Clergy and Staff

About Dean Katz

Nat was called to Christ Church Cathedral Houston from The American Cathedral in Paris (formally known as the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity), one of the oldest English-speaking churches in the “City of Lights” where he has been the Cathedral Canon since September, 2020.

During his time at The American Cathedral in Paris, Nat was entrusted with leadership and oversight for the American Cathedral’s Children, Youth and Family Ministry, its Mission and Outreach Ministry, and its Young Adult Ministry. While in Paris, Nat also initiated the development and organization of a Las Posadas celebration during the Advent season, creative forms of worship such as a monthly Jazz Vespers service, and liturgical practices for parish study during the Lenten season. Nat was also principal in leading the European Convocation Youth Program during the American Cathedral in Paris Centenary Celebration in 2023.

Prior to joining The American Cathedral in Paris’ staff, Nat spent four years as an Associate Rector at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills, California. During his time at All Saints’ Nat had leadership over administration, liturgy, outreach, volunteer training, and ministries for youth and adults.

Nat was born and raised in the Summit-Morristown area of New Jersey. He began his spiritual path in the Lutheran church where he was deeply involved in church youth activities. As a high school student, Nat was invited to join a ground-breaking ministry that trained church youth to educate their high school peers about HIV with the goal of reducing transmission and building compassion for those living with the disease. This experience revealed his leadership and ministry skills, kindling an early interest in ordained ministry.

He left New Jersey to attend the University of Southern California where he received a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, Cum Laude, in 2002. During the summer between his sophomore and junior years, Nat held an internship with the Immigrant and Refugee Services Division of Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey. That experience brought him into contact with the realities of global migration and the great risks that are taken by those seeking safety, security, and a better life.

After graduating from the University of Southern California, Nat spent several years in strategic communications, advertising, community partnership development, and providing major giving and grant making support for Southern California Public Radio, an affiliate station of National Public Radio. It was during this time that Nat found the Episcopal Church, which was where he continued to explore how societal issues and religion could be reconciled in his life. His search for reconciliation led him to pursue a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School, graduating in 2010.Upon graduation from Harvard Divinity School, Nat was chosen to be an Epps Fellow at The Memorial Church, Harvard University, where he served as chaplain ministering to the undergraduate community from 2010 -2013. He served as chaplain there during the transition period following the death of beloved Harvard Divinity School faculty member, the Reverend Peter Gomes. It was there where his heart “came alive” with the prospect of ordination.

Nat returned to Los Angeles, California in 2014 and became Communications Director at Claremont School of Theology where he was responsible for strategic communications that supported fund raising, admissions, interfaith institutional partnerships, and community engagement. Nat also served as Chaplain for College Ministries at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral where he was responsible for designing and implementing a community of prayer and fellowship for students and young adults in the Los Angeles Metro Area. His work in developing interfaith relationships and ministries resulted in Nat being selected to be among a cohort of 50 rising leaders (aged 24-40) working in Los Angeles “at the intersection of faith, pluralism, and social change.” Nat was ordained to the priesthood in 2015 in the Diocese of Los Angeles.

Nat is passionate about interfaith and multicultural ministries, outreach, and expanding the reach of God’s love for all in creative forms.

Nat co-founded two chapters of Laundry of Love, a movement that works in partnership with local laundromats to provide monthly free laundry service to those in need. He has served on the board of the Pico Union Project, a nonprofit community and artistic organizing space housed in the oldest synagogue built in the City of Los Angeles, and has served on the Diocesan Program Group for Youth and Young Adult Ministries and Emergent and Creative Ministries.

Nat and his wife Shelly were married in July, 2023. Shelly is an international art consultant from Wilmington, North Carolina. Nat and Shelly met in Paris, and though they have both loved their time in France, they are excited about joining the Cathedral family.

Nat loves to read, cook, and travel; and describes himself as a “deep contemplative” by nature. He strives to make time to walk, read, listen to music, meditate, and be still daily. As for his gifts, he considers his listening skills and being “present” among his strong traits.

Simón Bautista Betances was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. He was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in 1987 after obtaining his bachelor’s degree at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra and completing his theological studies at Seminary Saint Thomas of Aquinas, both in Santo Domingo. He later returned to teach philosophy at his alma mater. He served the Haitian immigrant community in the Dominican Republic for 12 years. During his ministry in the Dominican Republic, he served as pastor of two parishes and as the director of the National Center for Haitian Immigrants, a nonprofit run by the Roman Catholic Church. Simón has lived in the United States since 1993. In 2004, he was received into the Episcopal Church, serving as the Episcopal Diocese of Washington’s Canon for Latino Ministries before coming to the Cathedral in 2014. In addition, he serves as chaplain to the House of Bishops, a position he has held for five years. Simón is married to Amarilis Vargas and they have four children: María Teresa, Simón Antonio, María Leaquina, and Amarilis de los Ángeles-Lili.

