Meet Our Staff
Rev. Ryan Mahar
Parochial Administrator
pastor@amadorcatholic.com
Fr. Ryan Mahar is originally from St. Patrick's Parish in Grass Valley. After graduating High School, he served in the United States Army before attending the Franciscan University of Steubenville. He discerned a vocation to the priesthood and entered formation for the Diocese of Sacramento, finishing his studies at Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon. After being ordained in 2020, he served as a Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph in Redding before serving these last few years as the Parochial Administrator of St. Paul in Knights Landing. He was appointed as Parochial Administrator of St. Katharine Drexel Parish on October 1, 2025.
​
Fr. Ryan also has a furry companion that you will probably encounter if you spend some time around the parish. She is a pure bred Alaskan Malamute who goes by the name Halo.
Rev. Mr. Ray Moreno
Deacon
deaconray@amadorcatholic.com
Ray Moreno was born in Stockton, CA and was raised in Manteca. This is where he lived until he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After serving in the first Gulf War, Ray married his high school sweetheart Carmen. They have two children, a daughter-in-law, and two beautiful granddaughters. He has worked in the electronics industry for over 25 years. Currently, he is the quality manager / project manager, but his true passion is spending time with his family, especially on a river or a lake. Ray first felt the call to the diaconate as a child, but it was not until 2018 when he answered that call. It was during this formation period that all his training as a catechist, youth ministries, and life experience started to make sense. In 2021, Ray moved with his wife Carmen to Amador County and joined St. Katharine Drexel Parish and looks forward to each day where he can work and serve with this wonderful community.
Ellen Waverly
Director of Family Life
familylife@amadorcatholic.com
Ellen Waverly was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska. A 1993 Forest Management graduate of Northern Arizona University, Ellen moved to California for a job with a large landowner in Mendocino County, where she eventually met her future husband Matt. In 2002, Ellen decided to leave forestry and pursued a Multiple Subject Credential through Dominican University, at the satellite campus in Ukiah, California. Following the completion of the program, she moved to Pioneer. She then began working as a teacher at Pioneer Elementary. She has also served in the parish as a Catechist for a number of years before taking on her current position. Ellen and Matt have two daughters, Mackenzie and Sarah. Ellen loves working with families and has a deep passion to help our young people come to know Christ.
Erica DeBenedet
Parish Secretary
office@amadorcatholic.com
Erica DeBenedet has been a parishioner at St. Katharine Drexel Parish since 2006. She and her husband, Steve, have two daughters, Hannah and Mia. Erica grew up in San Diego, and went to college at Humboldt State University, where she graduated with a degree in Biochemistry. After working for the County of Humboldt for six years, she became a stay-at-home mom, and the family moved to Amador County. Erica loves volunteering and continues to serve in different capacities with the ministries at SKD. She also loves coffee, board games, and traveling with her family. She looks forward to meeting you during your visit to the parish office!
Anna Blankenheim
Music Director
music@amadorcatholic.com
Anna Blankenheim attended the University of San Diego and received her degrees in Music and Communication Studies before moving to Amador County after meeting her husband, Mike. They recently celebrated the birth of their son. She works for Intel and runs a horse boarding business and loves spending time outdoors with all of her animals.
Beth McCarty
Bookkeeper
bookkeeper@amadorcatholic.com
Beth McCarty is the newest member of our Parish Staff and a joyful presence. She and her husband Joel have been members of the Parish since 2020.
Kirsten Lawrence
Discipleship Coordinator
discipleship@amadorcatholic.com
Kirsten Lawrence was born and raised in Manhattan Beach, CA and moved to Northern CA in 2007. She is married to Brian and their young daughter is Elizabeth. Kirsten is passionate about animals, the environment, education, and having fun with family and friends.
