Hey There! My name is Chris and I am excited to serve the students here at VCU. I began serving at VCU in the spring semester of 2023 after moving here from Syracuse, NY. I have served in various ministry capacities over the last 12 years. More recently, I served as the Executive Director of Christ the King Retreat House in Syracuse. Prior to that, I was appointed as Director of Youth Ministry at Holy Family Church in Syracuse. Working with youth and young adults has been a passion of mine ever since I served as a Confirmation catechist at my home parish in 2012. I received my master’s in Christian Spirituality (concentration in Spiritual Direction) from Loyola University Chicago in 2024. I also received my bachelor's in Public Relations from the State University of New York at Oswego in 2011. One of my goals here at VCU is to emulate the art of accompaniment that Christ shows us in the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) and walk with each student who comes through my door. Please feel free to contact me, and I would be happy to meet with you for coffee at Blanchard's. My treat!
I have been a priest for 17 years and am grateful to be the rector of the Cathedral. My hope is that each student would experience the love of God signified by the title of the beautiful church next door: the Sacred Heart of Jesus. My previous assignments have been at Blessed Sacrament parish and James Madison University, Harrisonburg; St. Timothy’s, Tappahannock; Sacred Heart, Danville; and St. Benedict’s, Richmond. I like being outdoors (hiking especially) and reading (mostly history). I also enjoy a strong cup of coffee.
