Two Wheeling University Employees Join Catholic Faith During Mass at the Chapel of Mary and Joseph

April 13, 2026

Two Wheeling University Employees Join Catholic Faith During Mass at the Chapel of Mary and Joseph

WHEELING, W.Va., April 13 - Two members of the Wheeling University community, Men's Basketball Coach, Chris Richardson, and Director of Music, Robert Troeger, were fully received as members of the Catholic church on Sunday, April 12.

During the Mass, Father David Griffin, Director of Campus Ministry, presided over the religious process.

The two men had been participating in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) for several months, meeting regularly with Father Griffin to prepare them to be confirmed and to receive the Eucharist.

"New members are welcomed during the Easter season. Bishop Mark Brennan gave us approval to welcome Chris and Bob during this Mass at the chapel because of their affiliation with the University," Father Griffin said. "This was a true celebration."

Richardson explained, "This was a part of my life that hadn't been filled, yet. Finding a home in the Church has added greatly to my life already … The process and experience have been extremely rewarding. It's helped me to look at myself and my daily life through a more rigorous lens, helping me understand the importance of spiritual structure as a father and a leader. And most of all, it's brought me closer to God than I've ever been in my life. I know my relationship with God will only continue to grow."

"But in truth, it has been the people and the practice of the Faith that has made me decide to formalize and confirm. I have always been impressed by the enormity of this global Church, its limitless diversity, and its warm sense of belonging wherever one happens to be on this planet. I am blessed in recent years to have learned and studied the witness of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati whose life of sacrifice, duty, and dedication in the 20th Century has been more than an inspiration. And to say that I am delighted with the coming of Pope Leo goes without saying. I am making the choice to step inside, all the while knowing the way has been prepared and cleared for quite some time," Troeger said.

Members of the Wheeling University community and family were also present to celebrate the occasion. Following the Mass, a reception was held on campus for the families and all those who witnessed the celebration.

PHOTO CAPTION: Two members of the Wheeling University Robert Troeger (second from left) and Christopher Richardson (third from left) were received into the Catholic church Sunday, April 13. University President, Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D. (left) and Director of Campus Ministry, Father David Griffin (Right) welcomed the two men into the faith following Mass in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph.