Bill and Abigail Walsh (left) pictured with Susanna Steigerwald and Matthew Orap at the 2024 Celebration of Marriage
I met Susanna Steigerwald while working at a previous parish and have had the immense joy and privilege of serving alongside her for the past five years. She has a special touch on the organ and a musicality that is evident in the years she has spent honing her craft. Her virtuosic preludes and sensitive accompaniment never fail to move me; she has a way of conveying the text and emotion of hymns through her playing.
Susanna’s husband, Matthew Orap, has served at CTK for the last year and a half. “Soon after Matthew and Susanna arrived at Christ the King, Matthew offered to serve as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. Since then, he has served frequently, facilitating this most profound moment for communicants with faithfulness, precision, and joy,” shares Bob Tulini.
This spring, Matthew was matched for a medical residency in Texas—bittersweet news for CTK but a joyful return home for the couple. Aside from the people of CTK, they’ll miss New Jersey’s distinct seasons, especially the colorful fall leaves, and Italian food, namely cannoli, as well as Let It Be Cold Brew from Jersey Java. In Texas, they look forward to shopping at H-E-B grocery and enjoying fresh tortillas for breakfast tacos. A favorite CTK memory for Susanna was” joining members of the CTK choir for a pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. The incredible art, architecture, and music in the space truly uplift the soul to a divine level. I enjoyed every moment of playing an organ console that controlled multiple pipe organs, creating a deeply immersive sound. It was an honor to share this experience with CTK!”
In parting, Susanna and Matthew share these words, “Our time at CTK has been such a blessing. A special thank you to Fr. Jon, Abigail Walsh, Bob Tulini, and the rest of the incredible staff for creating not only an amazing work environment but also a vibrant, reverent place to worship and serve. Although we are moving to Austin, we remain united through the Body of Christ. We will pray for God’s continued blessings to our NJ family, and we ask that you keep us in your prayers as we transition to our next chapter.”
Abigail Walsh is the Director of Liturgy and Music