This page is to help you get to know your youth minister!  The first and maybe the most important thing you need to know about Big-C (aka Cris Lopez) is that he is a native Texan...and proud one at that, but he is excited about being in Virginia.  Instead of writing a long paragraph about himself Big-C thought it would be better to answer questions about himself as if he was Yoda.

	1.  How many siblings do you have?  Three siblings I have. 2.  What is your favorite food?  Partial to ribs I am. 3.  What university did you go to?  Knowledge of the force, from St. Edward's University it comes. 4.  Do you like sports?  Crow does a rooster, when rises the sun?  Football number one sport it is. 5.  What is your favorite band?  The melodies of Led Zeppelin enjoy I do. 6.  What did you do before you came to Blessed Sacrament?  At a Catholic High School Theology I did teach and Director of Campus Ministry I was. 7.  What is your favorite candy?  Reese's Peanut Butter Cups tickle the palate they do. *For a more serious and longer biography of Cris Lopez read more
	Cris Lopez is the Youth Minister and Religious Education Coordinator for 6th -12th grades.  He is a Texas native that graduated from St. Edward’s University (SEU) in Austin, TX with a degree in Religious Studies.   After graduating from SEU, Cris was hired as the Director of Campus Ministry and Theology teacher at San Juan Diego Catholic High School in Austin, TX.   Cris spent a year honing in his teaching skills in New Testament, Catholic Social Teaching, Old Testament, and Church History.  Prior to college and teaching, Cris was heavily influenced by his family and involvement in parish life.  Cris was an altar server, youth leader and is still active as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist.  After completing a year of teaching, Cris got married to his wife Grace Pettis and was called to return to parish ministry, which led him to Blessed Sacrament in Harrisonburg.  Cris’ return to parish ministry was a response to his own experience of being involved in youth ministry.  “My Youth Director and Youth Ministers changed my life giving me a healthy outlet, and encouraging me to seek Christ.  I decided to return to youth ministry, because my youth program made a difference in my life and I want to lead a program that brings youth closer to God.” Cris spends most of his time planning religious education, youth events, retreats, and service projects.   When he has the opportunity he likes to go bowling and attend concerts of various genres.  Cris’ favorite sport to watch is football and favorite sport to play is basketball.