Meet Our Priests

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Our Pastor, Fr. Stephen Piga, was born and raised in New Jersey along with his three sisters.  A Bergen County resident, Fr. Steve attended Saint Luke’s Grammar School in Hohokus and Saint Joseph regional High School in Montvale.  After graduation from Lafayette College, he served his country by being in the American Peace Corps for two years in the Sultanate of Oman.  After returning home, Fr. Steve earned an MSW degree and worked on an inpatient mental health unit.  He entered Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1996 (in Philadelphia) and was ordained in 2002.  He served as an associate priest in Saint Catherine/Saint Margaret Parish in Spring Lake, Saint Mary of the Lakes Parish in Medford and Saint Rose Parish in Freehold before becoming pastor here in 2012.
 frcarlos Father Carlos Castilla, a devoted clergyman originally from Colombia, embodies a deep commitment to his faith and community. Born into a large family with three brothers and three sisters, he pursued his studies in Philosophy at a seminary in Colombia. In 2005, he was invited by Most Reverend Bishop John Smith to join the Diocese of Trenton, marking the beginning of his journey in the United States. For six years, he diligently studied English and Theology at the Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, New Jersey.

Ordained in 2011, Father Carlos initially served at Saint Mary's Cathedral, where he worked closely with Hispanic parishioners, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth. In 2014, he transitioned to Saint Mary Mother of God in Middletown, further deepening his pastoral experience. Since 2018, he has been an integral part of Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish, where he is enthusiastic about building relationships within the congregation.

Recently appointed by Most Reverend Bishop David O’Connell as Chaplain of Monmouth University, Spiritual Director of the Spanish Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and Vicar of Saint Maximilian Parish in Toms River, Father Carlos continues to exemplify dedication and leadership within the Church, serving as a beacon of faith and guidance for his community.