Image by MGN.

CLERMONT – A farewell luncheon was held for Rev. John and Dr. Cynthia Sosnowski at Abbie Holmes House here Sun., Jan. 29.

Many from the congregation of St. Mary’s by the Sea Episcopal Church, Stone Harbor attended the event as did Cape May County Freeholder Kristine Gabor .The Board of Chosen Freeholders recently recognized the local couple for their dedication and service to the community. Gabor presented a plaque the Sosnowskis on behalf of the board.

Since 1997, the Sosnowskis have worked to develop several important programs and services that help the less fortunate residents of the county.

Affectionately known as “Father John,” Sosnowski has been rector of Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church since 1997. He has worked tirelessly to develop spiritual programs within the church involving fellowship, worship and outreach.

Sosnowski served as volunteer chaplain to Cape Regional Medical Center until 2008. He was a founding trustee of the local Volunteers in Medicine clinic in Court House and served on its board from 2001-07. Additionally, he has been an active member of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens for Affordable Housing since 2009.

Sosnowski collaborated with St. Barnabas Church, Villas, in the development of The Branches, a community outreach center located in Rio Grande, in the rear plaza of Village Shoppes of Rio Grande, which offers health screenings, weekly lunches, holiday meals, and counseling support groups, among other activities.

The Sosnowskis were founding members of the Mustard Seed, an outreach arm of St. Mary’s that seeks to provide relief for the less fortunate county residents through projects such as the Heavenly Scavengers, St. Mary’s This and That Thrift Shop and the Furniture Annex. Those programs offer gently-used furniture, clothing and/or other resources to homeless families, group homes, victims of house fires and others.

To date, the Mustard Seed has infused over $250,000 into the community to support projects for affordable housing and other creative outreach initiatives.

Cynthia Sosnowski works as an Associate Dean of the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. She has brought many opportunities for learning to the Cape May County community through her partnership with other higher education institutions, corporate partners and community based organizations.

She has served on the Atlantic Cape Workforce Investment Board (WIB), the Cape May County Health Resources Review Board and the Cultural and Heritage Commission. Recently, she volunteered many hours as a disaster responder credentialed counselor at the Woodbine shelter during Hurricane Irene in August 2011.

In presenting the plaque, Gabor praised Father John and Dr. Cynthia Sosnowski as a “Super Couple” whose compassion, energy and professionalism is deeply appreciated and will be missed.”

Rev. Sosnowski has assumed the position as Canon to the Ordinary in service to Bishop George Councell of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey.