the powerful presence of Jesus in times of overwhelming joy and tremendous sorrow. Remembering daily how God is at work in the world and in each of our lives excites me. It’s also exciting to lead Trinity-by-the-Cove in its mission and ministry to be a loving and compassionate environment for the continuing transformation of a life in Christ Jesus.
Mother Jean is an Associate Rector at Trinity-by-the-Cove. She shares in the priestly ministries of worship and preaching while focusing much of her attention in the areas of pastoral care, family spirituality, spiritual direction, and retreat ministry. Before arriving at Trinity-by-the-Cove in June 2015, Mthr. Jean served as priest-in-charge of St. Nathaniel’s Episcopal Church in North Port, Florida. She graduated from The General Theological Seminary in New York City in 2012, earning an M. Div. degree. Prior to ordination, Jean was a clarinetist and co-founder of a business that produced hand-finished mouthpieces. She holds degrees in clarinet performance from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, and The Ohio State University.
What excites you about Trinity-by-the-Cove?
Life in Jesus Christ is all about relationship – and from my first day at Trinity I’ve been thrilled to be in relationship with a parish community that honors and values relationships as they are lifted up in our Baptismal vows. Trinity is a vital, healthy parish that lives in Christ’s love with each other and lives out Christ’s love in the neighborhood and to the world.
What excites you about ministry?
The greatest blessing for me in living into the call to serve as priest and pastor has been the incredible privilege of being with God's children – being with people in times of joy as well as sorrow – with them in personal and family celebrations as well as difficulties -- with them in beginnings and endings – in the ongoing cycle of life, birth through death to resurrection – in the day-to-day life together that brings us transformation in and into Christ.
Father Steve is an assisting priest at Trinity-by-the-Cove. After graduating from Virginia Theological Seminary in 1978, Fr. Steve served as a curate at St. Marks, Palm Beach Gardens, and in 1980 he became Rector of All Saints, Grenada, Mississippi where he fostered a ministry of outreach to the neediest people in the community and expanded his interest in adult formation. In 1986, Fr. Steve became Rector of the Chapel of Saint Andrew in Boca Raton, where he developed “The Faith-Seeking Journey” a program of new member ministry.
Most recently, Father Steve served as Priest-in-Charge of Grace and St. Stephen’s Church in Colorado Springs, where he was elected Rector in 2011, and served until his retirement in 2014.
His duties at Trinity-by-the-Cove include assisting with pastoral care and sharing his Faith-Seeking Journey program with us for Adult Formation later in the fall. Fr. Steve has a wife, Kathy, and one son, Jonathan, who lives with his wife, Paulita in Colorado Springs.
Associate Rector
The Reverend Nicholas Caccese
Nicholas comes to Trinity-by-the-Cove having earned a S.T.M. from The School of Theology at the University of the South in 2018. He also received a B.A. in philosophy and music from SUNY Geneseo in 2005 and a M.A. in theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2008. In the years between his two stints at seminary, Nicholas stayed home to care for his first daughter, taught in the philosophy department at Christopher Newport University, and discerned God’s call to parish ministry. Nicholas and his wife, Jessica, grew up in the northeast, having lived in New Jersey, upstate New York, and Massachusetts, and, most recently, in Virginia and Tennessee. They have two daughters, Julia and Hannah.
What excites you about Trinity-by-the-Cove?
From my very first encounter with Trinity-by-the-Cove, I was deeply moved by the idea of a community committed to living in to the fullness of our life in Christ through beautiful worship, excellent teaching, warm hospitality and fellowship, and compassionate service to others. It is truly exciting, however, to see this vision as a lived reality in the parishioners and staff at Trinity-by-the-Cove.
What excites you about ministry?
God has acted decisively in Jesus to bring about his kingdom. He also continues to act in and through his people to spread its influence both in our lives and in the larger world. It is exciting to play a role in God’s unfolding story of salvation and to walk alongside fellow Christians as we see, more and more each day, God working in our lives to accomplish his good purposes.
John hails from Indianapolis, and received his early training as a choirboy at Trinity Church, then as an organ student of Robert Hobbs, organist of Christ Church Cathedral there. He was student director of the 80-voice Shortridge High School Choir; accompanied silent films at the public library, and was pianist for a rock 'n' roll vocal quartet, The Delrays. He attended Wesleyan University in Connecticut, majoring in contemporary French literature, and, as a sophomore studied the organ in France with noted organist-scholar André Marchal. After college, he went to the newly-formed College of Church Musicians at the Washington National Cathedral, headed by composer Leo Sowerby. He earned the degree of Master of Sacred Music while teaching music and French at St. Albans School.
He was assistant organist at the Washington Cathedral under Paul Callaway for four years, and then traveled to England for a year’s study under Allan Wicks at Canterbury Cathedral. He was appointed organist and choirmaster of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, a post he held for thirty years. He is an Associate of the American Guild of Organists and past dean its Southwest Florida Chapter, and is a member of the Association of Anglican Musicians. He has been organ soloist under the batons of Carmen Dragon, Arthur Fiedler, Jean-Pascal Tortelier, Edo de Waart and Seiji Ozawa, and has been on the faculty of numerous choral conducting conferences. He and his family came to Trinity-by-the-Cove in 2003.
