Fr Silvio Kaberia - Pastor
 






Fr Joe Goldsmith - Parochial Vicar







Valerie Blanton - Coordinator of Religious Education for Children
Valerie graduated from Berea College with a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development.   She has always enjoyed children’s ministries and has been involved in them as a volunteer, since high school.  Growing up in a strong Catholic home, attending CCD classes, as well as a Catholic high school, Valerie learned how important it was to have a strong Catholic faith and that it is vital to give our children that same strong foundation by sharing our faith with them.

Valerie, originally from Akron, Ohio, lives just outside of Bridgewater with her husband, Russ, and their 5 children, Cory, Randi, Zack, Natalie and Joseph.  Evenings and weekends, if she is not at a church event or meeting, you can find her attending one of her children’s many activities or sporting events.  She also enjoys teaching Group Fitness classes at Gold’s Gym.  Any remaining free time, she enjoys reading and working in the yard.

She says the best part about coordinating the children’s religious education program is getting to know so many children and families in our parish and encouraging them to feel a part of this wonderful Catholic community.  She especially loves preparing children to receive their First Communion.  Nothing is better than helping children to prepare themselves to receive the Body of Christ and to learn to walk as a disciple of Christ.




Ron Bodkins - Facilities Manager


Louisa Cahan - Director of Religious Education
Louisa was born in Waukegan, Illinois, and lived there until college.  She attended Sweet Briar College and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, now a part of Union Seminary in Richmond.  Her MA from the Presbyterian School was in Christian Education with a special focus on social ministry.  Most of her life since then has been spent teaching in Catholic schools and in church-related preschools.  In teaching and in volunteer parish work, she used much of what she had learned about Religious Education and social ministry, but her life came full circle when the DRE position opened up at Blessed Sacrament, the type of position she had originally been prepared for.  She became Catholic in 1989 and deeply values the Catholic faith and the opportunity to share it with adults and children.




Jean DePiro - Minister of Liturgy & Music
Jean was born and raised in Massapequa Park, NY.  Her family relocated to Afton, VA when she was 13.  She began her music ministry career (part-time) at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lovingston, VA as soon as her family joined the parish.   Her part-time career continued at Holy Comforter Catholic Church in Charlottesville for a number of years.  In January 2005 she decided to make music ministry a full-time career and came on board at Blessed Sacrament.

In her spare time, Jean teaches piano, enjoys the outdoors, tennis and golf.  She was never fond of country living and always said she'd never move back to the country when she was old enough to be on her own.  She now resides in Broadway, VA . 



Fred LaSpina - Deacon
B.A. from University of Georgia,  M.TH from Emory University.  …………worked for the Richmond Diocese 34 years, 28 at Blessed Sacrament…………………love to run and read;  I live in Penn Laird with my family………..and I love the New York Yankees!


Cris Lopez - Youth Minister
Cris Lopez, Youth Minister and Religious Education Coordinator for 6^th -12^th grades, is a Texas native that graduated from St. Edward’s University (SEU) in Austin, TX with a degree in Religious Studies.   After graduating from SEU, Cris was hired as the Director of Campus Ministry and as a Theology teacher at San Juan Diego Catholic High School in Austin, TX.   Cris spent a year honing in his teaching skills in New Testament, Catholic Social Teaching, Old Testament, and Church History. 

Prior to college and teaching, Cris was heavily influenced by his family and involvement in parish life.  Cris was an altar server, youth leader and is still active as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist.  After completing a year of teaching, Cris got married to his wife Grace Pettis and was called to return to parish ministry, which led him to Blessed Sacrament in Harrisonburg. 

Cris’ return to parish ministry was a response to his own experience of being involved in youth ministry.  “My Youth Director and Youth Ministers changed my life giving me a healthy outlet, and encouraging me to seek Christ.  I decided to return to youth ministry, because my youth program made a difference in my life and I want to lead a program that brings youth closer to God.”

Cris spends most of his time planning religious education, youth events, retreats, and service projects.   When he has the opportunity he likes to go bowling and attend concerts of various genres.  Cris’ favorite sport to watch is football and favorite sport to play is basketball.  To learn a little bit more about Cris and the youth program visit our Youth Ministry page.


Martha Moyers - Secretary
Martha Moyers is a native of Front Royal, Virginia, the daughter of John Chappell and Sally Harrison.  She has also lived in Alexandria, Doswell, Culpeper, and Richmond.  She considers herself American by birth and a Virginian by the grace of God!  She moved to the Valley to attend Madison College (now JMU) and never left.  She is married to Valley native Rex Moyers.  They have two daughters, Rachel and Regina, and one granddaughter, Kailie.  Martha and Rex joined the Catholic Church in 1992.  Prior to that, she was an Episcopalian.  Her late father was an Episcopal minister.  When asked what her father would say about her becoming Catholic, Martha’s response is that now he is in heaven with the Lord and he knows what the true Church is!  Martha is a member of the Keezletown Ruritan Club and Fins of the Valley Jimmy Buffett fan club.  She enjoys reading, history, astronomy, roller coasters, the beach, surf fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, classic rock music, and is a loyal fan of the Baltimore Orioles, even though they are truly awful!  Martha tries to be a friendly and welcoming presence to everyone coming into the church office.  She has worked in the church office since 1993. 

Graciela Pinedo - Coordinator of Hispanic Ministry








Ernestene Thompson - Bookkeeper
Ernestene has been the bookkeeper since 1991.  Originally from Ohio and by way of several other states, she moved to Harrisonburg in 1979 and joined the Catholic church in 1983.  She has two grown sons and three grandchildren, who keep her on her toes.
 
She enjoys games of all kinds, especially bridge and poker.  She likes to read; go to movies and plays; trips to Italy, Poland and whatever comes up; and out to dinner with friends.