About St. John the Beloved · Wilmington, Delaware
St. John the Beloved is a Roman Catholic parish in suburban Wilmington, Delaware, serving more than 2,400 families in the growing suburbs between Wilmington and Newark. The parish community includes St. John the Beloved Catholic School (K–8), with more than 550 students, plus a children's faith formation program of roughly 100 families. Worship is centered on a robust weekly Mass schedule (five Masses on weekends, a daily morning Mass, Friday adoration, and Saturday confessions), complemented by RCIA/OCIA, sacramental preparation, Bible studies, parish outreach, and a council of the Knights of Columbus. The parish belongs to the Diocese of Wilmington and is led by a pastoral team of three priests, two deacons, and a school principal.
- Established
- 1955
- Patron
- Saint John the Beloved (St. John the Apostle and Evangelist)
- Rector
- Rev. Michael Christopher Vannicola
- Diocese
- Diocese of Wilmington
Why belong here
St. John the Beloved is a vibrant, multi-generational Catholic community of 2,400+ families that centers life on the sacraments: five Sunday Masses, a daily morning Mass, weekly Friday adoration, and Saturday confessions. Families can send children to a National Blue Ribbon parish school of 550+ students, enroll them in faith formation and sacramental prep, or join the OCIA process as adults. A dedicated Coordinator of Parish Outreach and active parish ministries provide concrete ways to serve, while Bible studies, a Director of Liturgy and Music, and a council of the Knights of Columbus round out the parish's life. It's a place that grows disciples through participation, service, prayer, and ongoing formation.
Mass times at St. John the Beloved
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 8:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Adoration times
- Friday 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM (Adoration and Devotions, after the 8 AM Mass)
Parish History
St. John the Beloved was established in 1955 by Bishop Edmund Fitzmaurice of the Diocese of Wilmington on a nine-acre farm on Milltown Road, serving 500 founding families who first gathered at the armory on Kirkwood Highway. Rev. John J. Sheehy led the parish as it built its hall, school, and convent by 1957, with the hall doubling as the church until 1976. The school opened its doors on September 4, 1957, with the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia and quickly grew from 500 to 940 students by 1963, prompting the construction of a new junior school in 1964. Through decades of expansions, accreditations, and pastoral transitions, the parish has grown into a community of 2,400+ families served by a K–8 school recognized as a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School.
- 1955: Parish founded under Bishop Edmund Fitzmaurice; Rev. John J. Sheehy appointed first pastor.
- 1957: Hall, school, and convent completed and dedicated; Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia arrive; school opens September 4.
- 1964: New junior school built to accommodate enrollment of 940 students.
- 1976: Permanent church replaces the parish hall.
- 1983–84: Major renovation and extension of both schools, joining them with a new library, reading centers, religious education center, and computer lab.
- 1989: School granted full Middle States accreditation.
- 2008–09: School reaccredited by Middle States Association.
- 2010: Separate building added for Early Childhood and Kindergarten programs.
- 2012: Rev. William Cocco installed as eighth pastor; offices moved to former convent.
- 2015: Rev. Joseph Piekarski begins his pastorate in time for the parish's 60th anniversary.
- 2016: St. John the Beloved School named a National Blue Ribbon School (top 15% nationally).
Who Was St. John the Beloved?
St. John was the youngest of the twelve apostles, the son of Zebedee and brother of James. A fisherman called by Jesus from the shores of the Sea of Galilee, John was privileged—along with Peter and James—to be present at the Transfiguration, the raising of the daughter of Jairus, and the agony in the Garden. He is uniquely identified in his own Gospel as 'the disciple whom Jesus loved.' At the Last Supper he reclined next to Jesus, and at Calvary he was the only apostle at the foot of the cross, where the dying Savior entrusted his Mother to John's care. After Pentecost, John lived first in Jerusalem and then at Ephesus; miraculously preserved from a cauldron of boiling oil under Emperor Domitian, he was exiled to Patmos, where he received the visions of Revelation. He died in peace at Ephesus in the year 100 AD. His Gospel—written last and at the request of the Elders—reached such spiritual heights that tradition assigned him the symbol of the eagle. He is the patron saint of authors, friendships, love, and loyalty; his feast is celebrated on December 27.
- Called a 'Son of Zebedee' and a fisherman from Bethsaida.
- Witnessed the Transfiguration, the raising of Jairus's daughter, and Gethsemane.