El Rev. Simón Bautista Betances nació y creció en la República Dominicana. Fue ordenado en la Iglesia Católica Romana en el año 1987, después de haberse graduado de Licenciado en Filosofía en la Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, y después de haber completado sus estudios teológicos en el Pontificio Seminario Santo Tomás de Aquino, ambos centros de estudios localizados en Santo Domingo. Luego regresó a enseñar filosofía al Centro Universitario donde se graduó. Sirvió como misionero por un período de 12 años a la comunidad de inmigrantes Haitianos en la República Dominicana. Durante el ejercicio de su ministerio en la República Dominicana, sirvió como Párroco de dos parroquias, y fue el director del Centro National de Pastoral Haitiana, una organización sin fines de lucro creada por la Iglesia Católica Romana. El padre Simón ha vivido en los Estados Unidos desde el año 1993. En el año 2004 fue recibido como sacerdote en la Iglesia Episcopal y sirvió como el Canónigo para el Ministerio Latino de la Diócesis de Washington antes de venir a trabajar a la Catedral en el año 2014. Además, el padre Simón Bautista sirvió como Capellán para la Cámara de Obispos, una posición que sustuvo por un período de 6 años. El padre Simón está casado con Amarilis Vargas y tienen cuatro hijos: María Teresa, Simón Antonio, María Leaquina, y Amarilis de los Ángeles-Lili.

The Rev. Bradley Varnell joined the Cathedral staff in August 2021. Bradley oversees young adult ministries (20s & 30s). Since 2019, Bradley has served as curate at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in the Heights. Rev. Varnell went to Baylor and Duke Divinity School.

Liz was born in Dallas, TX and is the second oldest of five children. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University in 2006, which served her well in her first career as a personal trainer and CrossFit coach.

A personal quest to explore the faith of her upbringing led her to pursue theological studies, and in 2013 she earned an M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. In 2011 she was commissioned as a Chaplain Candidate into the U.S. Army Reserves, serving as part of the unit ministry team for a signal command. As she walked the parallel journey of military chaplaincy and ordination in the Episcopal Church, it became clear to her that parish ministry was her true gift and calling, and therefore she retired from the military in 2015. She was subsequently ordained as a Deacon in 2017 and then as a Priest in 2018.

Prior to joining the staff at Christ Church Cathedral in Houston in 2024, she served three churches in the diocese of Los Angeles in various capacities. From 2012-2017 she served on staff at St. John’s Cathedral in Los Angeles as parish administrator and young adult minister. After her ordination in 2017, she joined the staff at Trinity Episcopal Church, Redlands, CA as Associate Rector. During her time at Trinity, she started a youth group and family ministry, and was instrumental in developing adult spiritual formation programming. In March of 2020, she accepted the call to serve as Priest-in-Charge of St. John’s Episcopal Church in La Verne, CA, and was named Vicar in October 2021. One of the defining projects of her time at St. John’s, in addition to shepherding the congregation through the pandemic, was to help create and build a model for collaborative ministry among small churches.

Liz married her wife Danielle in August 2021, and in September of 2023 they celebrated the birth of their firstborn child, Violet Grace. In her free time, Liz enjoys being physically active, lifting weights, and going on walks with her wife and baby girl. She loves a good true crime podcast and any period piece television series she can get her hands on. She also loves exploring new places and cultures through travel and food.

About joining the Cathedral staff, Liz shared, “I cannot tell you all (or should I say Y’ALL) how thrilled I am about coming to Christ Church! The last several months of discernment have given me a glimpse into the amazing ministries that happen here, and a chance to meet a handful of you. If that was any indication of what is to come, all I can say is I am humbled and beyond excited to join you in community and ministry. After having spent the last 15 years in California, moving back to Texas represents a kind of homecoming for me. It also represents a totally new thing altogether, and I’m curious and hopeful about stepping back into a place where I have roots, and also planting new ones among you.”

Dean Katz added, “I could not be more thrilled that Liz, Danielle, and Violet will be joining our Cathedral family. Liz is an exceptionally talented priest who brings grace, curiosity, and good humor to all facets of her ministry. I simply cannot wait to have Liz among us as we seek to grow together into the next chapter of the Cathedral’s life and ministry.”

