Images and symbols of the Holy Trinity are infused throughout the Gainesville church founded in its honor. Sunlight streams through a large stained-glass window in the narthex; a bronze statue of the Holy Family, a reflection of Trinitarian love, faces Linton Hall Road; and rafters form the shape of a shamrock, the leaf said to have been used by St. Patrick to explain the doctrine of the Trinity.

And just as the art and architecture of the church affirm this mystery of the Faith — that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are three divine persons who are one divine being — so, too, do Holy Trinity parishioners, whose distinct gifts blend to create a unified community.

Founded June 27, 2001, Holy Trinity parishioners attribute much of the parish’s vibrancy and unity to its founding pastor, Father Francis J. Peffley. After years of leadership and service, which included overseeing the construction of the church, dedicated Feb. 2, 2008, Father Peffley stepped down as pastor last October. He was reassigned as parochial vicar of St. John the Apostle Parish in Leesburg, and Father Thomas P. Vander Woude took the helm.

Father Vander Woude is assisted by Father Jerry A. Wooton, parochial vicar; Father James R. Shelton, in residence; and Deacon Jake Henry.

It has been a smooth transition between pastors, according to Annette Wilowatyj, a longtime parishioner who has served as secretary for both priests.

“Both men have a very deep spirituality,” she said. “They are very prayerful and holy. They have different styles, but what matters is the same.”

Parishioner Lisa Yost agreed, adding that their pastoral care was “never about them.”

“They are both wonderful and Christ-centered,” she said.

The second-newest parish in the diocese, Holy Trinity was established to ease overcrowding at All Saints Parish in Manassas and St. Stephen the Martyr Parish in Middleburg. Before the 1,200-seat church was built on the 21.3 acres of parish property, Sunday Mass was celebrated at Brentsville District High School in Nokesville, and daily Mass was offered at the Benedictine Monastery in Bristow.

The new church is a “beautiful building that says, Come on in,” said Yost. “It shows God’s presence with beauty but also a welcoming sense.”

Along with the Trinitarian theme, Wilowatyj said Father Peffley had a great eye for detail and his vision created an aesthetically rich space that elevates the spirit.

Wilowatyj recalled a mother telling her, “Even when the kids are distracted in church, there are so many symbols for them to feel closer to God.”

Eight Masses are celebrated each weekend, including a Spanish vigil Mass and a well-attended traditional Latin Mass.

According to parishioner Kimberly Dalrymple, Holy Trinity is a traditional and devout parish, one where the Faith permeates people’s lives.

Such immersion in the spiritual is evident in the 65 parish ministries that strengthen parishioners’ faith and cultivate a spirit of service. Many ministries are held in one of the 10 classrooms adjacent to the church and the parish office.

Read how Holy Trinity Boy Scouts tackle world hunger.

New ministries include a support group for those with a serious illness and their family and caregivers.

“The area is so transient it can be hard to connect,” said Wilowatyj. “But with so many ministries, it’s easy to plug into a group, which range from the social to the spiritual.”

The hustle and bustle, however, is centered on living Christ in the world.

“It’s a beautiful parish with so many active, helpful people,” said Father Vander Woude, whose family attends Holy Trinity. “But it’s never activity for activity sake,” he added.

Read about Father Vander Woude's heroic father here.

A parish library and Special Treasures book and gift shop help parishioners — and anyone who stops in — live holier lives.

Special Treasures sells bracelets, crucifixes, religious cards and CDs on Catholicism.

The library has thousands of books and is one of the largest in the diocese, according to Yost, who runs it. Books on topics that range from apologetics to the Eucharist, Mary to the Mass, are available for check out. A large number were donated by Father Peffley, said Yost.

Along with a mix of faith–based and social activities, there’s also “a really nice blend of young, old and in-between,” and friendships are intergenerational, Wilowatyj said.

Even if some young parishioners don’t have grandparents nearby, they have adopted ones at the parish, she said.

There’s a growing Hispanic community and an active Filipino presence, according to Wilowatyj. The last diocesan Simbang Gabi Mass, a Filipino tradition, was celebrated by Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde at the parish in December.

“I love the diversity, especially for the kids,” said Wilowatyj. “The kids grow up not even thinking about someone’s race. I’ve never been in a parish that was this active and diverse, it’s very exciting.”

Adding to the diversity are about 140 home-schooling families, Father Vander Woude estimates.

Dalrymple, who home-schools, said Holy Trinity provides families “a very rich environment” whether they educate their children at home or send them to a nearby school, often All Saints or Holy Family in Dale City.

Plans for the future include building a school on parish property and a rectory for the priests, who now live at a nearby house.

Father Vander Woude said a family dynamic exists in the parish itself, created in part because people often cross paths through various ministries. He said that it’s also “the way Father Peffley set this place up.”

“People had a sense that they weren’t a number, they were actually known,” said Father Vander Woude. There was a core group of families who attended Mass at the high school and monastery and that close dynamic has continued and spread over the last decade, he said.

What’s also spread is a sense that a community of different races, ages and interests is bound by their love of Christ and the Church.

And the result is that parishioners radiate the Gospel beyond their families and church walls.

Father Vander Woude said Blessed John Paul II believed the faithful would change the culture through music, recreation and art.

“There’s a sense that’s going on here,” he said.

Quick facts
Holy Trinity Church
8213 Linton Hall Rd.
Gainesville, Va. 20155
703/753-6700

Pastor: Fr. Thomas P. Vander Woude
Parochial vicar: Fr. Jerry A. Wooton
Deacon: Jake Henry
In residence: Fr. James R. Shelton
DRE: Michele Leary

Mass Schedule:
Sat.: 9 a.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Spanish vigil
Sun.: 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (extraordinary form of the Roman rite), 5 p.m.
Weekdays: 9 a.m.
Mon., Wed.: 6:30 a.m.

Thur.: 7 p.m.

First Fridays: 7:30 p.m.

Parishioners: 12,470