- Known as 'the disciple whom Jesus loved.'
- Only apostle present at the foot of the cross; entrusted with Mary's care.
- Exiled to Patmos under Domitian; author of the Gospel of John, three Epistles, and Revelation.
- Symbol: the eagle. Feast: December 27.
Mass and Worship Schedule
The parish offers a robust schedule of Masses in English, with multiple weekend celebrations to accommodate the parish's 2,400+ families. A daily morning Mass is celebrated Monday through Saturday at 8:00 AM, and confessions are heard each Saturday morning. Friday mornings feature a period of adoration and devotions following the 8:00 AM Mass.
- Saturday Vigil: 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 5:00 PM
- Daily Mass: Monday–Saturday at 8:00 AM
- Family Mass: third Sunday of each month at 9:30 AM
- Holy Days of Obligation: As listed in the bulletin
- Sacrament of Penance: Saturday 8:45 AM – 10:00 AM
- Adoration and Devotions: Fridays, 8:30–10:00 AM
Sacraments
St. John the Beloved celebrates all seven sacraments as 'visible signs of God's invisible grace.' Parishioners seeking Baptism, Marriage, or Anointing of the Sick are asked to call the Parish Office at (302) 999-0211. Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation is coordinated through the Office of Faith Formation, with diocesan requirements that a child complete at least one year of religious education before beginning sacramental preparation. Adults seeking baptism or confirmation are served through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), with separate contacts for minors and adults.
- Baptism — call (302) 999-0211 to schedule the Baptism Preparation Class.
- First Reconciliation and First Communion — Office of Faith Formation (302-994-7757).
- Confirmation — preparation begins in fall of 8th grade; sacrament celebrated in spring of 8th-grade year.
- Eucharist — multiple Sunday Masses plus a daily 8:00 AM Mass.
- Anointing of the Sick — contact the parish office to arrange.
- Marriage — complete the online Wedding Form at least one year in advance.
- Holy Orders — Vocations information available via the parish office.
- OCIA — for ages 8+ not yet baptized; ages 8–17 call Faith Formation, ages 18+ contact Deacon Oldiges through the parish office.
- Adult Confirmation — contact the Office of Faith Formation at 302-994-7757.
Faith Formation & Religious Education
St. John the Beloved's faith formation program serves about 100 families and is led by Coordinator Lara Ballintyn. Children in grades 1–8, including a Special Needs Program, gather weekly on Tuesday evenings from 6:15 to 7:30 PM, with additional biweekly Sunday-morning sessions from 9:15 to 11:15 AM for 1st–8th graders. The Office of Faith Formation coordinates sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation, and runs the OCIA process for unbaptized adults and older children, as well as adult Confirmation preparation. Bible studies round out the parish's ongoing-formation mission.
- Religious Education Program, 1st–8th Grade + Special Needs, Tuesday evenings 6:15–7:30 PM
- Sunday Mornings 1st–8th Grade, 9:15–11:15 AM, biweekly
- Sacramental Preparation (First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation)
- Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
- Bible Studies
- Office of Faith Formation: (302) 994-7757
St. John the Beloved Catholic School
The parish school enrolls more than 550 students in a K–8 program guided by Principal Mrs. Denise Leuci and Vice Principal Mrs. Alison Albert, with Mrs. Sue O'Hanlon as School Business Manager. The school's mission is to teach and model the Gospel of Jesus Christ, foster academic excellence, and encourage service to others. In 2016 the school was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School (top 15% of schools nationwide), and it has held Middle States accreditation since 1989. The campus includes the original 1957 buildings, the 1964 junior school, the 1984 addition (library/media center, religious education center, principal's offices, computer center), the 2010 Early Childhood/Kindergarten building, and a remodeled first floor from 2018. The Eagles Club after-school extended-day program has been operating since September 1998, and an active SJB Eagles Athletic Association supports parish-school sports.
- Mission: teach and model the Gospel of Jesus Christ, foster academic excellence, and encourage service.
- Principal: Mrs. Denise Leuci; Vice Principal: Mrs. Alison Albert; Business Manager: Mrs. Sue O'Hanlon.
- 2016 National Blue Ribbon School (top 15% nationally).
- Middle States accreditation (initial 1989; reaccreditations 1999, 2008–09).
- Eagles Club after-school program launched September 1998.
- Admissions line: (302) 998-5525 ext. 200; school site: www.sjbdel.org.
