The Rev. Maria B. Sanzo, who assumed her duties at Trinity in October, 2011, was officially installed by Bishop George Councell as rector at Trinity Episcopal Church on Jan. 14, 2012.

Rev. Sanzo was ordained 2010, shortly after receiving her Master in Divinity from The General Theological Seminary in New York City. Here is how she described her "long road to the priesthood" and her background on the website of St. Mary's By the Sea, her previous parish.

"I was ordained to the diaconate in 2000 after three years of studying to be a vocational deacon while serving my home parish Christ Church Toms River. Upon ordination I was sent to Trinity Church Asbury Park and served as the deacon there until Sept. 2002. My service in Asbury Park allowed me to expand my efforts and pastoral care to people living with HIV in Monmouth County. I also worked with the spring and summer School of the Arts program as a counselor to children.

"In April 2005 I was sent to St. Raphael The Archangel Church in Brick, and served as their deacon, first working more diligently with the AIDS Support Kinship (ASK), then coordinating the monthly distribution to the homeless people of our community living in tents in the woods. I also took a position with Ocean Medical Center working as the chaplain of the hospital. It was during my service to St. Raphael’s that I discerned a new call, and began the process for ordination to the priesthood in December of 2006.

"I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Immaculata University in May 1978 and my Master in Divinity from The General Theological Seminary in May 2010. I was ordained on June 19, 2010. I am grateful to God and all those who have guided me along this journey."