What excites you about Trinity-by-the-Cove?
Working with people who love what they’re doing: both the staff and the congregation.
What excites you about ministry?
I believe that down through the ages, music has been a secret evangelizer. It is, however, impossible to prove this or quantify it. Certainly, many people have come into the church through the door of music. My mother was an inspiration to me; she once wrote, “sometimes a descant can slip past the guards, and touch a hardened heart.”
Polly has been a member of Trinity since moving from the Boston area to Naples in 1969 and has served as Parish Administrator for over sixteen years. As a member, Polly has taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, served on Vestry, is currently a lector, chalice bearer, and Eucharistic minister, and has participated in mission trips to the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina and to the Dominican Republic with youth. There are three generations of Polly’s family who worship at Trinity as well as her brother and sister-in-law. When not working, Polly spends time with her ten grandchildren!
What excites you about Trinity-by-the-Cove?
Having been a member of Trinity for over forty years, I have seen Trinity’s spirit of giving in action each year. Examples include: in the late sixties Trinity provided the impetus and seed money to establish four other Episcopal churches in Naples, Bonita Springs, and Marco Island; Trinity’s dedication to provide financial and people support to many service agencies in Immokalee and Naples; raising substantial money through our church resale shop, yearly Christmas Market, and other fund raising endeavors—all monies raised are donated in the way of grants to a diverse range of agencies in Collier County. Trinitarians are generous and thoughtful and I like that about my church.
What excites you about ministry?
To me, ministry is about God’s love given to us so that we may share it with others. I love being part of a church family that not only works hard taking care of each other, but makes sure that we share ourselves, our time, our treasure, and our talents with others in the Naples area and as far away as the Dominican Republic.
A rare native of Naples, Katie was baptized and married at Trinity-by-the-Cove. Katie lived in Kansas for 10 years and attended Kansas State College where she met her husband, Dave. Too many cold winter nights helped them decide to move to Naples in 2003 to be closer to family. She worked with disadvantaged children before being hired as Staff Assistant at Trinity. Katie and Dave are parents of a 5 year old daughter, Hazel, and twin boys, Woody and Harlan, and are enjoying the exciting life of parenthood!
What excites you about Trinity-by-the-Cove?
I am proud to be a part of this wonderful family who are dedicated to the commitment of helping others, both within the parish and the community.
What excites you about ministry?
To have the opportunity to serve those I work with, as well as parishioners, in any capacity I can.
Paula was born in Detroit, Michigan, and moved to Naples in 1970. She primarily resided in Naples, but has spent two years in the Mission Field in New Mexico where she fell in love with the West and visits as often as she can.
What excites you about Trinity-by-the-Cove?
The "giving" attitude of the staff and parishioners is a joy to be around. In the time I have been a part of Trinity-by-the-Cove, I have been overwhelmed with awe to see the giving spirit that abounds and I am truly blessed to be a part of the Trinity family.
What excites you about ministry?
Serving the Lord with the time and talents He has given me. Numbers are not just something you use to do math; numbers are absolute truth. Search the Scriptures for all the times you see a number used and you will be amazed at the meaning behind those numbers.
Su is originally from Massachusetts and is a lifelong Episcopalian with ministry from ranging from acolyte, junior choir and junior altar guild to vestry, stewardship chair and junior warden. She is a graduate of Wheaton College in Norton Massachusetts with a BA in Psychology. She has worked in finance, marketing and sales for both large and small companies. She joined trinity June 2015.
What excites you about Trinity-by-the-Cove?
It is awesome to work with Trinitarians on projects, and be part of excellence.
What excites you about ministry?
The ability to combine my gift - the love of being a good steward in support of others ministry.
Before coming to Trinity by-the-Cove as the Director of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Linda was an elementary school teacher and Media Specialist for 28 years. Her love of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (and Trinity by-the-Cove) began in 1999 when Trinity hosted training for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Linda and her husband, Tom, have 3 children and love escaping to the beach for reading and relaxation whenever possible.
What excites you about Trinity-by-the-Cove?
Trinity by-the-Cove is very intentional about welcoming all people of all ages. When young families visit and see the atriums (rooms) for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, they are immediately attracted to our children’s formation program. Trinity by-the-Cove also plans their services around the formation hours so children may attend worship. Intergenerational events are held quarterly so there is a relationship of acceptance and support within all age groups, and young family socials are held each month to further build community and lifelong friendships.
“Let the little children come to me…” Matthew 19:13
What excites you about ministry?
From a very young age, I believe God has called me to work with children. I find my joy and peace through relationships with others, so am particularly grateful to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd which not only uses my gifts but also continues to bless me and the children as we fall in love with Jesus the Good Shepherd. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” John 10:16
Contact Trinity by the Cove
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239.262.6581
553 Galleon Drive, Naples, FL 34102
info@trinitybythecove.com
