The Rev. Mary Ellen Cassini joined St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton on June 1 as the assistant to the rector, the Rev. Andrew J. Sherman.
Known as “Mother Mary Ellen” by her congregants, Cassini had been serving as the associate rector at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Boynton Beach since August 2024.
A native South Floridian, Cassini is the product of South Florida schools. She attended Miami-Dade public schools before getting her bachelor’s and master’s degrees (in history and English lit) from Barry University in Miami Shores. She taught school for 20 years before she began her theological studies in earnest.
Cassini completed a year of Anglican studies at Virginia Theological Seminary in 2005 and focused on furthering her education and expanding her vocational journey, which earned her leadership roles at the elite Saint Andrew’s School, St. Christopher’s-by-the-Sea Montessori School and Palmer Trinity School.
She was ordained a deacon in 2006 and then a priest in 2008 in the Diocese of Southeast Florida. In 2010 she earned her doctor of ministry degree in practical theology from Barry University. Cassini also served in the parish ministry at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church from 2011 to 2013.
Father Andrew called Cassini, whom he has known for 20 years, “a gifted priest” and praised her “extensive ministry working with children in education.”
“She brings such a rich array of experiences to this work,” he said.
Cassini is married to Charley Cassini, a retired philosophy professor. They have two grown sons and a cocker spaniel named Simba.
St. Gregory’s is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton.
Bryan Wexler, wife Rebecca and their children, (l-r) Meyer, Gavi and Eliana. Photo provided
Bryan Wexler appointed as senior rabbi at B’nai Torah
On July 1, B’nai Torah Congregation announced the appointment of Rabbi Bryan Wexler as its new senior rabbi. Rabbi Wexler assumes the role following the retirement of longtime spiritual leader Rabbi David Steinhardt on June 30.
Wexler earned a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University and master’s degree in Jewish education from the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education. He was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2017. Prior to joining B’nai Torah, Wexler served for nine years as associate rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
“This is a congregation that values learning, embraces tradition and genuinely cares for one another,” Wexler said. I look forward to building relationships, celebrating life’s meaningful moments together, and helping create a vibrant Jewish future for generations to come.”
B’nai Torah Congregation is at 6261 SW 18th St., Boca Raton. Learn more at btcboca.org.
’Lunch and Learn’ at Temple Beth El campus
The “Lunch & Learn” series continues at the Schaefer Family Campus of Temple Beth El with “The Poetry, Prayer and Music of the Days of Awe,” at noon on Tuesdays, Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25, at 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. Hear and discuss some of Judaism’s most beautiful and powerful prayers, poems and melodies that are part of the High Holy Days.
Each week, a rabbi or cantor explores a different sacred text or musical piece. The program is available in person and online via Zoom. Get the link at tbeboca.org/event/lunch-learn-the-poetry-prayer-and-music-of-the-days-of-awe/2026-08-04/.
St. Gregory’s hosts ’Piano and Poetry’ in sanctuary
Join Tim Brumfield, director of the music ministry at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, for “Piano & Poetry” at 6 p.m. Aug. 6 in the sanctuary at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton.
This program combines Brumfield’s skill on the Steinway with the world’s best poetry by greats like Frost, Shakespeare and Angelou.
This celebration has a suggested donation of $25. RSVP by email at office@st-gregorys.com or 561-395-8285.
Men’s Ministry gathers to discuss faith, serving
First United Methodist Church, 625 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, is hosting a coffee-and-doughnuts fellowship for men at 9 a.m. on the second Saturday of the month for faith-centered discussions, a bit of humor, and information on opportunities to serve. The next meeting is Aug. 8.
Contact Stan Belyeu at 919-624-1544 or sbelyeugt@gmail.com.
St. Gregory’s members invited to vestry meetings
Vestry meetings at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, are open to all members.
Elected church leaders meet to discuss church business, letting members see how the church is run and giving them a chance to share ideas during an open forum. The next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 17 in the Harris Hall Conference Room. You can also participate via Zoom. Call 561-395-8285 or go to stgregorysepiscopal.org.
Temple Beth El offering volunteer opportunities
Temple Beth El’s Membership & Engagement Committee will hold a kickoff meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Schaefer Family Campus, 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. If you’re looking for a way to get involved, the committee offers volunteer and leadership opportunities benefiting the temple community.
Contact Elinor Josephson, director of engagement and programming, at ejosephson@tbeboca.org or 561-314-2833, or register online at tbeboca.shulcloud.com/event/membership-engagement-committee-kickoff-meeting1.html.
St. Vincent Ferrer seeks volunteers for programs
St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 840 George Bush Blvd., Delray Beach, is looking for volunteers for a variety of programs, but two stand out.
Volunteer teachers are needed for PREP, which offers Sunday morning religious classes for children at the church. Contact Father Emmanuel at 561-276-6892 if you feel called to serve children.
The second group seeking helpers is the new SVF Events Committee, which needs help planning special events. Contact Ericka Ruiz at 561-276-6892, or email stewardship@stvincentferrer.com.
Other ministries always looking for participants include the music ministry (adult and youth choirs), the Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes, and the SVF Care Ministry.
Second annual Tour de Friendship charity ride
Start your training and fundraising now for the second annual Tour de Friendship charity bike ride on Nov. 15.
The inaugural ride, hosted by Friendship House of Boca Raton, raised $56,000 for children and adults with special needs. Organizers hope to beat that number this year.
Rabbi Sholom Kessler, founder and executive director of Friendship House, hopes to raise money and awareness by “creating an experience that brings together cycling, community and purpose while supporting children and young adults with special needs.”
There are two rides, a 30- and 60-miler. Both go north and back along scenic State Road A1A from Boca Raton. Last year 60 riders participated in the FHP-escorted ride with stocked rest stops.
The finish line features a barbecue celebration for riders and their families, plus participants get custom jerseys, water bottles and socks.
Registration is $150 and a commitment to raise at least $1,500 to support Friendship House programs. Sponsors are also needed.
Founded in 2020, Friendship House, located at 17950 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton, is a nonprofit dedicated to building an inclusive community for children, teens and young adults with special needs. For information on the work it does, visit bocafriendship.com.
To register for the bike ride, visit tourdefriendship.com.
— Janis Fontaine
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