'Whatever We Can Do to Help' at St. Lawrence Parish

By Mary Frances McCarthy
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the issue of 11/14/02)

St. Lawrence Church in Alexandria is located "outside the beltway, but close enough to hear it," according to Father Christopher Mould, pastor. Located in Franconia, the church is only minutes from the interstate.

In September the parish celebrated its 35^th anniversary at the annual parish picnic held on the church grounds. Father Mould said it was an "enormously good time."

Although there are a lot of people who move in and out of the parish, there are also a lot who have stayed. Many still remember celebrating Mass at Edison High School. Carroll Stim, the sacristan at St. Lawrence, said, "We’re blessed to have a lot of people who’ve been here forever."

On June 3, 1967 the parish was established by Bishop John Russell of the Diocese of Richmond. The founding pastor was Msgr. Frank E. Mahler, who is now parochial vicar at St. James Parish in Falls Church. The original 400 families celebrated Mass at Edison High School before the construction of the church was completed.

The church, rectory and church hall were all finished by 1970. The church hall was later named after the third pastor of the church, Father Henry Hammond.

The church hall serves many purposes, and Father Mould says that it is almost always in use. The many different clubs and service organizations at the parish use the hall for meetings and socials. Religious education classes are held there three nights a week.

James Drennan has been the director of religious education for three years. Father Mould says that Drennan is a "treasurer of knowledge of the faith." There are currently 213 students enrolled in religious education.

In 1992, the church was renovated under the direction of Father Franklin M. McAfee, the fourth pastor. He had marble added to the interior of the church where there was previously only brick and wood. Father McAfee is now pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Great Falls.

Father William Erbacher, the fifth pastor, added the tabernacle altar and the altar rail when he came to St. Lawrence.

Father Terrance Staples served as administrator for a year before Father Mould came to the church. Father Staples is now parochial vicar at St. Luke Parish in McLean.

Father Mould came to St. Lawrence last June from St. Mary in Fredericksburg. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1988.

Father Ben Opara was sent to St. Lawrence about a year ago from St. Anthony in Falls Church where he resided for six years. He says that St. Lawrence is "a very prayerful parish."

Father Mould describes the people of the parish as being very devout. He says that at St. Lawrence there is a "good family spirit of helpfulness, generosity and willingness to pitch in."

The parishioners are involved in many different groups to help the church and their community. The third Sunday of the month is Share Sunday. The parishioners bring food, money and clothing to donate to local charities.

The Legion of Mary has been serving the parish since 1975 by visiting the sick, holding rosary services in retirement communities and helping with religious education.

The Knights of Columbus also make their presence known in the church. They hold a breakfast on the first Sunday of every month and offer other opportunities for fellowship throughout the year. Father Mould says that they respond to any request for help by saying, "Whatever you want Father."

In fact, Father Mould said, all the parishioners respond saying, "Whatever we can do to help."

The priests are just as willing as the parishioners to pitch in. Inova recently opened an emergency health clinic in Alexandria and Father Mould and Father Ben often attend to patients there.

Father Mould cites high attendance at Mass every Sunday as another way that his parishioners show their devotion. Every Wednesday there is day-long adoration following the 9 a.m. Mass and ending with a well-attended public holy hour at 7:30 p.m.

The three buildings of the church are surrounded by beautiful rose gardens and statues. The first rose garden, containing a statue of Mary, was planted by Father McAfee in honor of his parents. The gardens offer another location of retreat and reflection for the prayerful members of the parish. The roses are lovingly cared for by Tien Vu, the parish maintenance director.

The willingness of individuals to help can be traced back to the beginnings of the parish. Father Mould said that Msgr. Mahler likes to joke about how he asked Carroll Stim to water some plants once, and she’s been helping the church in every way she can ever since. Stim is now the sacristan, and unofficial historian of the parish. She has been a member of the parish since it was formed in 1967.

At a Glance

St. Lawrence Church

703/971-4378

Rectory:

6222 Franconia Rd.

703/971-5363

Administrator: Rev. Christopher J. Mould

In Residence: Rev. Benedict M. Opara

Mass Schedule:

Saturday: 9 a.m.; 5 p.m. (Vigil Mass)

Sunday: 7:30, 9, 11 a.m.

Weekdays: 9 a.m.

Holy Days 6:30, 9 a.m.; 12 Noon, 7:15 p.m.

Confession: Wednesday: 7:15 p.m.; Saturday: 3:30 p.m.

DRE: James H. Drennan

Parishioners: 3,764

Parish Founded: 1967

Boundaries: Beginning at I-395 and Beltway (I-495)—East along Beltway to Bush Hill Dr.—South on Bush Hill Dr. to Franconia Rd.—continue south on Rose Hill Dr. to Telegraph Rd. (Rte. 611)—West on Telegraph to US 1—West on US 1 and Pohick Rd. to I-395—North on I-395 to Beltway.

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