LEADERSHIP
Founding Bishop Visitor: Rt. Rev. Derek LS Jones
The Right Reverend Derek LS Jones is Bishop of the Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy (JAFC). Bishop Jones established the Deanery for the Chaplaincy in the fall of 2007, under the authority of Bishop Martyn Minns and the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). In 2012, the Deanery became a diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). In 2014, the JAFC became a full ministry partner with the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) and now participates fully in the life and ministry of the ACNA, while maintaining a canonical relationship with the Church of Nigeria.
Bishop Jones has a unique background. As a 27-year combat veteran fighter pilot, he completed his military career with the Air Force Reserve while simultaneously church planting (Liberia, Canada, US) when he was a priest and Canon to the Ordinary. His military awards are numerous including the Air Medal for combat operations in the Gulf, the Meritorious Service Medal with 4 Oak Leaf clusters, and numerous "Top Gun" awards in both the F-111 and F-16 fighter aircraft . He retired as a senior officer in 2009, last serving as the Reserve Advisor to the Commander and Director of Staff with the Air Force Doctrine Center.
Abbess: To Be Announced
The Sisters of Hope will be voting for their new abbess on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple and The Feast of the Tertiary Dominican St. Catherine de Ricci. Once the abbess is chosen by her sisters, she will be functioning as abbess elect starting on the Feast of St. Cathrine of Siena on April 29, 2022 and installed at the 2022 Jurisdiction of Armed Forces and Chaplaincy Convocation.
Prioress: To Be Announced
The Sisters of Hope new abbess will be selecting a new prioress on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple and The Feast of the Tertiary Dominican St. Catherine de Ricci. Once the prioress is chosen by her abbess, she will be functioning as prioress elect starting on the Feast of St. Cathrine of Siena on April 29, 2022 and installed at the 2022 Jurisdiction of Armed Forces and Chaplaincy Convocation.
Head Chaplain: Rev. Jeff Hoffman, PA-C
After serving over 22 years in the Air Force as a Physician Assistant, Fr. Jeff returned to his home state of New York. He found himself being called to the ministry of presbyter and made his way to the University of the South School of Theology where he earned his Master of Divinity degree and was ordained Priest. In 2010 he would find himself drawn to the Convocation of Anglicans in North America under the Right Rev’d Martin Minns and the Right Rev’d David Bena. He would go on to plant an Anglican church in his home town of Elmira, NY and is currently the rector of Holy Cross Anglican Mission in Elmira and is proud to serve as the Chaplain for the Sisters of Hope.
Fr. Jeff is married to Margi and have a combined family of 8 children and 10 grandchildren. The Hoffman’s passion for children led them into Foster Care after their biological children were grown. They would go on to care for many medically fragile infants and even ended up adopting their youngest son. They have remained Nana and Papa to 6 other children they cared for as well. Fr. Jeff continues to work as a Physician Assistant as well as his priestly duties caring for people in mind, body, and spirit.
Assistant Chaplain: Rev. Joseph "Fr. Joe" Calandra, Jr.
Fr. Joe is an Air Force veteran and a graduate of Nashotah House Theological Seminary. He has a background in logistics, public affairs and journalism from his military experience and academic training prior to seminary. He has a BA in religious studies, MA in American Government (concentration in homeland security and counter terrorism), and a master of pastoral ministry. He's a board certified chaplain (BCC) dual credentialed by the Spiritual Care Association and the Association of Certified Christian Chaplains.
His primary cure of souls is his service as chaplaincy director for a senior services network based out of Elk River, MN. The company is a Christian eldercare health and housing provider. As chaplaincy director, he oversees the spiritual care of 3,000 residents each year in addition to their families and over 500 staff at 11 facilities in their health system. Additionally, he serves as the spiritual director for a veterans foundation based out of Dayton, MN. He and his wife, Jackie, have been married for almost 10 years and have four wonderful children. Additionally, Fr. Joe is one of four priests at Redeemer Anglican Church in St. Paul, MN.