The Rev. Matthew Paul Buccheri, Class of 2015, has been called as the XII Rector of the Church of St. Edward the Martyr, New York City. He has faithfully served the Church in multiple roles since 2016, most recently as Interim Rector. “His time of service has been full, not only of adventure, but also of renewal and reward,” the wardens and vestry said in their announcement. “He is a hard worker and good steward of the parish, bringing long-term security and sustainability to this historic institution. Above all he is a priest for East Harlem, speaking the language of the people and promoting a clear vision for renewing St. Edward’s as an epicenter of religious life in the neighborhood.”

Buccheri has already employed his unusual gifts to strengthen the parish where it needed to be built up. His leadership has brought financial health and good governance, new arts, immigration, language, and music ministries that directly engage the East Harlem population, the return of a professional choir, the launch of a multi-million-dollar capital improvement plan, new faces and young leaders, and clarity of purpose and doctrine. He inspires parishioners with affection for this place and new zeal for the advancement of the Kingdom of God in East Harlem.

Originally from Brooklyn, Buccheri graduated from New York University (double BA, 2000) and Westminster Theological Seminary (MDiv, 2004), before receiving his STM from General in 2015.  He is also an experienced church consultant, focusing on church planting, renewal, and revitalization. His daughter Hannah is an undergraduate at Binghamton University. He has a passion for preaching the saving work of Jesus Christ, and for exalting the Holy Sacrifice as the grand and central act of worship of the church.