Father David Wyly
Rector
Fr. David was called to serve St. Stephen’s in July 2021 and he began his ministry in Sept. of the same year. He currently serves on the diocesan level as a member of the Board of Managers of the diocesan retreat center, Trinity Center, in Pine Knoll Shores, NC. He also passionately serves the women and men of the Goldsboro Police Department as their Volunteer Chaplain.
Fr. David began his ordained ministry at St. John Divine Episcopal Church in Sun City Center, FL in July 2019 after graduating from Virginia Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. He served as the Assistant Rector and Youth and Family Minister. His primary responsibilities included; developing and supervising the Youth Christian Education and Formation programs (Sunday School, Confirmation Classes, Youth Group, Parenting Group etc.) and implementing, training and compliance concerning Church policies.
During his tenure in Southwest Florida he was involved outside the parish in several roles. He served as a member of the Diocesan Youth Leadership Team (YLT) and participated in Diocesan Summer Camp Programs, and youth retreat weekends. He also served as a volunteer Chaplain for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office providing spiritual care and support to sworn and non-sworn employees of the agency.
A native Floridian, Fr. David grew up in the Diocese of Southwest Florida. He was baptized at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Palmetto, FL. He participated as an acolyte, youth chorister, and Boy Scout at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Valrico, FL. After receiving an undergraduate degree from Troy State University in Troy, AL he returned to Southwest Florida and obtained his first master’s degree from the University of South Florida. His first career was as a Certified Athletic Trainer working mainly in outpatient physical therapy clinics. Notably, he spent three seasons as a Certified Athletic Trainer in the New York Yankees minor league system. His second career, in Orthopedic Sales, led him into the Operating Room as the technical expert for the total hip, total knee, total shoulder, and orthopedic trauma implants he represented for two different major manufacturers.
It was in the Operating Room that Fr. David met the love of his life, his wife, Nadine. They have six children Ethan, James, Samantha, Reagan, and twins, Jackson and Jillian.
Patrick Ritsch
Organist/Choirmaster
Patrick is an experienced pianist, organist, and singer with a demonstrated history of working in education. He obtained his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) focused in Music from University of Evansville in 2010 and his Masters in Music – Choral Conducting from East Carolina University in 2022. He is also a Graduate Assistant at East Carolina University.
Patrick was previously the Director of Vocal Music at Evansville Central High School in Evansville, Indiana, where he led a comprehensive choral program, was music director for school musicals, and taught class piano. He also was Organist at First Presbyterian Church in Owensboro, Kentucky and Neu Chapel Organist at University of Evansville in Indiana. He also was Staff Collaborative Pianist at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Vicky Bailey
Parish Office Administrative Assistant
Vicky Bailey has served as Administrative Assistant for St. Stephen’s since 2019. She handles various responsibilities that include recordkeeping, light bookkeeping, communications, and office management. Vicky is from Wilson, NC but has lived in Goldsboro since 1999. She is a graduate from East Carolina University with a degree in Special Education. Prior to her retirement, she worked 42 years in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Working part time at St. Stephen’s brings a great deal of satisfaction to her and when not working, she enjoys spending time with family/friends, gardening/yardwork, and helping others.
Jane Cunningham
Communications Coordinator
Jane Cunningham is the Communications Coordinator at St. Stephen’s and works remotely from Greensboro. She began her career as a copy writer for the Boat Owners Association and then began doing page layout and graphic design projects for a variety of churches, schools and non-profits including Tulane University, the University of New Orleans, the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina and several churches and schools in North Carolina. She enjoys spending time with her four adult children and her cats and dogs, as well as hiking, tennis, and pickleball.
Alfie Barnes
Parish Sexton
Alfie has served as the Sexton at St. Stephen’s since 2021. His duties include light maintenance, setting up and breaking down events, and cleaning. He often welcomes and helps groups who are using the facilities. He has a deep empathy for others and is always willing to lend a helping hand.
He has one young son who currently lives in the Phillipines.