About Us • Directory of Staff - Revised 10/01/08

Chief Educational Administrator, Office of Catholic Education

         Annette Parsons  - The Office of Catholic Education is a newly created office that unites Christian Formation and Catholic Schools into a single collaborative structure that seeks to further the mission of handing on the faith through enhanced catechetical, youth, and adult programs in parishes and schools.

Appointed by Bishop DiLorenzo to lead the newly established Office of Catholic Education, I bring my experiences as a life-long catechist, Catholic school administrator, college dean, and teacher to the mission of this new office.                                                                                                                                 

Director Christian Formation, Office of Catholic Education -

Emily Filippi
M.R.E., The Catholic University of America, 1982

"I began my work in catechetical ministry as a volunteer parish catechist in 1974. With the encouragement of an inspiring MRE, I fell in love with religious education! I worked in parish ministry as MRE for 15 years at St. Joseph Church, Petersburg and for five years as consultant in religious education. I joined the diocesan staff in 1998."

Contact Emily for information in Christian Formation services and programs.

Regional Minister of Christian Formation - Region 10

 Melanie Coddington                                                                                                                           

Coming to my work in the west from 13 years of teaching cantors for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians and 6 years of liturgy-based intergenerational catechesis, I bring an unusual combination of skills and experience to the role of Regional Minister.  I aim to facilitate conversion, calling adults into mature discipleship in the Reign of God, through dialogue between their human experience and the riches of tradition enshrined in scripture and church teaching.

Contact Melanie for information in Christian Formation services and programs.

 Associate Director of Christian Formation

Katie McMaster

I come to the Diocese from a very diverse background in catechetics. I began as a high school Religion teacher and have since had the privilege of being a youth minister in an elementary school, the Director of Religious Education for a military parish in Germany , as well as working  as a catechetical advisor for  the Diocese of  San Jose, California and the Diocese of Westminster in  London, England. This  opportunity to work and live among many different people greatly impacted my life. I seek to help catechists and leaders grow in faith while inspiring, guiding, and supporting their vocation.

 Contact Katie McMaster for information about Christian Formation services and programs, as well as, resources for volunteer and new catechetical leaders.

Administrative Assistants

Sandra Survello

I began my Catholic faith formation at St. Augustine Parish in the 2003-2004 calendar year.  It continues to be  a privilege to be on the RCIA team, in our parish, and to also serve as a RCIA sponsor.  Working in the OCF office has expanded my growth in our Catholic faith by continual education and helping parishes in catechetical ministry. 

Contact Sandra for general information regarding CF services and programs.

Cheryl McLean

What a wonderful part of my spiritual journey, which began serving the Rector of Theological College at the Catholic University of America, it is working for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond - 15 of those years serving the Office of Christian Formation.  My journey continues as I assist and support parish professionals and the catechists under their direction.

Contact Cheryl regarding registration for PATHWAYS and PATHWAYS Catechist Readers.