Our Staff
St. John the Beloved is served by a team of three priests, two deacons, school leadership, and parish staff. Pastoral leadership rests with Pastor Rev. Michael Christopher Vannicola, supported by Associate Pastors Rev. Dennis Stameza and Rev. Amruth Prattipati, and Deacons Mark Fontana and Steve Oldiges. Mrs. Danielle da Costa serves as Chief of Staff and Parish Business Manager, with Mrs. Melissa Costantino as Communications and Assistant to the Pastor. Liturgical and formation ministry is led by Dr. Lisa Papili-Carlsen (Director of Liturgy and Music) and Ms. Lara Ballintyn (Coordinator of Faith Formation). Outreach and safeguarding are staffed by Coordinator of Parish Outreach Mr. Jamie Moulthrop and Coordinator of Safe Environments Mrs. Marie Malatesta. Ms. Lesley Salinas serves as Parish Secretary and Mr. Kevin Duffy as Facilities Manager.
- Rev. Michael Christopher Vannicola — Pastor
- Rev. Dennis Stameza — Associate Pastor
- Rev. Amruth Prattipati — Associate Pastor
- Deacon Mark Fontana
- Deacon Steve Oldiges
- Mrs. Danielle da Costa — Chief of Staff/Parish Business Manager
- Mrs. Melissa Costantino — Communications & Asst. to the Pastor
- Dr. Lisa Papili-Carlsen — Director of Liturgy and Music
- Ms. Lara Ballintyn — Coordinator of Faith Formation
- Mrs. Denise Leuci — Principal, St. John the Beloved School
- Mrs. Alison Albert — Vice Principal, St. John the Beloved School
- Mrs. Sue O'Hanlon — School Business Manager
- Mr. Kevin Duffy — Facilities Manager
- Mrs. Marie Malatesta — Coordinator of Safe Environments
- Mr. Jamie Moulthrop — Coordinator of Parish Outreach
- Ms. Lesley Salinas — Parish Secretary
Outreach and Parish Life
Pastoral outreach at St. John the Beloved is coordinated by Mr. Jamie Moulthrop and animated by the parish's stated mission to grow disciples through service. The SJB Council of the Knights of Columbus is an active presence, hosting seasonal events such as Lenten Fish Fry Dinners (5:00–7:00 PM) tied to Stations of the Cross. Safe Environments programming, overseen by Mrs. Marie Malatesta, supports the Diocese of Wilmington's child-protection standards. The parish also offers a livestream ministry for those unable to attend in person.
- Coordinator of Parish Outreach: Mr. Jamie Moulthrop
- Knights of Columbus (SJB Council): sjbkofcde.org
- Lenten Fish Fry Dinners hosted by the Knights before Stations of the Cross
- Safe Environments program under Mrs. Marie Malatesta
- Livestream of the Saturday 5 PM Vigil Mass via YouTube
- Family Mass: third Sunday of the month at 9:30 AM
Visit, Contact, and Stay Connected
Parishioners and visitors are warmly welcomed at 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19808, in the suburban corridor between Wilmington and Newark. The Parish Office is open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with summer hours on Friday from 8:30 AM to noon. During inclement weather, the parish office follows the same closings as the parish school. The parish livestreams Mass on YouTube, posts bulletins and worship aids online, and maintains an active presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Address: 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington, DE 19808
- Phone: (302) 999-0211
- Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM; Friday (summer) 8:30 AM–12:00 PM
- Website: http://www.sjbde.org/
- Livestream: YouTube.com/c/StJohnTheBelovedParish
- Facebook: facebook.com/sjbde
- Twitter: twitter.com/SJBDEParish
- Instagram: instagram/SJBDEParish
- School site: sjbdel.org
- Diocese: Diocese of Wilmington
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. John J. Sheehy1955 (founding)
First pastor; oversaw construction of hall, school, and convent by 1957.
- Rev. Daniel Gerres
Fifth pastor; oversaw major renovation and extension of the junior and senior school buildings in the early 1980s.
- Rev. John Kavanaugh1987–
Sixth pastor; school granted full Middle States accreditation in 1989.
- Msgr. Charles Brown2005–
Seventh pastor, installed fall 2005.
- Rev. William Cocco2012–
Eighth pastor, installed June 2012; moved parish offices from rectory to former convent.
- Rev. Joseph Piekarski2015–
Ninth pastor, appointed in 2015 in time for the parish's 60th anniversary.