“The Call to Stewardship” is a periodic series profiling individuals and families throughout the Diocese of Camden who have shown an inspiring response to the call to Christian stewardship highlighted in 1 Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
Newly-ordained to the permanent diaconate, Charlie Schiapelli dedicates most of his free time to service and prayer. During his discernment and formation in the journey of becoming a deacon , he was a fixture at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish, Vineland, where he attended daily Mass, served as Eucharistic minister to the homebound, assisted with bereavement ministries, volunteered at Saint Vincent de Paul, and coordinated Flocknotes, a method of communicating with parishioners.
“In terms of stewardship, Charlie was an example. He was always looking out to see what would help the parish. His work implementing Flocknotes, prior to the pandemic, was providential,” said Msgr. John Burton, pastor of Christ the Good Shepherd Parish .
This wasn’t always the case. For the first half of his married life, Deacon Schiapelli, who served 25 years on the Vineland Police Department before becoming director of security for Inspira Health Network, would attend church if he felt he had time. Though he was Christian, Deacon Schiapelli didn’t have a strong upbringing in faith. He said that his wife, Donna, whom he married in 1980, was always a good example in that regard. She attended Mass every Sunday with their children and made sure they received a Catholic education at Sacred Heart Elementary School.
“One day, about 18 years ago, I said to Donna that I wanted to go to Mass with her. While there, I felt an overwhelming feeling of peace. Since then, I’ve never missed a Sunday,” said Deacon Schiapelli.
Deacon Schiapelli attended Mass for 10 years as a non-Catholic. Then, he felt compelled to receive the Eucharist. He enrolled in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) to begin the process of becoming Catholic.
“I enjoyed learning about the faith and learned so much from Deacon Rich Sampson and Sister Katherine Kane. It meant so much to receive the sacraments, including first holy Communion at the Easter Vigil,” said Deacon Schiapelli.
Not long after that Deacon Schiapelli found that going to church once a week wasn’t enough for him. He began attending daily. He observed and admired the involvement of the parish volunteers, the ushers and Eucharistic ministers, who he thought of as true stewards giving selflessly of their time.
“I was inspired and later mentored by Bill DeLiberis and Bob Andreacchio, who were deacons. I got more involved and began coordinating the parish’s RCIA program, became a lector and a Eucharistic minister. I started feeling that I was called to the diaconate,” said Deacon Schiapelli.
“My interest must have been apparent because soon after, Deacon Rich Sampson asked me if I had considered becoming a deacon. I said yes.”
Then Deacon Leo McBlain invited Deacon Schiapelli and Donna to an information session.”
With Donna’s encouragement, Deacon Schiapelli committed to begin the five-year deacon formation program under the direction of Deacon Michael Carter.
“Deacon formation is very similar to studying at the seminary. It’s a huge commitment which benefits from the support of the candidate’s family,” said Msgr. Burton. “Charlie definitely had that with Donna who shares a spiritual bond with him.”
During his studies, Deacon Schiapelli attended class two nights per week and one Saturday per month. In addition, his involvement with parish ministries increased.
“Throughout the whole process, both Msgr. Burton, and parochial vicar, Father Ed Kolla, made such an impact and were great mentors for me,” said Deacon Schiapelli.
Upon hearing of Deacon Schiapelli’s appreciation of his help, Msgr. Burton said, “I would have been remiss if I didn’t support Charlie. It’s just what I’m supposed to do. It was very clear to me that he was called. There were many days I would come in the morning and he would already be in church preparing for Mass. He is a treasure. He has a special way of relating to others, especially in his homilies. We were very blessed to have Charlie here during his formation.”
Deacon Schiapelli’s formation ended when he and 11 other deacons were ordained on Oct. 24, 2020. About a month later, he received his assignment to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Newfield.
“I was very fortunate to be part of a great home parish for many years and I’m equally fortunate to be assigned to another great parish,” said Deacon Schiapelli, “My new pastor, Father Ariel Hernandez, has made me feel very welcome as has everyone I’ve met. It’s been a wonderful experience, meeting new people and reestablishing friendships with parishioners whom I have known in the past.”
Many expect that Deacon Schiapelli’s positive outlook, broad experience through his career in law enforcement, and willingness to serve as a faithful steward will assist not only Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, but also the Diocese of Camden as a whole for years to come.
The mission of the Office of Stewardship is to help the disciples of Christ who live in the Diocese of Camden to live out Christian charity in a sacrificial way that “we might understand the grace that comes from giving back from our blessings so that in all things God may be glorified.” For more information, contact Deacon Russell Davis at 856-583-6102.
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