Pastor: Rev. David Swantek. He is better known as Father Dave and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Trenton in 2008 after completing his studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. He graduated Summa Cum Laude and won awards for excellence in Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, and Preaching. Fr. Dave is an Appalachian trail hiker, amateur guitar luthier (and player), and an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. Fr. Dave previously served as Chaplain at Princeton University, Parochial Vicar at St. Mary’s in Middletown, and over 10 years as a summer supply priest in Skagway Alaska. Little known fact: Fr. Dave once said mass for the Catholic players and coaches on the Vikings and took the field with the team as their game chaplain when they played the Jets October 11, 2010.
Deacon: John E. Barrett was ordained a deacon in 2020. John attributes his desire to become a deacon to the many deacons, including those at St Martha’s, who have played an important role in his life. John also wanted to help Father Dave by serving our parish in a more meaningful way. Throughout the years, John has served our community as a lector, and extraordinary minister of the eucharist, as our baptismal preparation leader and with marriage preparation. John is married to his wife, Sherri, and they have 3 daughters, Megan, Bonnie and Kaitlyn.
Director of Religious Ed: Georgina Kotz has been married to Deacon Ted Kotz for over 20 years. She received her Advanced Catechetical Diploma and Master’s Degree in Religious Studies from the Notre Dame Apostolic Catechetical institute in Arlington, VA, and has worked in religious education for many years. Before moving to Point Pleasant, she was the DRE at St. John the Baptist Parish in Hillsdale, NJ. Georgina is a fan of Jane Austen, St. Teresa of Avila, the Chicago Cubs, and her eleven grandchildren. Little known fact: She loves to crochet with yarn and thread and has made way too many doilies.
Coordinator of Youth Ministry: Bob Morris grew up in Point Pleasant and has been a St. Martha’s parishioner since high school. He has served St. Martha’s in many ministries through the years, including being a Eucharistic minister, teaching Religious Education, serving on the PreCana team, and participating in the Knights of Columbus. Bob attended Pt. Pleasant Boro public schools, the University of Dayton, and has a bachelor’s degree from NJIT. He is now taking classes to become certified in Youth Ministry. Bob and his wife Paddy have been married for 14 years and have an 11-year-old daughter Bridget.
Deacon: Francis Groff. In 1974, Francis Groff was one St. Martha’s first parishioners. The new St. Martha’s was Fran’s third parish, while he lived in the same house and parish boundaries moved. In 1992, Fran became a deacon. He attributes taking that step to his parents’ respect for the Lord and love of their faith. Fran also credits his wife’s influence. The couple have ten children, eight of whom graduated from college. Thanks to a son who is a United Airlines pilot, Fran and his wife travel stand-by to see their other nine children, 39 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Rest in Peace – Helping us from Heaven