Rev. Kronenberg began her ministry at Christ Church in March of 2024.

The Rev. Luz Montes was born in Houston, Texas, to a family that came to the United States from El Salvador. She attended church most of her childhood but did not become aware of the Episcopal Church until she began attending Iglesia Episcopal San Mateo during her early teenage years. She attended her first Episcopal Youth Event, which draws together youth from across the entire Episcopal Church, in 2005. Shortly after, she became actively involved in ministry across the Diocese of Texas and the wider Episcopal Church.

Rev. Montes graduated with a bachelor of science from the University of Houston. Before attending seminary, she was a bilingual education teacher and served as a lay minister at Iglesia Episcopal San Mateo. She received her Master of Divinity from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin and became the curate at Trinity Episcopal Church, Houston, in 2020.

She was ordained on February 20, 2021, as the first Latina priest from a Spanish-speaking parish in the Diocese of Texas. After her curacy, she remained at Trinity as its Associate Rector. She has served as a deputy to the General Convention, Secretary of the Commission on Hispanic Ministry, and Youth Ministry Liaison for the Episcopal Church Office of Youth Ministries. Rev. Montes is married to Thanh, and together they have one beautiful and sassy daughter and two dogs.

Rev. Luz Montes began her ministry at Christ Church in March of 2024.

Canon Stein attended the University of the South, in Sewanee, Tennessee, and the Virginia Theological Seminary, in Alexandria, Virginia. He was ordained a Priest on June 19, 1973. He is a native Houstonian and grew up at Christ Church Cathedral. He has served as Assistant Rector and Acting Rector at St. Martin’s, as the Episcopal Chaplain at Rice University, and as Rector of St. Bede’s Chapel, Autry House. He served as Canon Precentor at the Cathedral from 2000 until his retirement in 2013.

The Rev. Liz Parker joins the Cathedral as a part-time interim associate.

Liz grew up in State College, Pennsylvania, a few blocks from The Pennsylvania State University campus. After graduating from PSU with a degree in theatre, Liz moved to Manhattan. During nearly a decade in the city she performed in Off-Off-Broadway venues, worked a variety of ‘make do’ jobs, and fell in love with the Episcopal Church. With time, Liz discerned a call to the priesthood.

While at Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, she met and married fellow seminarian Andy Parker. They served churches in Abilene, Amarillo, and Lake Jackson, and raised three sons: Will, Ben and Caleb. Her accomplished sons and their families are her greatest joys.

Liz, who was widowed in 2018, most recently served at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church here in Houston. She retired from full time ministry in 2021. Liz likes to read, play games, swim, travel, look at art and sometimes paints, collages, and assembles art herself.

Interim Dean Gary Jones reflected, “I have only just met Liz and have had the opportunity to speak with her briefly, but I almost feel as if I’ve known her for a very long time. She has that effect. Liz is a delightful presence, she loves to preach, and it is not hard to discern that her manner of pastoral care is both healing and joyful. I know the cathedral is going to feel deeply blessed to have Liz among us as priest and friend.”

Liz started at the Cathedral on Sunday July 16. Learn more about her at: https://www.cohousinghouston.com/lizparker.

Elizabeth Cuevas is grateful to be here, ever since her start in 2014 as childcare supervisor and as program coordinator in 2016. Previously, she taught two-year-olds for twelve years, in addition to being a nursery supervisor, working with and for children. She assists with three ministries: Children and Family, Welcome and Evangelism, and Community Life. In her new capacity, she has learned about the inner workings of a church office and how the various roles intersect with and support one another.

KariAnn Lessner was born in Lansing, Michigan, but did most of her growing up in New Mexico. She studied at McMurry University in Abilene with a concentration in Christian education. KariAnn has served in four parishes in the Diocese of Texas since 1997, and currently serves on the Episcopal Diocese of Texas Formation Advisory Board and the Camp Allen Summer Camp Advisory Board.

In the past, she has served as the director of Y.E.S. (a diocesan middle-school retreat), as a convocational representative, and on the youth and children’s ministry assessment team of the diocese. She is also a Safeguarding God’s Children master trainer and directs Session E at Camp Allen. Her husband, Ron, and her daughters, Keatyn and Karsyn, enjoy cooking as a family and epic lip-sync battles in the kitchen. (Spatulas make great microphones!)

Listen to her podcast You Brew You here.

