There are three leadership teams at St. James Church that we want to introduce to you: Clergy, Staff and Vestry. If you have questions, please contact the church office at office@stjamestempe.org or (480)345-2686.

Clergy

Rector

Rev. Dr. (Sam) Dessórdi Peres Leite
email: rector@stjamestempe.org
phone: (480) 345-2686

Fr. Sam was ordained in 1997 and comes to us from St. Stephen and the Incarnation Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. where he was the Senior Priest. Prior to that, he was the Vicar at another St. James the Apostle Episcopal Church in Oakland, CA!

He is originally from Brazil and has a unique experience of being Episcopal/Anglican growing up in a Roman Catholic and diverse country. His master’s degree is in Liturgical Inculturation and his doctoral degree on Latino and Multicultural Ministries in the Episcopal Church. While in Brazil he was the Assistant Dean of the Holy Trinity National Cathedral. He worked as the Head for the National Christian Education Department and Youth Ministries and Mission Department. For two General Conventions, he was the Custodian of the Brazilian Book of Common Prayer.

His knowledge and experience of Ecumenism come not only from a country filled with religious diversity but also for his work as the Chair of the National Liturgical Committee of the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches. Also, at the international level, he was the representative for the Region of Americas on the International Anglican Youth Network for two mandates, as well as the representative for Brazil at the World Conference of Religions for Peace. Fr. Sam’s ministry in the U.S. has been working with spirituality and liturgical inculturation to enable Episcopal communities to engage in better dialogue with groups that bring cultural diversity and a diversity of languages to the table.

Staff

Bookkeeper

Cheryl Hamati
email: bookkeeper@stjamestempe.org
phone: (480) 345-2686

“I was born and raised in Phoenix, along with two sisters and one brother.  Our family home is located in central Phoenix, occupied by our 97 years young Mother.  We continue to share a wonderful time with her. I was baptized, confirmed, and married at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.  My husband and I have two beautiful grown children.  We enjoy the company of our three handsome grandsons and welcome visits as often as possible.  Being grandparents is our greatest joy. Spending time with family and friends is my greatest pastime.  Enjoying life with joy and laughter is a daily goal and the way of life I strive for.  Enjoying today and looking forward to tomorrow!!”

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University. Cheryl worked as Director of Operations at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Phoenix from 2009 to 2021.

Music Minister

Lali Breen
email: music@stjamestempe.org
phone: (480) 205-5635

Lali is the music minister at St James, playing piano and organ for the services. She comes from a musical family and she and her mother worked as church musicians together from when Lali was a teenager. Lali plays the violin and performs with her husband, Gregory Olsen, for all varieties of musical performances. She also plans the musical performances for the annual St. James Evening of Music fundraiser. Lali moved to Arizona from California a number of years ago and since living here, she has played with a number of symphony orchestras (Musica Nova and Symphony of the Southwest) and played a variety of music including Cajun and Irish Fiddle as well as International (French, Italian, Spanish). She  enjoys bringing a variety of musical genres into the worship services at St James and loves how good music is appreciated at St. James as an important part of enhancing our worship.

Vestry and Officers

  • Bob, Senior Warden
  • Eileen, Junior Warden
  • Steve
  • Denise
  • Joan
  • Carol
  • Paul
  • Gerry, Treasurer