About Us
Priests
Rev. Jiobani Batista, Pastor
Born in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, in 1962, he pursued studies in philosophy at the Pontifical Seminary of Santo Tomás de Aquino in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and theology at the Center for Dominican Studies of the Caribbean in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. He was ordained a priest on June 5, 1993.
Throughout his priestly ministry, he has served in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, and he has been incardinated in the Diocese of Venice, Florida, since 2005. In 2002, he earned a Master’s degree in Family and Couples Therapy from Carlos Albizu University in Miami.
In April 2004, he began his ministry in the Diocese of Venice, receiving his first assignment at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish in LaBelle. In August 2008, he was appointed as a vicar at St. Jude in Sarasota, and in January 2011, he became the pastor at St. Margaret in Clewiston. He has also served as pastor at Our Lady Queen of Heaven and is currently the pastor at St. Jude in Sarasota.
He was the diocesan spiritual director for the Emmaus retreats in the Diocese of Venice. His first attendance at the ANSH convention was in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 2005. He has served as the communications director for the association since 2009, as secretary from 2015 to 2017 and from 2021 to 2023, and he has held the position of president since November 2023.
Rev. Christian Chami, Parochial Vicar
Rev. Juan Daniel Petrino, Parochial Vicar
Deacons
Humberto Alvia
Deacon Humberto was born in Ecuador and later relocated to the Bronx, NY where he attended High School and College.
He served with the U.S. Marine Corps for 3 years and worked in construction while in New York.
Deacon Humberto and his wife Pia have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.
Ordained in 1998 in Brooklyn, NY, he later served at St. Martha’s in Sarasota and has been at St. Jude Church since 2006.
Leonardo Pastore
Born in Domodossola, Italy and raised in Long Island, NY.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and a Master’s degree from Barry university.
Deacon Leonardo and his wife Blanca have been married since 1987.
He was ordained on June 4, 2011 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice and has served at St. Jude Church since 2006.
Sam Pellerito
Music Directors
Fernando Rivera
Fernando L. Rivera was born in Puerto Rico and moved with his family to Sarasota in 1990.
Upon meeting Fr. Celestino at St. Martha’s Church, he offered to help as organist for the Spanish masses.
When St. Jude Church was founded, he continued his volunteer service as the first Music Director for the Spanish masses.
Fernando is married to Ivelisse and they have two children.
Office
Office Hours/Horas de Oficina: Mon-Fri/Lunes-Viernes 9 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Janet Figueredo - Accountant
Migdalia de Long - Office Assistant
Suria Reyes - Office Assistant
José A. Benítez - Religious Education Coordinator