Marianna Parnas-Simpson is a graduate of the St. Petersburg Conservatory, Russia. She was the founder of KAMERTON, an award- winning St. Petersburg girls’ choir which she directed for ten years before coming to the United States. Since 1999 Ms. Simpson has been taught at Parker Elementary School, a Houston ISD magnet school for music, where she has developed the choral program from 30 to 250 students. In 2005 she was named Teacher of the Year. From 2008 to 2010 Ms. Simpson served as the Artistic Director of the American Boychoir summer program in Princeton, New Jersey

In 2006, Ms. Simpson founded the Treble Choir of Houston at Christ Church Cathedral. Her choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall and with the Houston Symphony Orchestra. They have been selected to perform for the Organization of American Kodaly Educators, the national convention of the American Guild of Organists and have received multiple invitations to perform at the national convention of the American Choral Directors Association and Texas Music Educators convention. Her choirs were made the finalists and awarded a 2nd place in the National American Prize Competition (Youth Choir Division).

Ms. Simpson is in demand as a clinician and guest conductor, offering masterclasses and conducting honor choirs throughout the United States and abroad. Additionally, she is a founding member of the Grammy © award-winning Houston Chamber Choir and has recorded six internationally distributed CD’s. The recent CD, CIRCLESONG, which featured Houston Chamber Choir and the Treble Choir of Houston, Marianna appeared in dual role: as the singers and conductor.

www.treblechoir.com

Marcia was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and is of Salvadorian descent. She is a cradle Episcopalian, and all her formation has taken place in the Diocese of Texas. Her passion for youth and young adult ministries has been rooted in her involvement in diocesan and national conferences around the church. Her focus for youth and young adult ministry has driven her to pursue her bachelor’s degree in psychology, which she plans on using to further excel her understanding in youth ministry. She also serves as the youngest and only Latina active member of the Standing Committee in the Diocese of Texas. She has a 11-year-old daughter, Jaylah, who brings so much light to her world. Marcia loves CrossFit, spending time with Jaylah, and listening to Salsa!

On December 1, 2016, Patrick Saccomanno joined the Office of the Dean staff as Minister for Finance and Audit/Controller for all Cathedral entities, including The Beacon and the Hines Center. He also serves as the Assistant Treasurer of the Cathedral and Treasurer of both The Beacon and Hines Center. A native Houstonian, Patrick received a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston, and began his career in public accounting at Arthur Young & Co. In the mid 1990s, after three years of study of philosophy at the University of St. Thomas with the idea of becoming a Catholic priest, Patrick pursued a different calling as the Controller for Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, his alma mater. Most recently, he has been the Controller for the Menil Foundation. For several years, he volunteered at Fatima House to help with its homeless ministry. He is excited and honored to be a part of Christ Church Cathedral to work and support its vital ministries.

Gerardo was born in Laredo, Texas and was raised in Houston. He has 20 years experience working in office services, purchasing and as an office supervisor. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family

Robert Simpson, AAGO, ChM, SMM, is Organist-Choirmaster at historic Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal), Houston, Texas, and Founder and Artistic Director of the Houston Chamber Choir. He also serves on the faculty of The Shepherd School of Music, Rice University, as Lecturer of Church Music. An honors graduate of Brown University, Mr. Simpson was a student of Robert Baker at The School of Sacred Music, Union Theological Seminary, and Michael Schneider at the Hochschule für Musik in Cologne, Germany. He has served as Adjunct Professor of Organ at Georgia State University and Senior Teaching Fellow at the University of Texas, Austin. Mr. Simpson earned the Associate and Choirmaster Certificates from the American Guild of Organists, receiving the S. Lewis Elmer Prize for attaining the highest test scores. He served as Vice Chair of the Standing Commission on Church Music for the Episcopal Church and on the Editorial Board of the African American hymnal Lift Every Voice and Sing II.

Claire Soard grew up in Arlington, Texas with her family. Being connected to a Christian community has always been a central part of her life. Claire attended Baylor University where she studied Social Work.

(Sic ‘Em, Bears!) Licensed as a Social Worker since 2004, she brings years of experience working with

faith and community-based organizations, including a residential group home, community center, and

churches. During the last eight years, Claire has spent time particularly focused on issues around trauma and suffering, as well as the foster care and adoption systems. She has served in volunteer and staff ministry positions in three Episcopal Churches in the Diocese of Texas. Claire has also been a collaborator with the Episcopal Health Foundation’s Congregational Engagement team since 2017.

