About St. Richard · Emporia, Virginia
St. Richard Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish located at 117 Laurel Street in Emporia, Virginia, situated in the south-central part of the state near the North Carolina border. Founded in 1940, the parish is part of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond (Deanery 9) and is currently served by Father Joker "Jong" R. Bayta, who also oversees the associated mission parish of St. Peter the Apostle on Lake Gaston. The parish celebrates Mass in both English and Spanish each week, offers a weekday Mass at Southern Virginia Medical Center, and is supported by an active Knights of Columbus council along with a variety of lay ministries, councils, and outreach programs serving Emporia and the surrounding Southside Virginia community.
- Established
- 1940
- Patron
- St. Richard of Chichester
- Rector
- Rev. Joker "Jong" R. Bayta
- Diocese
- Catholic Diocese of Richmond
Why belong here
St. Richard's offers a warm, bilingual Catholic community in Southside Virginia, with English and Spanish weekend Masses, weekday Mass at Southern Virginia Medical Center, and Sunday Rosary and Reconciliation before Mass. The parish runs a robust Religious Formation program for First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation, an active Knights of Columbus council, lay-led Pastoral and Finance Councils, Music Ministry, and Altar Ministry — and extends Christ's care beyond the parish through Prison Ministry at Lawrenceville Correctional Center and outreach at Southside Regional Medical Center. Visitors are welcomed personally by Father Jong, who gives a special blessing to those traveling through.
Mass times at St. Richard
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Sunday 10:00 AM (before Mass)
- By appointment
Welcome & Mission
St. Richard's website opens with a warm welcome from Father Jong: 'We welcome all visitors to come worship with us. Father Jong gives a special blessing to all who are traveling.' The parish's published mission statement reads: 'We, the Church of Saint Richard, have been anointed by Jesus Christ to continue His Mission. For us to participate in the mission of Jesus, we are challenged by the Gospel to a daily conversion to God, leading to spiritual growth and holiness. We invite others to join us at the Eucharistic table. Mindful of our neighbors, we will work to bring about a just and peaceful society. At every opportunity, we will work with other faith communities to further God's Kingdom.'
- Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Address: 117 Laurel Street, Emporia, VA 23847
- Parish ID #549, Catholic Diocese of Richmond, Deanery 9
The Sacraments
The parish outlines all seven Catholic sacraments on its website and provides a clear path to formation for children preparing for First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation through the Coordinator of Religious Education.
- Baptism
- Eucharist — formation classes required for children in 2nd grade or higher
- Confirmation
- Reconciliation
- Anointing of the Sick (upon request)
- Holy Orders
- Matrimony
- First Reconciliation / First Communion / Confirmation — contact John Holtkamp, Coordinator of Religious Education
- Parish Registration forms available through the parish office
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Religious Formation at St. Richard's prepares children for the sacraments of initiation and supports ongoing catechesis. John Holtkamp serves as Coordinator of Religious Education and can be reached by email. Pastoral Council leader Anayeli Verduzco-Rios is also listed as the parish's contact for Religious Formation.
- Coordinator of Religious Education: John Holtkamp
- Parish contact for Religious Formation: Anayeli Verduzco-Rios (434-368-8141)
Parish Staff & Volunteers
St. Richard's is served by a small team of clergy, staff, and lay volunteers. The parish encourages direct contact with its ministry leaders and welcomes inquiries through the church office.
- Pastor: Rev. Joker "Jong" R. Bayta — [email protected]
- Business Manager / Church Secretary & Bookkeeper: Elizabeth Martin — [email protected]
- Music Coordinator: Rocky Rodriguez (Assistants: Ramis Celedonia, Jeromil Enoc)
- Religious Formation (parish contact): Anayeli Verduzco-Rios
- Coordinator of Religious Education: John Holtkamp
- Altar Ministry: Stevie Thomas (434-634-6713)
- Family Service Advisor: Linda Adamos (434-774-9376)
Parish & Finance Councils
Lay leadership at St. Richard's is exercised through a Pastoral Council and a Finance Council, each chaired by a parishioner.
- Pastoral Council Chair: Anayeli Verduzco-Rios (434-368-8141)
- Finance Council Chair: Janet McKenzie (614-579-8185)
Music Ministry
Liturgical music at both English and Spanish Masses is coordinated by a music team under the direction of Rocky Rodriguez, supported by assistants Ramis Celedonia and Jeromil Enoc.
- Music Coordinator: Rocky Rodriguez
- Assistants: Ramis Celedonia, Jeromil Enoc
Knights of Columbus
St. Richard's hosts an active Knights of Columbus council. A published roster of officers for the 2024–2025 fraternal year shows the breadth of lay involvement in parish life through the order.
- Grand Knight: Mark
- Deputy Grand Knight: John
- Chancellor: Dave Thomas
- Recorder: Bobby
- Financial Secretary: Tom
- Advocate: Bob
- Warden: Paul Kurilla
- Guards: Inside — Tom; Outside — Richard Rumplik
- Trustees: Chuck Youse (1-year), Bobby (2-year), Wilson Youngblood, PGK (3-year)
- Past Grand Knights (*): Bob O'Neill, PGK; Bobby, PGK; Wilson Youngblood, PGK
Outreach & Special Ministries
Beyond its own walls, the parish maintains a presence at two correctional and medical institutions in Southside Virginia — an extension of its mission 'to bring about a just and peaceful society.'
- Prison Ministry: Lawrenceville Correctional Center
- Special Ministry: Southside Regional Medical Center
Father Jong — Pastor's Biography
Father Joker "Jong" R. Bayta became Pastor of St. Peter's and St. Richard's in August 2016. He was born in Del Rosario, Baao, Camarines Sur, Philippines on October 1, 1969. After attending Holy Rosary Major Seminary in Naga City, he was ordained to the Priesthood on August 31, 1996. Fr. Bayta served in parishes in Camarines Sur, Philippines in the Archdiocese of Caceres for over 17 years. His initial assignment in the Richmond Diocese was as Parochial Vicar at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Richmond, Virginia on August 15, 2013. Prior to being assigned to St. Richard's, he was serving as Pastor at St. Jerome's in Newport News, VA.
Contact & Location
The parish can be reached by phone, email, or in person during regular office hours. Visitors are encouraged to confirm Mass times directly with the parish before attending.
- Address: 117 Laurel Street, Emporia, VA 23847
- Parish Office: (434) 636-6277
- Rectory: (434) 636-7782
- Office email: [email protected]
- Pastor email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Website: http://www.strichardscatholicchurch.org/
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Joker "Jong" R. BaytaAugust 2016–present
Also Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle (Lake Gaston). Ordained August 31, 1996; previously Parochial Vicar at St. Edward the Confessor, Richmond (2013) and Pastor of St. Jerome's, Newport News.