About

Rene John is a compassionate and dedicated spiritual leader known for his warmth, integrity, and exceptional pastoral care. With over 20 years of experience as Dean of Trinity Cathedral, he is highly respected for his thoughtful presence, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving both his community and the wider Diocese of New Jersey. Rene’s ministry is characterized by deep faith, empathy, and a genuine heart for people, making him a trusted advisor and mentor to many.

Recommendations

Experience

David Furman

2/7/2026
10

"Warm caring person."

10

"Dean Rene is a terrific presence, caring and thoughtful, focused and deliberate, bright and sharp. "

Cecelia Dawe

2/7/2026
10

"Dean Rene John is a compassionate and caring clergyman. In Mach 2019 a dear friend of mine transitioned in Southeast Virginia. Her sister is a member Trinity Cathedral. Dean John and his wife drove over 6 hours from NJ to attend and participate in the funeral service.

Afterwards he followed up with me and he continues to provide pastoral support to his parishioner.

We all should be blessed to have a priest as caring and present as Dean John.

May the Peace of the Lord be with you."

Al Shaw

2/6/2026
10

"Particularly, hands on and fair. Always wants to get to keep in mind that we are here to honor respect and serve one another to the Glory of God "

Canon Balling

1/30/2026
10

"Dean Rene has been a great colleague, supportive and easy to work with, especially regarding diocesan functions held at Trinity Cathedral. He is a great listener and pastoral presence. "

Wonder Barratt

1/30/2026
Provided a score of  
10
  for Rene John
Provided a score of  
10
  for Rene John

sjec

1/28/2026
Provided a score of  
10
  for Rene John

Patricia Atkins

1/28/2026
Provided a score of  
10
  for Rene John

Leslie Ann Creed

1/28/2026
Provided a score of  
10
  for Rene John

Jordan Lescouflair

1/24/2026
Provided a score of  
10
  for Rene John

Keba Cuffy

1/20/2026
Provided a score of  
8
  for Rene John

Megan Thomas

1/20/2026
10

"Dean Rene has brought vitality to the Diocese of New Jersey and its cathedral. He has been a staunch advocate for people of Trenton. "

Annette Carew

1/19/2026
10

"Dean Rene John has been a friend and spiritual advisor for over 33 years. He’s an exemplary spiritual leader who takes his vocation seriously. He’s a compassionate, family oriented, dignified and empathetic person. He’s always available to minister whenever the need arises. Dean Rene was very instrumental in putting Trinity Cathedral on solid footing during his 20 year tenure. I wish him God’s continued Blessings in his future endeavors. He’ll be greatly missed."

Richard Jacob

1/19/2026
Provided a score of  
8
  for Rene John

Marygrace Billek

1/19/2026
10

"Rene John was wonderful to work with as the leader of Trinity Cathedral. He cares greatly about his community and is a wonderful partner and collaborator. I always found him to be open to new and innovative ideas. "

Keisha Thomas

1/19/2026
10

"I highly recommend Pastor John for his exceptional compassion, integrity, and servant’s heart. During one of the most difficult times for my family, he stepped forward without hesitation to facilitate the funeral service for my uncle. He did this purely out of kindness and out of genuine love and respect for my uncle, not obligation.

Pastor John provided comfort, guidance, and spiritual support when we needed it most. His presence brought peace to our family, and the service he led was dignified, thoughtful, and deeply meaningful. He took the time to understand our family, honor my uncle’s life, and ensure the service reflected both respect and care.
"

LG Spears

1/19/2026
10

"Dean John has been the the greatest spiritual leader I have had as a clergyman. He cares about every aspect of one's physical life and most importantly one's spiritual life. He is always there to help you move forward not only through his words. But he also gives you an example by the way he lives his life. In short he has been a pastor and teacher that I will always be thankful for.
Rev. LG Spears "

Roniel Peralta

1/19/2026
Provided a score of  
10
  for Rene John

Linda Mitchell

1/19/2026
10

"Dean John has spiritually led the parishioners and friends of Trinity Cathedral as one of the most thoughtful, kind, intentional, balanced, and wise human beings I have ever had the good fortune to know! "

Deborah Raab

1/19/2026
10

"Rene has been the Dean of our Cathedral for 20 years. Rene is a compassionate and empathetic priest. I have witnessed firsthand his Pastoral talents during some tough times. "

Karin Mitchell

1/19/2026
10

"Rene John is a passionate and compassionate priest and leader. I have enjoyed working with him over the past twenty years. "

Theo Foley

1/19/2026
10

"I ministered with Rene John several years ago as a deacon intern and found him to be very professional and organized. As a priest he was compassionate and showed a passion for social justice in the church and the community."

Amy Cornell

1/18/2026
10

"Rene’s pastoral care is unequalled, his laugh brings joy to all. He’s highly skilled in liturgy and most importantly his love of God is visible to all."

Patricia Hall

1/15/2026
10

"Dean John is an exceptional pastor, spiritual leader, and servant of God whose ministry reflects deep faith, wisdom, humility, and compassion. He leads not only with theological knowledge and pastoral skill, but with a genuine heart for people. His presence is both grounding and uplifting, offering spiritual clarity while fostering a sense of belonging and hope within the faith community."

Susan Zitofsky

1/13/2026
10

"Rene is a dynamic, proactive, intelligent, experienced leader. Well loved by the community and his peers. A stellar, exceptional human in so many ways!!"

10

"Dean Rene Rory John is an extraordinary leader, pastor, priest, and mentor. He is also a deeply loyal confidant and friend. Dean John exemplifies and embodies the goodness, kindness, passion and integrity of what it means to be the loving Body of Christ, and a loving, selfless, human being. "

Kaybee T.

1/10/2026
10

"Dean Rene has been there for me and inspired through several trials. He will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Love you Dean R.

Kay"

Colleen Seitz

1/10/2026
10

"Rene John is professional, personable and gets the job done and is just a great guy."

George knowles

1/9/2026
Provided a score of  
10
  for Rene John

Bethany Whiteman

1/9/2026
10

"Second father to me! I know I can come to him and speak honestly to him without judgement or fear. Love him so much"

Belinda Whiteman

1/2/2026
10

"Warm, loving Incredible worship leader and human being. "

fred vereen, jr

12/26/2025
10

"My name is Fred Vereen, Jr., Senior Warden at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Trenton. Not to many street blocks from the Episcopal Cathedral on West State Street. Our congregation has been sporadic through the years with a priest providing worship service with us for two years or less, most of the time we were worshiping with supply priest. Whenever we were in need of service, whether it be for Sunday, a funeral, counseling, you name it, there was never a no at the end of the conversation with Father John. Father John was always there to support us in any way he could. We are pleased and fortunate to have someone like him whom we knew was there for us."

Erica Warner

12/24/2025
10

"Fr. Rene is a blessing to us all. He brings heart, mind, and soul together. "