Rev. Mr. Robert Straub (Deacon Bob)

Born and raised in Saint Marys, PA.  24 years of formal education, 22 of which were in Catholic institutions.  Awarded a BBA in Accounting from Saint Bonaventure University, a MS in Systems Management from University of Southern California, and a MA in Pastoral Theology from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.  Deacon spent 20 years in the United States Army as an Aviation Maintenance Officer and an Operations research Analyst.  He retired in 1995, spent 5 years as a Department of Defense Contractor and another 20 years as Department of the Army Civilian, retiring in October, 2019.  As a member of the Knights of Columbus, Deacon Bob is a Past Grand Knight, Past Faithful Navigator, and a Former District Deputy.  Prior to being ordained a Deacon, Deacon Bob served in various capacities in the Church as and Altar Server, Extraordinary Minister of Communion, Lector, Cantor, Guitarist, and Choir Director.  He is an active member of the Missioners of Christ as well as a Spiritual Director and a CVCC Board Member for Cursillo.  Deacon Bob is a Licensed Pilot, holding an ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) rating for single and multi-engine fixed wing aircraft and a Commercial license for Rotorcraft as well as a licensed Open-Water SCUBA Diver.  He was ordained a Deacon in the Diocese of Richmond 19 October, 2013.  Among his current responsibilities, Deacon Bob assists in marriage preparations and processing annulments.  He also has faculties with the Archdiocese of Military Services at Fort Lee, VA.  Deacon Bob is married to Luz Gregorio Rayel-Straub, who is an active Lector and choir member at Sacred Heart.

Rev. Mr. Esaud Feliciano (Deacon Chao)

Deacon Chao, as we all know him, was born and raised in Puerto Rico. In 1966 I went to Waterbury Ct. I went to work and this is where my spiritual life began by meeting a young secretary from St. Cecile Church. She led me to attend Masses and it emerged that we fell in love and then got married in that same church. We procreated two sons there and our daughter was born in Puerto Rico. In 1984 I lived the Cursillo of Christianity on April 22, I worked in 18 short courses in different services, I was the director of the Utrellas for three consecutive terms and then two more. I was a minister of the Eucharist in Puerto Rico. After 28 years of marriage, my wife moved to dwell with the Lord in 1995, a few months later, I traveled to Virginia to Hopewell. I found St. James parish where I later married Zulma Vargas and we also attended mass in St. Joseph, in Petersburg once a month in Spanish. I served as cup minister since mass began at the Church of the Sacred Heart. I am serving in it and by the grace of God, I was able to become a deacon on November 3, 2012. My children have given me ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and two twin great-granddaughters are on the way for God's blessing. I am thankful to the Hispanic community in which I serve in the name of the Lord, the priests and church employees, to my fellow deacons for their continued help in the Lord's way. For which I thank you. I also serve as the Hispanic Baptismal and Marriage Coordinator, and oversee ministries among the Hispanic community here at Church of the Sacred Heart.

Rev. Mr. Matt McLaughin (Deacon Mat) {RETIRED}

Rev. Mr. Edward Hanzlik (Deacon Ed) {RETIRED}

Deacon Edward G. Hanzlik was born in and remains a member of Church of the Sacred Heart for over 80 years. He is married to his wife Evelyn (Skalsky) for over 50 years and they have four married children and eight grandchildren, all of whom live in Virginia. Though growing up on the family farm, and continuing to maintain it, he was a Contract Administrator with the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Transportation, retiring after having served there for 30 years. Deacon Ed has served the community of Sacred Heart as Coordinator of Christian Formation for 20 years and later as an ordained, Permanent Deacon for another 25+ years. He was instrumental in recording and preserving the history of both the parish and New Bohemia, resulting in Church of the Sacred Heart being recognized as a National Historic Site by the National Park Service. In accordance with the guidelines for the Permanent Diaconate, Diocese of Richmond, Deacon Ed H. was given “retired” status in 2015 but continues to serve the Catholic Cluster Parishes of Sacred Heart, St. John’s and St. James at the discretion of the pastor.