Clergy & Staff

Rev. Canon
Kirk Berlenbach

INTERIM RECTOR

A native of the Delaware Valley, Kirk has been serving the churches of our diocese for over 25 years.

As Canon for Growth and Support, Kirk helped churches look beyond who they have been to imagine who God is calling them to be and to become. Previously, he served as rector of St. Timothy’s, Roxborough and assistant at St Alban’s, Newtown Square. In addition to parish ministry, he was heavily involved in diocesan governance, General Convention, and community non-profits.

He holds a BA in Philosophy from Hamilton College, an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University. Prior to parish ministry, Kirk worked in behavioral health, and as a chaplain in both hospital and hospice settings.

He loves music, reading, cooking, gardening, travel, and studies and teaches Aikido in which he holds a third-degree black belt.

Kirk is happily married to Rebekah Sassi, who serves as Vice President for External Affairs at The Franklin Institute. They have three young adult children, four cats, and live in the Overbrook Farms section of the city.

Hayley Collins

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR

administrator@slatechurch.org

Hayley Elizabeth Collins (they/she) is a Philadelphia based artist, educator, and friend to all. They have been a member of the choir at St. Luke's since December of 2022, and joined the administrative staff in September of 2024. Previously, Hayley has worked primarily in music and arts administration in addition to working as a nanny, babysitter, and educator to kids ranging in age from birth to high school.

Outside of the office and classroom, Hayley enjoys a multifaceted career as a classical mezzo-soprano. They attended both Westminster Choir College and the University of Delaware. At both universities, Hayley combined their love for classical music with studies in German, Urban Education, and Literature to create a multidisciplinary focus. No matter the setting, they strive to act as a sounding board and create safe spaces for others while being a vulnerable human themself.

When not working, you can find Hayley reading a stack of books, writing quickly in a notebook, babysitting a flock of children, embarking on a new yarn project, or drinking a cup of coffee, sometimes all at once.