St. Francis de Sales Church in Purcellville, a lovely structure with a tall bell tower, is nestled in a peaceful setting surrounded by parcels of open land and a section of woods. The white building has a cathedral ceiling and large, clear windows that let in a lot of natural light. This spacious atmosphere is reflected in the parishioners’ spirituality.

"They are very friendly, outgoing and warm," said Msgr. Tom Cassidy, pastor for the last five years. Members come forward readily to help at the parish, he said. "It’s a fine group of people. A lot of them are involved in outreach programs."

At the edge of the property stands the "Crux Gloria," a 33-foot steel cross that is a local landmark. It is a striking Christian reminder to passersby on a semi-rural stretch of Route 7. Liturgical artist Tomas Fernandez, a former parishioner, launched his career when he created the cross. Its design has become the parish’s emblem and is printed on the bulletins and stationery.

The once-small parish is now up to 1,225 families, said Msgr. Cassidy. More than 700 children are in the CCD program. Classes are held at the nearby Loudoun Valley High School, where the parish rents 27 classrooms.

St. Francis de Sales Parish has nearly three dozen ministries. These include an adult Bible study, a weekly prayer group and a parish nursing program.

Comprised of several lay people who are professional nurses, the nursing program is "motivated by the notion of stewardship"; sharing of time and talent, Msgr. Cassidy said. The nurses are available for health care education, blood pressure screenings and to consult with families about illnesses.

The parish has six music groups, whose repertoire ranges from contemporary pieces to older, traditional Catholic hymns. "They’re good groups; they work hard," said Msgr. Cassidy. "I think a lot of people are attracted to the parish because of the good liturgies," he said. Plans for the future include possibly hiring a staff member to lead the parish music ministry.

Every Sunday evening a Teen Faith Mass is celebrated for the youths. Currently the church is half full for the event, drawing about 250 people each week.

"The kids are responding well to it," he said. The parish is currently looking for a new youth minister, as former youth minister Michael Camp recently departed to take a campus ministry position at a southern Virginia college.

Earlier this month, 47 youths with eight adult chaperones went to North Carolina for a WorkCamp, where they repaired homes for the needy. Msgr. Cassidy said this parish program has also grown tremendously since he arrived, having increased about sevenfold.

"That’s very encouraging," he said. "It’s a good experience for them."

St. Francis de Sales Parish was originally a mission of St. James Parish in Falls Church, said Msgr. Cassidy. On the first Sunday of the month, a priest would take the train out to Purcellville to celebrate Mass for the few county Catholics.

Constructed in 1921, the original church held about 100 people. It was funded by the Ball family and constructed on their property on Main Street. In 1967, Capuchin friars from the order’s New Jersey Province began staffing St. Francis de Sales, when it was designated an independent parish.

"The Franciscans laid a very good groundwork here," said Msgr. Cassidy.

The current church was built in 1992, and the parish recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its dedication. "I think the parishioners did a marvelous job in paying off the debt as quickly as they did" in eight years, said Msgr. Cassidy.

Dottie Gessner has been a member of the parish since 1960 when she and her husband, Richard, moved into the area. When they arrived at the parish 43 years ago, it was a mission of St. John Parish in Leesburg and had 40 families. At that time, adult men, including Richard, served as acolytes. Later, the Gessner’s two sons, also served at altar.

The couple renewed their wedding vows at the parish chapel for their 50th anniversary a few years ago. Dottie said that Msgr. Cassidy was very helpful to them during Richard’s illness, and to her after he died in January.

Over the years, Dottie has served as a catechist, as a Eucharistic minister and on the parish council. Currently, she is involved in the Ministry of Praise, a 43-commissioned member apostolate that prays for parishioners needs. She is also part of the Padre Pio Cenacle, a lay group associated with the Marian movement of priests. She said she has also enjoyed the enriching adult education which the parish has offered.

Since coming to St. Francis de Sales Parish, Gessner has been impressed that "the Holy Spirit has been so actively present," she said. "Lives have been changed then and are continuing to be changed."

In western Loudoun County, the parish is located in one of the fastest growing areas in the nation. Msgr. Cassidy said that when he arrived at St. Francis in 1997, there were 838 families registered. Since that time, the parish has been adding almost 100 families a year, he said. The two privately owned farms that border the parish property, running along both sides of St. Francis Court, have recently been sold to developers.

Msgr. Cassidy said that one of the changes which have occurred during his tenure is the formation of a parish Pastoral Council.

"Their main concern is to look at programs that are needed in the parish" for all ages, he said. "We need to expand and are planning an additional building, but it’s unclear as to whether or not it would be a parish religious education center or later become a school." The parish is currently undertaking a feasibility study for the later construction. Because of its rural location, the current and future buildings are dependent on septic field availability, he said.

Hannah Brown has been a member of the parish since 1967, when her family moved into the area. Prior to that time, they had attended Mass there during the summer and holidays. Their home in Waterford, more than 12 miles from the church, has been in the family for over 200 years and played a part in the Catholic history of Loudoun County. Browne lives at there with her sisters Katherine and Violet. They were joined by their older sister, Mary, until her death a few years ago.

Since her arrival, Brown has been a member of the parish women’s council. She has helped with the renowned annual Antique Show and Sale, which raises funds for the parish, since it began in the early 1970s. She has also assisted at the council’s other activities including bazaars, benefits for Birthright (a pro-life crisis pregnancy center), beautifying the parish grounds, retreats, yard sales and seasonal events. She also taught CCD.

"I’ve seen this parish really grow and have seen a few different pastors" serve the parish. She appreciates the fact that her family has been part of the parish for more than 35 years.

"The people are all wonderful and the pastors have been great," she said, describing the parishioners as "very spiritual; some very devout."

At A Glance

St. Francis de Sales Parish

37730 St. Francis Ct.

Purcellville, Va. 20132-9600

540/338-6381, 6399

Pastor: Msgr. Thomas Cassidy

Parochial Vicar: Fr. Stephen Leva

Mass Schedule:

Sat.: 5 p.m.

Sun.: 7, 8:30, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 6 p.m. (teen Mass)

Weekdays: Mon., Tues, Weds., 9 a.m.; Tues. and Thurs., 6:30 a.m.; Fri., noon

DRE: Rebecca Sparks-LaPointe

YM: vacant

Parish Founded: 1967

Deanery: III

Parish Boundaries: Covers the northwest section of Loudoun County. Eastern boundary begins at the junction of the Potomac River, U.S. 15 and Rte. 672. Follow Rte. 672 west and south, continue south on Rts. 663, 681, 662, 704 and 729 until it intersects Beaverdam Creek Fork. Follow Beaverdam Creek Fork west to intersection with Rte. 734, north on 734 to Rte. 630, continue west on Rts, 630, 700 and 756 to Rte. 719, south on Rte. 719 to Trappe and the Clarke County line.