#stritafw

Pastor

was born December 18th of 1987 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and ordained on May 23rd of 2015 in St. Patrick Cathedral, Fort Worth, Texas.

"I wanted to be a priest after I got to know the priests of my home parish. Once I saw parish ministry through them I began to see priesthood as a real possibility for me. My experiences of parish ministry in seminary and after ordination have cemented this sense of calling within me.

I love being a Catholic priest and I am very grateful to be assigned here at St. Rita parish. "...the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve..." (Matthew 20:28)"

Director of Religious Formation

nacio un 16 de Abril del año 1973 en la CDMX. 

"El llamado que senti a seguirlo mas de cerca, de servirlo en los demas."

"Me gusta conocer a la gente y estar cercana a ellos, me encanta dar formacion religiosa."

Deacon

is married to his wife of forty-four years, Liliana. They have 3 adult children and 6 grandchildren, including one in heaven.

Brad trained as a physician. He graduated from medical school at the Universidad Libre in Cali, Colombia, as well as the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Deacon Brad is a retired cardiologist after serving the Wichita Falls community for twenty-five years as a solo practitioner. He was ordained as a permanent deacon by Bishop Michael Olson in 2020 and was assigned to Our Lady of Guadalupe parish where he served for 2 years. He was recently reassigned to St Rita Catholic Church as their Permanent Deacon “I look forward to this assignment, and I pray that I might be able to serve this diverse community bringing a deeper and broader faith and understanding of God’s love for His people.”

Although his father was a Lutheran minister, Brad attributes his spirituality to his wife, Liliana. “From the first time we met in Cali, Colombia, until our marriage in the Catholic Church four and a half years later, Liliana has slowly but surely brought me into the faith, and has shown me how to love Mary.” He answered the call to join the Catholic Church, finishing RCIA in 2001. He desired to learn more about the Catholic faith and joined the St. John Paul II Institute in 2008. At the same time Deacon became involved with Christ Renews His Parish at Sacred Heart Parish. He continued with CRHP outreach to St. Francis Cabrini in Granbury, Our Lady Queen of Peace in Wichita Falls, as well as English and Spanish outreach to St. John the Apostle in North Richland Hills. He remembers the day that Fr. Hoa Nguyen suggested he become a deacon. After talking with his wife, they decided to pursue the call.

Deacon Brad has a missionary heart working in the past with the Missionaries of Charity in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as well as the Mision Elias Profeta with the Carmelite Sisters in Patzun, Guatemala. He looks forward to working with adults in RCIA, marriage preparation and healing of marriages through Sanatio and Convalidation, and is a Tribunal Advocate.

Business Manager

"My name is Maribel Ruiz.  I am very excited about the opportunity to come and be part of your parish.  I feel very fortunate to be able to use my administrative skills and talents to serve in the Catholic Church.  I have worked in non-profit for 6 years now and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I have learned a lot about my faith and feel like it has made me a better person.

I am originally from California but moved here when I was just a kid.  I have been married for 21 years and have two children, a boy and a girl, who have been the greatest gifts from God.  I enjoy going to their school functions.  During my spare time, I enjoy reading a good book or going for a walk."

Administrative Assistant

Hola! I'm Ana Vitela, I am your  administrative assistant. I am excited to get to serve your community of St. Rita. 

Hello! Soy Ana Vitela, la asistente administrativa. Me da mucho gusto servirle a su maravillosa comunidad de Sta. Rita.

Administrative Assistant 

Greetings everyone! My name is Melissa Manjarrez. I am pleased to join the Santa Rita team as the newest Administrative Assistant. I am Mexican-American and proudly have roots in Chihuahua and Zacatecas. I appreciate the opportunity to be here!

Saludos a todos! Mi nombre es Melissa Manjarrez. Me complace unirme al equipo de Santa Rita como la nueva asistente administrativa. Soy mexicana-estadounidense y orgullosamente tengo raíces en Chihuahua y Zacatecas. ¡Aprecio la oportunidad de estar aquí!