Meet the Staff

Mary Sue Callan-Farley, Director, mcallanfarley@spc.edu  
What I love most about Saint Peter’s is its people. Everyday is a learning experience. We laugh a lot in the office. I think Saint Peter’s College prepares its students in a way other campuses cannot, because it welcomes the world into the classroom and into a busy co-curricular life. People of many religious traditions and cultures comprise the community that gathers through Campus Ministry programs. In an era when we urgently need to understand each other to live cooperatively, our campus is a place of hope.

I received my bachelor’s degree from University of Notre Dame and my master’s from Maryknoll School of Theology. Before coming to Saint Peter’s I served campus ministries at an urban Newman Center at a large private university; a historic private women’s college; and a small Catholic college. I have been married for 22 years and have four children ages 9 through 19.

Doug Demeo, Assistant Director, ddemeo@spc.edu  
I am a huge sports nut, so plan on seeing me Saint  Peter’s athletic events. I played college hockey and baseball, bought a batting cage and pitching machine—and dreamed to go pro! When that didn’t work out I gave the Jesuits a try and studied to become a Priest for five years. Since leaving the Jesuits in 1997, I worked as an Assistant to Congressman Barney Frank, as an Investment Advisor (like a stockbroker) specializing in Socially Responsible Investing, Manager of Johnny Rockets Restaurant and as Overnight Outreach Counselor assisting homeless persons in Boston.

Now I’m back in college as a campus minister, and if you have any confusion or questions about your career path, we can talk—I’ve been there and it’s all good! I’m in my 2nd year doing retreat ministry and love being part of a winning team again. Retreats are powerful, liberating opportunities to experience God’s deeply personal and transforming love.

I received a B.A. Economics at Holy Cross, M.A. Teaching at Tufts U., and an M.A. Christianity and Culture at Gonzaga University. After undergraduate college I volunteered with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Kansas City, 1989-90. Then I taught Spanish at Weymouth Catholic High School in Massachusetts before entering the Jesuits.

Fr. Joseph Papaj, S.J., Campus Minister, jpapaj@spc.edu 
After years in secondary education administration, I come to Saint  Peter’s with renewed enthusiasm at the opportunity to serve students, faculty, and staff through pastoral activities. Though a stranger to Jersey City, I am no stranger to higher education, having served as Director of Campus Ministry at St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA. I received my Professional Diploma from Teacher’s College, Columbia University, my Master of Divinity from Woodstock College, and an M.A. in English from Fordham University.

As Campus Minister I devote my attention to working with students and staff to develop a meaningful worship and prayer experience in our liturgies and other celebrations. I also assist the faculty and staff to grow in their own Ignatian spirituality and to come to a better understanding of Saint  Peter’s Jesuit mission and understanding. 

Gail Guarini, Campus Ministry Coordinator, gguarini@spc.edu
As Coordinator of the Office of Campus Ministry my overall responsibility is to create a positive atmosphere and evaluate all needs and requests of other staff, students and administrators of Saint Peter's College and direct the person to the appropriate campus minister or office.   I have worked at Saint Peter's College for ten years.  

I have been married  27 years and have 4 children.  My husband is an alumni of Saint Peter's College. My  sons have all graduated from Saint Peter's Preparatory Jesuit High School in Jersey City and now attend Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia. My daughter, a graduate of Holy Family Academy, Bayonne, N.J.,  graduated from Saint Peter's College with her Undergraduate and Masters degree's.   "Educated by a Jesuit" is the motto in our family! 

Denise Strasser, Work Study
I am a member of the Class of 2009.  I am a double major, Sociology and Urban Studies and aspire to go on to graduate school to obtain my Masters Degree in Social Work.

I reside in Passaic, New Jersey the town I was born in. I attended Mary Help of Christians Academy, which is an all girl catholic college preparatory institution located in North Haledon, NJ.  I decided to attend SPC because it reminded me of my high school in all aspects; academics, school size, diversity and environment.  In my third year at the college I have encountered great professors and peers who will impact my life forever.  Campus Ministry has allowed me to encounter "strangers" who in no time have become friends.

I was elected treasurer of my EOF freshman Class year and as a mentor for incoming freshmen.  I am currently President of FOCUS (Female Organization of Campus Unity and Solidarity.  I am a member of the Sociology Club, LASO, AESNJ and a recent applicant to become a Peer Educator.  Community service is a very important factor at SPC and also in my personal life.  My chosen career is about helping others in the community.  I like to keep busy and participate in many events and activities, along with setting an example for new- coming students to get involved and make a difference because we should all be, "Men and Women for Others".

JoAnn Devany, Work Study
I am a sophomore at SPC majoring in Biology and, as of right now, I hope to pursue a career in Pediatric Physical Therapy upon graduation.

I am from Marion, Ohio, which is a small town, a little north of Columbus, Ohio.  I am the youngest of four children,  and the aunt of one nephew and two nieces.  I attended Marion Catholic High School and graduated in a class of seventeen students (yes, you did read that right - seventeen!)  I enjoyed being in a small class and at a Catholic school, and this played a big part in choosing the college I wanted to attend.  I chose St. Peter's because of its small class sizes, the very friendly atmosphere I experienced when I visited, because it is a good Catholic college, and because I will have the chance to learn about other religions and cultures through my experiences here.

Over the years I have been very involved with my home parish, whether it was through serving or lectoring at mass, or even participating in the Life Teen program.  Since I have had so many great experiences with Life Teen and other spiritual events, I decided to try and become involved with as many Campus Ministry activities as possible.  I think that one great way to do this is to work for Campus Ministry, and I am so excited to be able to help out in any way that I can!  Thanks for getting to know a little bit about me and until we meet, God Bless!

Mike Murcia, Work Study
I am a member of the class of 2012.   I have not declared a major, but  I am leaning towards a degree in accountancy.