Leadership
"Almighty God, by your divine providence you have brought us into the sacred fellowship of this parish. Help us, we pray, to worship you with such holy worship, to serve you with such unselfish love, and to give so generously for the extension of your Kingdom, that we may become more worthy members of your holy Catholic Church; and that our parish may faithfully fulfill its mission to make known your truth and to convey your love to all; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen"
Parish Prayer c. January 1995
Jesus taught his disciples to go out and make disciples of men. We need to be in a continuous rhythm of selecting and growing leaders of the Church for today and for tomorrow. We are always seeking new ways to grow and through the circles of leadership in the Church we humbly discover our own capabilities, strengths and weaknesses. Volunteering to be a leader is daunting for some but afterwards many will say it is the most rewarding experience they ever had. There are many areas of Leadership at Calvary, many committees and sublevels, but the 'Vestry' remains, per the Canons of the Church, the base of volunteers required to function and assist the Clergy in Leadership. They are elected at the Annual Meeting (last Sunday in January) by the congregation and consent of the Rector.
Our Church is led by the Rector and Vestry. Together they form the Executive order of leadership but there are countless volunteers within all our Great Commissions who lead so faithfully in many capacities. Below are those we have been called, hired or elected to be our chosen executive leaders.
The 2026 Vestry
Johnny Ballard
Terry England
Julie Heinikca
Thom Knudsen
Karen LaCorte-Nies
Jennifer Landry
Bob Lima
Kevin Lockerbie
Patty Olsen
Debbie Pawlowski
Gary Spivack
Jolene Talty
Sr. Warden: Julie Heinicka
Jr. Warden: Gary Spivack
Treasurer: Karen LaCorte-Nies
Clerk: Lynne Roberts
Clergy
The Reverend Jon Roberts, Priest & Rector
"Father" Jon and his family joined Calvary on October 14th, 2013 as the fifth Rector in its history. He has served churches in Hillsborough, NC, Delafied, WI, Monroe, LA, Venice, Sarasota and Naples, FL. Prior to becoming a parish priest, he was a molecular biologist who worked in both academic and corporate industries at ECU & Duke University and MWG Biotech, Inc.. Working with young people, as a Youth Minister as a lay minister, leading youth and adults to projects in Missouri, North & South Carolina, Florida, Maine, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Canada, missional work deepened his love of being a servant of the Lord. As an ordained minister he built upon his experiences, deepening his pastoral efforts, specializing in age-related dementia and cancer, Fr. Jon is devoted to both Young and Senior life ministries. Liturgically he was trained at Nashotah House, an Anglo-catholic theological seminary in Wisconsin where he learned to practice the Benedictine rule of life. He graduated in 2007 and ever since, his training and experiences have served him well as a parish priest who is often called to do a wide range of duties for the operation of the church. We are blessed that he and his family accepted the call to join our Church family.
The Reverend Chad Olson, Deacon
colson@calvaryirb.org
"Deacon" Chad has been a member of Calvary for over two decades, serving in many capacities out of his love for the Lord. The spiritual gifts have been evident in his life, which led him in 2023 to a discernment towards ordained ministry. Deacon Chad's emphasis is to set a model of Christian duty to worship Jesus with all his heart, mind and soul, while living into his role as a visitor to those in need, outside the church. Taking with him the Blessed body & blood of Jesus that was consecrated by the Priest that Sunday, he goes to see parishioners in the hospitals, the rehabilitation centers, those homebound, and basically wherever the need may be. His role as Deacon, is to convey the healing nature of Christ in the world by the sharing of the mass and the laying on of hands. In addition, Deacon Chad has a career working as a Veterinary technician at a local Veterinarian clinic.
Staff
Mr. Gabriel Johnston, Organist & Choirmaster
Gabriel Johnston serves as Organist & Choirmaster at Calvary Episcopal Church, where he previously ministered from 2022–2025 and now returns for an interim period through Pentecost, with plans to resume again in July.
A gifted musician and scholar, Gabriel is currently completing doctoral work in biophysics at the University of Florida. His academic work is nearing completion, with several research papers presently under review for publication.
In addition to his scientific pursuits, Gabriel continues to cultivate a deep commitment to sacred music and the life of the Church. His recent work includes a contract position in Paris, France, supported by both university and French government grants—an experience that reflects both his academic excellence and international engagement.
Gabriel’s roots remain close to home, with his family residing in Seminole, Florida, and he values the opportunity to return regularly to the community that has shaped him.
During this interim season, Gabriel rejoins Calvary’s music ministry, offering his gifts in worship and choral leadership while he awaits the next stage of his academic and professional vocation.
Ms. Jackie Tatsak, Parish Assistant
Jackie joined us December 15, 2025 to become our Parish Assistant. She has extensive administrative experience working in Senior advocacy and memory care serving the greater Largo community. She brings marketing, financial and management experience including trade shows, compliance regulation and employee management. Jackie achieved a BBA degree in Management and International Business from Florida International University and a AS from Webber College in Business Management.
Ms. Karen LaCorte-Nies, Parish Treasurer
Karen joined our church in 2021 and became our Treasurer in 2024. She has enjoyed her role in holding us accountable to our fiduciary responsibilities and the active life of parish volunteer leadership. She has an illustrious business and sales background, working her previous career with Abbot Pharmaceuticals. Karen is involved not only with Stewardship, but is found in so many wonderful ministries including our liturgical offerings.
Mrs. Lynne Roberts, Parish Bookkeeper
Lynne joined our church in 2013 and became our Treasurer in 2024. Aside from being the wife of a priest, she has been instrumental in so many ways. She was a volunteer youth leader, heading Children's Chapel, joining Fr. Jon with the youth on several mission trips, looking after the nursery and serving on staff as a Youth Minister in 2019. She is currently the Vestry Clerk and Parish Bookkeeper, keeping the "minutes" of the Vestry and keeping up with all accounting under the supervision of the Treasurer.
Mr. Greg Olsen, Parish Sexton
Greg joined our church in 2019 and became our Sexton for Grounds & Outside Maintenance in 2022. He is perhaps one of our best ambassadors of evangelism, as many people who pass by, see him sweating it out, on his knees, what looks like a person in deep prayer. He will attest that even pulling the weeds requires this type of prayer! He has been a joy to see working around the church even in the hottest days of summer, cleaning, raking, mowing and so much more.