Clergy
Rev. Reji Joseph, OSFS
Administrator
reji@ourladyoflight.com
Fr. Reji has dedicated his life to the priesthood since his ordination in 2004. His ministry has included roles as a seminary formator, educator, and Parochial Vicar of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. He brings a deep commitment to service, inspired by his favorite scripture and the teachings of St. Francis de Sales.
His message to us is simple: “Let’s work for the happiness of others.” In his free time, he enjoys stamp collecting, music, and quiet moments of prayer.
Deacons
Deacon Rip Riordan
ripperton@ourladyoflight.com
Deacon Rip received his Sacrament of Holy Orders and was Ordained September 1998. Bishop Dewane assigned him to Our Lady of Light in September 2021. He married his wife, Lillian Riordan on April 1980 and they have two Adult children and five grandchildren.
He has worked in full-time ministry since 2000 with three different assignments at the same time. Chancery/Parish/Police Department. He also has served as an interim parish life administrator while the parish did not have a pastor.
His motto for ministry comes from Sacred Scripture:
“The one who peaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves let it be with the strength God supplies, so that in all things, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter4:11
If you ever have any questions regarding Faith, Prayer or need a listening ear, feel free to contact him by email at ripperton@ourladyoflight.com
Deacon Dale Bacik
dale@ourladyoflight.com
Deacon assigned to Our Lady of Light Catholic Community in 2022.
Deacon Dale grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, married his best friend Jen in 1969, and was ordained a Deacon in the Cleveland Diocese in 1985. Deacon Dale and Jen are full time Florida residents. Their hobbies include traveling, boating, fishing, snow skiing and hiking the Colorado peaks. Most of all they enjoy spending time with their 5 children and 12 grandchildren.
Deacon Dale believes his role as a Deacon is to support and inspire those who are seeking to find God in the everyday events and situations of their personal lives.
When asked about his goals for the parish, Deacon Dale said, “It’s an awesome privilege to journey with others in faith as we all strive to live the Gospel message. Being joined together in community is where our faith life is nurtured. I’m encouraged to see this happening at our parish. And I enjoy the opportunity to participate in this process of helping to continue our faith life to grow.”
Deacon Chris Lincoln
chris.lincoln@ourladyoflight.com
Administration
Josh Rodriguez
Business Administrator
josh@ourladyoflight.com
239-267-7088 ext 224
Maria Culver
Media & Development Coordinator
maria@ourladyoflight.com
239-267-7088 ext 225
Maria has been working at Our Lady of Light since May 2024 and a member of the Parish since 1994. She is responsible for overseeing all digital communications, including managing the church’s website, parish emails, and streaming the Sunday Mass. She also handles the audiovisual systems, including the church’s TV setups, ensuring that all aspects of media run smoothly.
Outside of work, Maria enjoys crafting, and photography and is a passionate sports fan with a particular love for Football and auto racing. With a strong creative spirit, she is dedicated to helping the church connect with its community in meaningful ways and volunteering everytime she can.
Suzi Wiedinger
Administrative Assistant
suzi@ourladyoflight.com
239-267-7088 ext 222
Suzi has been working at Our Lady of Light since July 2018 and with the Diocese of Venice since July 2012. Her job entails preparing the weekly bulletin, keeping track of the facility calendar, weddings, bookkeeping and various needs.
She volunteers with Our Lady’s Rosary Making Group and enjoys doing DIY Projects, crafting, baking, reading, and traveling.
Nely Juarez
Receptionist
nely@ourladyoflight.com
239-267-7088 ext 221
Nely has been the receptionist at Our Lady of Light since September 2021. Her goal is to greet and welcome visitors and parishioners who need assistance and make them feel welcome in the environment. Her day is filled with answering phone calls, emails, and supporting everyone that she can help, and to be friendly to all.
On her free time she enjoys cooking, baking, and trying out new recipes, and traveling with her family and exploring new places.
Pastoral Ministries
Peg Carroll
Coordinator of Pastoral Ministries
peg@ourladyoflight.com
239-267-7088 ext 228
Peg has been involved in various ministries of the Catholic Church since the age of 13 and has worked for a Catholic Church since 1985, first in Savannah, Ga. and here at OLOL in Ft. Myers since 2001. It is her prayer that she brings the “Light of Christ” to all those she encounters in her ministry.
Diane Lehman
Music Director
diane@ourladyoflight.com
239-267-7088 ext 235
Diane has been our music director since 2021. Her goal to grow the music ministry to include everyone who loves to sing (or play) praise to God. She welcomes all vocalists, instrumentalists and musicians to join an ensemble.
Outside of work she enjoys – Drawing, Scrabble! Cryptograms, learning Spanish, hiking, and Listening to her husband sing while she plays the piano!
Religious Education
Lori Crawford
Director of Faith Formation
lori@ourladyoflight.com
239-267-7088 ext 242
Lori is our parish Director of Faith Formation. Shortly after earning a Masters in Religious Education from Loyola New Orleans in 2007, Lori began working for Our Lady of Light in Children’s Ministry. She now serves mostly Adults through Sacramental Preparation for Baptisms and Marriages, coordinating adult formation programs, and liaising with our Hispanic community.
Lori and her husband Dave Crawford have been married 18 years and have six children.
Debbie Vath
Coordinator of Faith Formation
debbie@ourladyoflight.com
239-267-7088 ext 245
Debbie has been Coordinator of Faith Formation since 2022. Her ongoing goal is to create an environment of hospitality where families feel welcomed and to receive peace and joy from being a part of our faith community. Additionally, I pray I can aid families to grow more deeply in love with Jesus and learn to journey through life with Him as their center of everything.
Outside of my love for anything CHURCH I also enjoy playing the piano, spending time with my family and travel.
Facilities Department
Ron Dam
Facility Manager
Ronald@ourladyoflight.com
239-267-7088 ext 230
Marco Salomon
Facility Assistant
marco@ourladyoflight.com
239-267-7088 ext 230