Staff

My joy in being a 'weekend assistant' at St. Philip & St. James is rooted in the fact that I was born and raised in Phillipsburg. My faith journey began with my Baptism here in our parish church, and continued with my First Holy Communion and Confirmation, all the while being fostered through my grammar and high school education under the dedicated care of the Sisters of Mercy. Following my graduation from the former Phillipsburg Catholic High School, I entered the Franciscan community and began studies at Immaculate Conception College of Philosophy in Troy, New York, receiving my B.A. Degree in Philosophy & Theology, with a second major in Art. Following my novitiate year and the profession of my temporary vows with the Franciscan Order, I became a year round student for the next four years. I studied for my Masters of Divinity Degree at St. John's Seminary in the Boston Archdiocese during the fall and winter semesters, while working on my MFA at Boston University during the spring and summer semesters. I made my Solemn Profession of Vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience with the Franciscan Order in September of 1979, was ordained a deacon in January 1980, and in October of 1980 was ordained a priest.

Over my thirty eight years of priesthood I have served the Church and the Franciscan Order as an Associate Pastor, as a Pastoral Care Chaplain, and as Pastor for two parishes in New York City and Brooklyn. In May of 2016 I was re - elected by my brother Franciscans as the Vicar Provincial for our Province (a position which I held for twelve years once before) and presently reside and work at our Provincial Curia in the SoHo area of New York City. Since our Curia is not attached to one of our parish churches, it allows me the freedom to assist on weekends in Phillipsburg. At the invitation of Fr. John, I am more than grateful to "come home" each weekend to pray and celebrate with the community that is so dear to my heart.

Deacon Enock Berluche Sr. and his wife Ines have been parishioners at Saint Philip and St James since 1981. He was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on June 13 of 1998 by Bishop Vincent De Paul Breen. He received a Theology certificate in Diaconal Ministry and a Master of Arts degree in Theology from the college of St Elizabeth. He attended Brooklyn College and earned a Bachelor degree of Science in Chemistry at Long Island University. He is retired from ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company as a Senior Chemist after 30 years of service doing research in chemistry.

In the parish he serves as the spiritual director for the Legion of Mary, moderator for the charismatic prayer group and coordinator of the Eucharistic adoration and whatever else his Pastor calls him to do. He served as a representative of The Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) and the Society for the Propagation of the Faith (SPOF), as well as a member of the council on Mission Education. He is co-coordinator of African-American, Black and Caribbean Apostolate. He preaches Mission Appeal for Franciscans in Action and Source de Vie organizations for Haiti Missions. He gives spiritual direction and marriage counseling.

I have been a member of St Philip & St James since 1977. My wife Carol and I exchanged wedding vows here at SPSJ in April 1978. My education includes a Business Management Degree. I was ordained a Permanent Deacon by Bishop Paul Bootkoski, June 9, 2012 after attaining a Theology Certificate in Diaconal Ministry from St Elizabeth College. After 38 years of service, I have retired from Ingersoll Rand/Flowserve Corporation as Regional Pattern Storage Manager of the east coast. My parish activities include: coordinator of Baptismal Prep class, facilitator of RCIA formation, chairperson of the usher ministry, Eucharistic Adoration Adorer, Catholic Charities volunteer and present member, past deputy grand knight and past faithful navigator of the Knights of Columbus Warren 474.

Deacon Rob has a strong background in speech, special education, language, and reading. He holds New Jersey and Pennsylvania certificates for Teacher of the Handicapped, Elementary Education, Speech-Language Specialist, Reading Specialist, Supervisor and Principal. 

Deacon Rob has Masters Degrees in Literacy, Speech Pathology, and Theology. He has an earned doctorate in Literacy Education from Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania, and the Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 

During Deacon Rob’s 35 years in education, he has served as both a speech-language specialist, and a regular education Grade Four classroom teacher. He has extensive experience working with autistic and special needs populations and is certified in the Orton-Gillingham reading method.

Deacon Rob teaches both Confirmation Prep to the 8th graders in our CCD Program and potential converts in the RCIA.

He was ordained in May 2017 as a deacon in the Diocese of Metuchen, and serves at the English and Spanish Masses at St. Philip and St James Church under Fr. John Barbella. 

His interests include outdoor activities, traveling, entertaining reading, and art.