Father Carlo on the plaza during his first week at CTK.
Exciting things are happening at Christ the King, and one of them is the arrival of a new face—Father Carlo Santa Teresa, who joins us as our part-time parochial vicar. He’ll be assisting Father Jon as he takes on the role of Vicar General while also serving as Director of Catholic Identity at Camden Catholic High School—his alma mater!
I grew up just a couple of miles from here in Cherry Hill and I am thrilled to join the CTK community. I attended Saint Peter Celestine Catholic School (now Resurrection) and Camden Catholic High School, so returning to this area truly feels like coming home. I’m especially excited to spend more time with my mom and aunts, who still live in the house where I grew up. I’m looking forward to exploring Haddonfield while catching up with old friends.
The first spark of a vocation came when I was four years old, inspired by my childhood pastor, the late Monsignor James Tracy. The idea of priesthood never really left me, even when I tried to go in other directions. I first applied to seminary in high school, but I didn’t feel ready to make such a profound commitment. Still, God was persistent.
While studying at Camden County College, that desire kept tugging at me, and after some wrestling and a whole lot of prayer, I finally said “yes” to God’s Will. I was ordained in May 2021 by Bishop Emeritus Dennis Sullivan and spent the last four years joyfully serving as parochial vicar at Saint Joseph’s in Somers Point.
One thing I’ve learned is that God has a wonderful sense of humor. I once prayed never to be assigned to youth ministry, and while in Somers Point, I spent most of my time with the parish school, and now I’m serving in high school ministry! God’s surprises often come with a smile.
God has been so good to me and Christ the King Church, and I thank Him for the opportunity to serve you and to work with and for you. Let us keep each other in prayer as we continue to build the Kingdom of God here in Haddonfield and beyond!
Fr. Carlo Santa Teresa