Pastoral Ministry staff and volunteers plan, implement, and coordinate inspirational, educational, social, and service programs that promote spiritual, intellectual, and physical well-being. Deacon Dan Pagnano
Sister Virginia O'Donnell
Pastoral Administrator
713-663-2546
vodonnell@svdp-edu.org
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As a Sister of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament Sister Virginia brings to pastoral ministry the support of her religious community and its charism "to extend the Incarnate Word in the world today." Sister Virginia's Masters Degree in Administration and Supervision was followed by graduate work in Christology and Theology. After obtaining certification in counseling she worked as a counselor for three months in the Job Corps. Before coming to St. Vincent de Paul, Sister was a teacher for five years and elementary school principal for 25 years years. She also served as supervisor for math and science in diocesan schools.
Pastoral Assistant
713-663-3540
dpagnano@svdp-edu.org
Before his ordination to the permanent diaconate in February, 2007, Deacon Dan obtained a B.A. Degree from Harvard University after which he taught in a junior high school and later worked for the IRS and the U.S. Labor Department. He then returned to school and obtained a J.D. Degree from Suffolk University in Boston and practiced law dealing with labor and employment disputes. In 1990 he started his own practice of arbitration and mediation again dealing mainly with labor and employment disputes. Deacon Dan also has a Masters in Pastoral Studies from the University of St. Thomas in Houston.
Elaine Caldwell
Pastoral Assistant
713-663-3529
ecaldwell@svdp-edu.org
Elaine is a retired university associate professor with a Masters in Business Education, a Masters in Pastoral Studies, and certification in Health Information Management and Spiritual Direction. She taught in secondary schools in the Dakotas and institutions of higher education in Houston and Kentucky. Her experience in parish leadership includes service as pastoral associate in one parish and pastoral director in another. She came to Houston at the end of 2003 to continue work in pastoral ministry which she found at SVDP.
John Russo, Director
Adult Faith Formation
713-663-3525
jrusso@svdp-edu.org
After obtaining a Bachelors Degree in Religious Studies from Niagara University, John did graduate studies in theology at the Chicago Theological Union. He taught religion at Mount Carmel High School, St. Theresa Middle School, and John Paul II Middle School in Houston before coming to St. Vincent de Paul in June, 2000.
Chris Villacorta, Director
Senior Activities and Leisure Learning
713-663-3564
cvillacorta@svdp-edu.org
After receiving a Bachelors Degree in Education and certification as catechist, Chris taught religion and served as campus minister and music director in two different middle schools for 14 year. After obtaining a Certificate in Counseling, she also worked as a counselor in a counseling program.
Herscella Franks
Secretary and leader of the "Sugar Sticks"
713-663-3561
hfranks@svdp-edu.org
Pastoral Ministry Staff