Claire is married to The Rev. John Soard, and shares four beautiful, energetic children ages 9 to 13 with him, along with their dog who lives for the few cold days in Houston and a hamster who begs for sunflower seeds daily. Claire loves to run, read fantasy and science fiction, and drink iced coffee.

About her new position, Claire shared, “I am excited to join the ministry of the Cathedral as the Minister of Pastoral Care. I have enjoyed hearing about the good work already happening through this ministry and look forward to finding new ways to offer help and support. Life has hard seasons, sometimes many hard seasons, and I believe Jesus is with us. I look forward to getting to know the people of the Cathedral and finding the comfort of Jesus together.”

Originally from Arkansas, Wayne has called Houston home since 2005. A graduate of Henderson State University and the University of Houston, Wayne is a former choir member for St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and longtime member of the internationally acclaimed Houston Chamber Choir. With professional experience in education, digital media and music, Wayne is thrilled to join the Communications team of the beloved Cathedral community. In his spare time, he enjoys travel, copious attempts at scenic photography and polite company with friends.

Peggy Beltrami grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and moved to Houston in 1981. She has a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Phoenix. She has more than 15 years of accounting experience, having worked in a variety of industries before coming to work for the Cathedral in May 2013. This is her first position in a nonprofit organization. Peggy is the proud mother of one child, her son Tyler.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Mark moved to Houston in 2008. He received a Bachelor of Science in graphic design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 2005. Since graduating, he has worked as a designer serving regional and national clients. The proud father of three, he lives with his wife and children in southwest Houston. Mark also collects books and hosts a local book club.

Sylvia was born in Guatemala City and was raised here in Houston, TX. She has been attending the Episcopal church for her entire life. She used to be in the choir and a youth leader at Iglesia Episcopal San Mateo. She is currently attending University of Houston – main campus. She got married in September of 2019 to the love of her life, Juan Carlos Castellanos.

Lucy Chambers has been a member of the Cathedral since 1997. A confirmed bookworm, she graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in English (American Studies) and began working at Doubleday & Company as a reader in the Junior Literary Guild.

Moving to the General Trade division as an editorial assistant, she had the opportunity to work with many notable authors and editors and moonlighted as a book designer and a bookstore clerk at Shakespeare & Company before becoming an editor. As editor, she acquired and edited a wide range of authors and genres, conceptualized a New York Times bestseller, and wrote a children’s book before returning home to Houston to teach English at St. John’s School. Her career also includes experience as a literary agent, freelance writer and editor, and an early childhood teacher.

In 2008, she became a partner in Houston’s Bright Sky Press, and served as editorial director and then publisher until 2016.

A firm believer in the power of sharing stories to improve lives and a proud Houstonian, she is currently president of the Board of Writers in the Schools and is delighted to serve the Cathedral and the downtown community in this historic bookstore. She is married to Sam Chambers and they have two daughters, Alice and Sallie.

Visit the Cathedral Bookstore online.

Hear more of Mendeliz Group on YouTube.

Louise was born in Dallas and raised in Houston. She has 40 years of experience working as a human resources/office manager and executive assistant in the oil and gas industry, where she worked prior to joining the Cathedral staff in February of 2017. In her free time, Louise enjoys traveling and attending performances at Houston’s live theatre venues.

Hear more of Mendeliz Group on YouTube.

Ramona I. Sikes comes to Christ Church Cathedral as a Senior Accountant from First Methodist Houston. Born in Key West, Florida, Ramona grew up a “Navy brat.” She graduated both high school and college with highest honors. While at Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Alabama, she obtained a distinction as the “most outstanding student in the Fine Arts Department.” Ramona has found her life mission to serve Christ both personally and professionally. She has recorded two CDs, Only By Grace and Faithful Friend. She currently resides in Crosby with her husband, Tony. When she isn’t caring for stray animals, she finds herself spending time with friends and family.

Lisa Viktorin has worked with weddings since 2005 in different roles. After serving as a member of the Cathedral’s wedding guild for five years, she became the “Day of Wedding Coordinator.” In 2017, Lisa was asked to serve as the Cathedral’s Wedding Liaison. Lisa greatly enjoys working with couples and their families as they plan their weddings at Christ Church Cathedral. Lisa is a member of the Cathedral’s Altar Guild and coordinates flowers for Sunday services, Easter, Christmas, All Saints’ Day, Palm Sunday, and Thanksgiving. Recently, Lisa celebrated her twenty-fifth year with the Houston Independent School district, where she was a middle school science teacher for fifteen years and is currently an elementary school librarian.