Bishop Candidate: The Rev. Ann Ritonia
The Rev. Ann Ritonia, resigned Marine Corps major
The Rev. Ann Ritonia has been rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church and Parish Day School, a resource-size parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, since 2017. She has served parishes of all sizes as a rector for over 12 years and is a dynamic and innovative leader with extensive experience in church growth, pastoral care, and community engagement. She is an active and collaborative leader in the Howard County Interfaith Clergy Fellowship, developing and hosting interfaith events to foster understanding and community awareness.
In 2022 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, under Ritonia’s leadership, The Center for Spiritual and Mental Wellness at St. John’s was incorporated. Ritonia is a Lilly Foundation Preaching Fellow, a graduate of the Lilly Foundation Thriving in Ministry Program, and holds a Certificate in Conflict Transformation from The Lombard Peace Institute, and a Certificate in Disaster Chaplaincy. She provides pastoral support and care to Howard County veterans’ organizations and is an award recipient from the area American Legion Chapter for community veteran support. She is a highly skilled liturgist and has served the wider church in positions of leadership, including chair of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut Commission on Liturgy and Music, chair of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia Committee for South Africa Partnerships; and the Chaplain Selection Board for Armed Forces and Federal Ministries. Ritonia’s spiritual practice is grounded in the Daily Office, the daily practice of the Ignatian Examen, monthly spiritual direction, and an annual spiritual retreat.
Ritonia served in the U.S. Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve for 17 years. She held a variety of leadership and executive-level positions throughout her military career. She was the assistant to the chief of staff, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, leading the support staff and liaison to the general staff, coordinating internal and external communications and congressional and dignitary visits. She was responsible for administration, training, and personnel support during mobilization of her reserve unit during Operation Desert Storm and was squadron executive officer during annual training deployments and during her last assignment. In addition, Ritonia was commanding officer of Marine Wing Reserve Engineer Support Unit, responsible for coordinating engineering and air base support.
Ritonia is the recipient of the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendations, and the Recruit Honor Graduate Award. Ritonia has served as a member of the Chaplain Selection Committee for Armed Forces and Federal Ministries (AFFM) for seven years and provides spiritual direction, pastoral care, and other support to AFFM chaplains. She is a member of the annual training staff for AFFM, serving as a spiritual director, trained facilitator, and chaplain mentor. Ritonia has also served as a Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare Systems chaplain intern, VA volunteer chaplain, and Marine Corps League chaplain.
Mother to four adults, Ritonia and her husband, Mike, live in Ellicott City, Maryland, with their two English bulldogs, Phoebe and Gemma. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, making music, kayaking, and swimming.
