Our Lady of Mount Carmel Welcomes Msgr. Robert Emery as New Pastor in Ridgewood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A new spiritual chapter is unfolding for the Catholic community in Bergen County. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Ridgewood, NJ, has officially announced the appointment of Msgr. Robert Emery as its new pastor, effective September 1, 2026.
Msgr. Emery brings decades of profound pastoral care, leadership, and community service to Ridgewood. To help parishioners and local residents get better acquainted, here is a look at his extraordinary journey, his deep roots in New Jersey, and the unique skills he brings to the parish.
From New Jersey Public Schools to the Priesthood
Born in Hoboken and raised in Ocean Township, Msgr. Emery is a lifelong New Jerseyan who understands the fabric of local communities. His initial career path leaned toward education; he attended public schools and graduated from Kean College in 1983 with a degree in Elementary Education.
However, answering a higher calling, he completed his theological studies for the priesthood at the Immaculate Conception Seminary. He was officially ordained on November 21, 1987.
Interestingly, his very first assignment brought him right here to Bergen County, where he served at St. Catharine’s in Glen Rock from January 1988 to June 1990.
A Dynamic Leader in Canon Law, Counseling, and Civic Service
Over the past nearly 40 years, Msgr. Emery has built an incredibly diverse administrative and pastoral resume within the Archdiocese of Newark, showcasing expertise that extends far beyond the pulpit:
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Legal & Academic Expertise: He holds a Licentiate in Canon Law from the Catholic University in Washington, D.C. (1994), and later earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Kean University (2000).
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High-Level Archdiocesan Roles: He has served twice as Secretary to the Archbishop, spent time as Vice-Chancellor, and was later appointed Vicar General and Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Newark in 2004.
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Papal Recognition: In May 2005, his exceptional service was recognized globally when Pope John Paul II conferred Papal Honors on him, granting him the prestigious title of “Prelate of Honor.”
A History of Supporting Local First Responders
Parishioners will quickly learn that Msgr. Emery has a deep heart for public safety and community integration. Throughout his pastorships, he has stepped up to serve those who protect us, acting as the Weehawken Police Chaplain, Chaplain for Public Safety, and most recently, the Caldwell Police Chaplain starting in 2021.
Returning to Bergen County This Fall
Msgr. Emery is no stranger to guiding vibrant, active parishes. He has previously served as a dedicated pastor at St. Lawrence Parish in Weehawken, Our Lady of Sorrows in South Orange, and Saint Aloysius Parish in Caldwell. He also extended his regional leadership as the Episcopal Vicar for Essex County for several years.
Now, his journey comes full circle back to Bergen County. Following his official appointment in July 2026, he is preparing to transition into his new role at Our Lady of Mount Carmel on September 1.
Please join the entire Ridgewood community in offering a warm, enthusiastic welcome to Msgr. Robert Emery as he prepares to lead, inspire, and grow alongside our parish family!
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