The Reverend Carmen J. Viola, Deacon

I was welcomed into this world on September 18, 1960. I grew up in South Philadelphia. I have a younger sister and we both attended Catholic schools. God’s presence was a constant in my life while growing up. Every week I would walk to church. My parents were also a strong influence in exemplifying Christ’s love through their service to others; constantly giving and reaching out to “strays” (animals and people). Strangers would often become part of our family while I was growing up. God and my parents were a constant source of love and support for me during my formative years.

I attended college at Temple University during which time I worked at the local community center. I received a degree in psychology along with a business minor. Immediately after graduation, I was given a position running a private day care facility. I later became a retail store manager at Toys R Us to further my career in a leadership position. After the birth of my firstborn son, I decided to get a “normal” 9 to 5 job. I started my career in the Federal Government in 1989. While with the government I received a certification in Quality Management at George Washington University. I later attained my master’s degree in Marketing at St Joseph’s. Today I am the Chief of the Defense Logistics Agency’s Troop Support Industrial Base Program Office; responsible for ensuring availability of warfighter mission critical items such as Combat Protective Gear, Combat Rations, Military Unique supplies, and critical Medical Materiel for the Dept of Defense. During my tenure, I have received numerous awards in recognition of programs created which support national contingencies and emergencies worldwide. My job has also afforded me the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the US and abroad, allowing me to gain valuable life experiences along the way.

I have three sons: Greg (age 24), and Chris (age 18), and Alexander (age 2). I am extremely proud of my sons as they all have accomplished much in their short times here. I am married to a beautiful soul, DeSha, who was instrumental in introducing me to the Episcopal faith. She herself is a cradle Episcopalian and served as the Junior Warden at the Church of the Atonement in Laurel Springs. Professionally, she is a very successful regional manger for a large gourmet food importer – we eat very well!

I serve as the Deacon here at St. Stephen’s, serving all God’s children. Currently, my ministries include: Adult Christian Formation (God Talk), taking communion to the sick and homebound; conducting prayer services to elderly shut-ins in South Jersey; tending to the dying as a Samaritan Hospice volunteer; I am also our Diocesan Emergency Planning and Response Coordinator supporting disaster relief in NJ in conjunction with Episcopal Relief and Development, and I also serve on the Diocesan’s Board of Missions. I find great joy and count myself truly blessed to be a part of this parish family!

Sincerely,
Your faithful servant,
The Reverend Carmen J. Viola, Deacon