Rector's Bible Study

The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata

The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata was called to be the eighth Rector of Saint Michael and All Angels in 2016. Previously, Chris served as Rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, as Associate Rector at St. Luke’s in Birmingham, as a seminarian at The National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and St. John’s in Chevy Chase, MD.

Bi-monthly, Chris writes a column for Katy Trail Weekly. These articles cover timely topics from gratitude and love to success and the future. In these columns, he uses a real-life personal example and turns it into something to ponder. On Wednesdays, Chris leads a Bible study titled Rector’s Bible Study that is also developed into a podcast. He has been leading these weekly classes since its inception in 2017.

Chris holds degrees from Stetson University, Emory University, the Virginia Theological Seminary, and his doctorate from Duke University. He is recognized as a leader in the Episcopal Church, presenting regularly at church-wide conferences, seminars and retreats, and the Episcopal Parish Network.

Chris is a native of Florida, a classically trained musician, and an amateur cook. He and his wife, Nicole, have three children: Brayden, Layna, and Annemarie.

Bhavnita Masih

Bhavnita Masih joined the Saint Michael staff in September of 2021. Bhavnita Masih is best described as an includer and encourager with a true servant’s heart. Bhav—which she will tell you “rhymes with love”—is passionate about connecting people, building bridges and bringing out the gifts in others.

Bhav considers herself a Texan through and through despite an early upbringing in England and Canada. Her family moved to west Texas in 1981 where she finished her early education. After high school, she moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas, earning her Bachelor’s in Speech Communication in 1995. Austin is also where she met her future husband, Neelesh. Neel and Bhav have been blessed with three children, Joshua, Rebekah, and Daniel.

Bhav is a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) with deep experience as an Executive Assistant, most recently working with executives at Interstate Batteries. In addition, she brings with her many years of ministry experience working with family and children’s ministry. In her downtime, her hobbies include painting, reading, organizing, and watching movies with her family.