Leadership
St. Paul’s is very lucky to have a wonderful group of supply priests and deacons to assist us in our worship
Our Lay Leaders
Our lay worship leaders play an important role in our Sunday services. When we have a clergy member present for Holy Eucharist, they provide support in leading the psalm, offering prayers, and serving at the altar for the Eucharist. When a clergy member isn't present, the worship leaders have the special role leading Morning Prayer, preaching a homily, and providing communion from previously reserved sacrament. All three lay worship leaders love their roles in leading worship here at St. Paul's. They hope to provide encouragement and hope to those that attend our services.
Meet St. Paul’s Vestry
The Episcopal Church has always recognized that laity have a right to participate actively in the church’s worship, and that the laity have a right to participate in the governance and decision-making of the church. The Vestry is the legal representative of the Parish in matters concerning its corporate property and the relation of the Parish to its Clergy. While the Priests and Chaplains take care of the spiritual aspects of the parish, the Vestry are annually elected parishioners who take care of the financial management of the parish. The Vestry meets together monthly, and their meetings are open for anyone in the parish to attend. Together, they count the money, pay the bills, sign the checks, and make sure that the fiscal side of the church is upholding the spiritual aspects of the church.
VESTRY 2025
Jo Ann Newton
Senior Warden
My most memorable experience is my first Christmas Eve service at St. Paul’s. The church was stunning—the lighting, the music, the sense of holiness. The entire Mass felt deeply anticipatory of our coming Savior. Sharing it with others created an overwhelming gratitude and peace. The San Damiano Cross in the sanctuary is a constant reminder of the Lord’s presence. Each time I enter the sanctuary, especially on high holy days, I feel enveloped in God’s grace and love.
Tony Ellis
Junior Warden
Vestry Clerk
My name is Ricardo Pulido. As I write this I am currently 68 years old. Next week on April 8 I will be 69, Yikes! I have been together with my partner Rafael Moreira since 1982, Yikes! I have been retired for 11 years.
When I first walked into St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Pomona, I could feel the love and prayers in the walls from generations of previous and current parishioners. I found home.
I have held many positions within the St Paul’s family, Senior Warden, Treasurer, Altar Guild, part time office manager. My favorite title has been Minister of Hoopla! That title was created by the Rector and Sr Warden at the time, in my honor.
I am honored to serve on the Vestry again. My hope is to add to the love and prayers I felt in these walls when I first walked in. And to help ensure the St Paul’s will be home to other seekers for generations to come.
Ricardo Pulido
Yvette Martinez
Venue Manager
Kelly Piatt
I joined St. Paul's in 2016, after leaving the church I had attended for 21 years looking for more inclusivity. I had been baptized into the Episcopal church as a baby, so I made the choice to go back to my roots and began looking at Episcopal churches. Walking through the door that first Sunday morning, I was met by the lovely Rev. Andrea Arsene Rev. Canon Mark Hallahan and made to feel so at home. Everyone made me feel so welcome, like family. I am excited to be able to serve St. Paul's.
Patricia Hernandez
Anne Henderson
Diana Burmudez
“My favorite memory has been the first day I went to mass at St. Paul’s and it was time for the Sign of Peace. Two members of the church approached me with not only saying “Peace be with you” but also saying, “Welcome home, you complete us”. They both then asked me what my name was and introduced themselves. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit at that moment with them and all those attending mass. I continued to offer and receive peace with just about every person in the church that day. Previous to walking into St. Paul’s that day I had been searching for a church and a place to strengthen my faith, but after attending mass for the first time there I felt the offering of not only peace, but love and belonging and knew this was my home, and the place I would continue on my journey of building my faith.
Pat Holt
My roots run deep at St. Paul’s. They begin in the early 1900s with my grandparents and continued with my parents. I was baptized in our Lady Chapel in 1946 and have been a member ever since. When I call St. Paul’s my home, I mean that quite literally. My memories are too many to choose from—holidays, friendships, sacraments—but the thread that binds them is the love of God that has always permeated this beautiful worship space. God has been with us in times of prosperity and remains with us now as we navigate new challenges.