Meet Our Spiritual Directors

Here's a little information about our wonderful spiritual directors:

Laura M. Arvin, OP
 
Laura M. Arvin, OP, a Dominican Sister of Amityville, New York, serves as Director of Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer and is a member of Spiritual Directors International.

In addition to spiritual and retreat direction ministry, Sister Laura worked over 16 years as a higher education administrator at St. John's University in New York.  She has a special interest in St. Catherine of Siena and the writings of the mystics.  She completed her spiritual direction training at Fordham University and retreat direction internship at Inisfada Jesuit Retreat Center in Manhasset, Long Island.  Sr. Laura has limited availability to accompany new directees at this time.

James Choma
 
Jim serves as the V.P. for Catholic Mission and Chief Development Officer at Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  Prior Saint Peter’s, Jim served as Morris Habitat for Humanity’s Development Director and in numerous pastoral assignments in the Archdiocese of Newark. 
 
In 1985, Jim was awarded a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry from Seton Hall University.  Jim also obtained a Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality and Certification in Spiritual Direction & Directed Retreats from Creighton University.

Susan Delaney-Choma
 
Susan Delaney-Choma has a dual BA degree in Theology and Education as well as an MA in Christian Spirituality. She earned her certification in Christian Spiritual Direction and Directing Retreats from Creighton University and is certified in Stress Management and Mindfulness. Susan welcomes individuals of all ages including high school age and of all religious backgrounds and spiritual paths including those who are spiritual but not religious.

Donna McCabe
 
As a Spiritual Director, I serve as your journey’s companion as you recognize God in the ordinary experiences and cultivate a more transforming prayer life through listening and talking to God as you would a treasured friend.  His invitation enlightens, surprises, and inspires, as you savor being known and held by God.
 
I received my Spiritual Director Certification from the Upper Room Spiritual Center in Neptune, NJ in 2016. I am a Sienna Institute-trained Spiritual Gifts Facilitator and continue to attend Professional Development workshops in family life, trauma, aging, mind/body spirit, and Spiritual practice.
 
As you encounter God, I offer guidance for discernment and suggestions for prayer—including contemplative, imaginative, and holistic prayer practices—so you notice God revealing more … joy, comfort, hope, love.  
 
A Mom and Grandmother, I am active in many retreat, service, and spiritual enrichment ministries. Available in person or virtually, I look forward to the privilege of being your trusted companion in Spiritual Direction for your Spiritual Journey.

Brigitte Pincelli
 
Brigitte J. Pincell, serves as a deacon at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, South River and Archdeacon of the Diocese of NJ. In 2008, she received her certificate as a Spiritual Director from The Upper Room Spiritual Center in Neptune, NJ. Brigitte has served in a variety of ministerial roles during her four decade affiliation with the House of Prayer.

As a former corporate trainer and retired educator, she has also created and facilitated retreats in addition to her spiritual direction and diaconal ministry. Most recently, as Archdeacon she focuses on the spiritual life and support of deacons in the diocese. Brigitte is a student of the Bible and is part of several group studies. She is drawn to expressions of prayer found in silence, nature, and music.

Ed Reitter
 
Ed is a Spiritual Director, Certified at Quellen in Mendham, NJ. He acts as a spiritual director at Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer and Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale, NJ. In addition, Ed has given many retreats and Days of Prayer over the last 30 years. Over the past ten years he has journeyed with several LGBTQ people.

Eileen P. Smith, RSM
 
Eileen P. Smith, RSM, a Sister of Mercy of the Americas, is a Spiritual Director at the House of Prayer and the former Director of the ministry, and is a member of Spiritual Directors International. She holds over 30 years of experience as a spiritual and retreat director. Sister Eileen has taught in secondary schools and ministered as a formation director for her religious community. She has also worked as a pastoral minister in a Hispanic parish in New Jersey as well as in Honduras, Central America where she ministered to children with HIV/AIDS. She was on the Board of Trustees of Mount Saint Mary Academy. She has a special concern for the empowerment of Hispanic immigrants and speaks Spanish.  Sr. Eileen has limited availability to accompany new directees at this time.

Deacon Tom was ordained in the Newark Archdiocese in May, 1992 and was certified as a Spiritual Director at the Upper Room in Neptune, NJ in 2012. He served for more than 20 years as a pastoral associate at Holy Trinity, Westfield and now serves on a part-time basis. 

He has two surviving daughters and six grandchildren. The loss of his daughter and wife have given him both personal, spiritual and pastoral insights into guiding others through the grieving process.

His 35 year career in environmental protection at the local, state and international level has given him broad experience in the differing values, cultures, religions and lifestyles of others. His life mantra is Faith/Family/Friends which has led him to a deep appreciation and gratitude for the breadth and depth of the spiritual journey.