What’s distinctive about your parish? What is your parish’s charism?
Following the example of its patron, St. Francis de Sales Church in Purcellville is committed to acts of service, generosity and evangelization.
The parish has a rich history that dates back more than 100 years. In 1919, Father Amadeus J. Van Ingelem founded St. Francis as a mission. As the community grew, in 1967, it became a parish of the Richmond diocese through an arrangement with the Capuchin Franciscan Friars of the New Jersey Province, who agreed to minister to the faithful, including 99 families at the time. That continued through 1997, when the parish welcomed its first diocesan pastor from the Arlington diocese, which the parish was now part of.
In 2021, St. Francis de Sales celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first church building’s dedication. Today the parish is home to more than 1,000 families. Throughout its history, the parish has exhibited reverence toward the sacraments and the natural beauty of the surrounding grounds.
What’s one unique thing visitors to your parish should see while there?
The cross on the church grounds facing Route 7. The sculpture is 33 feet tall, 22 feet wide and weighs 17,000 pounds. A carving in the form of Jesus allows observers to see through the sculpture during the day. At night, lights illuminate the shape of Christ’s body in the center. The statue was completed in 1992, the same year the current church was dedicated.
Tell us about your ministries.
Parish life abounds with ministry and event opportunities in which parishioners can participate. For example, St. Francis hosts Wine and Wisdom, a lecture series featuring guest speakers addressing topics such as the feminine genius, powerful women saints and deepening family bonds. The Women’s Catholic Book Club just kicked off its fall programming, with childcare available. In addition, we have an active Knights of Columbus council; That Man Is You men’s group; Trail Life, a Christ-centered ministry for boys; and a young adult group. One hallmark of these successful ministries is the frequency with which parishioners go to confession.
Is there a special way your parish encourages and supports faith formation?
The youth ministry team at St. Francis hosts a variety of events and programs intended to ignite the faith of children of all ages, including through MAC-PAC, which stands for Middle Schoolers Acting for Christ: Prayer Action Charity.
The Knights of Columbus recently led an initiative to install a reliquary cabinet in the St. Francis de Sales Chapel. Catholics can pray near and venerate the relics it houses. We invite parishioners to donate additional relics.
What would a visitor say about your parish?
Visitors and parishioners alike appreciate how St. Francis de Sales Church blends the charm of the countryside with a vibrant and growing community. All ages and seasons of life are welcome.
What’s something we should know about your clergy?
Father James R. Gould was appointed pastor in 2019. He was ordained May 9, 1981, by Bishop Thomas J. Welsh. He was diocesan director of vocations 1985-2000, and was pastor of St. Agnes Church in Arlington, St. Raymond of Peñafort Church in Springfield, and St. John the Evangelist in Warrenton. Since shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he leads a daily rosary, joined by Knights of Columbus, for an end to the killing in the conflict. Father Joseph R. Kenna was appointed parochial vicar earlier this year.
Quick Facts
St. Francis de Sales Church
37730 St. Francis Ct.
Purcellville
540-338-6381
Website: saintfrancisparish.org
Mass schedule: Sat. (vigil): 5 p.m.; Sun.: 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m. (traditional music), 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (contemporary music); Mon.-Thu.: 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.; Fri.: 6:30 a.m. and noon; Sat.: 9 a.m.
Confession: Fri.: 11 a.m.; Sat.: 8 a.m., 3:30 p.m.; Wed. 8 p.m.; Sundays 30 minutes before each Mass; and by appointment.
Eucharistic adoration: Fridays after noon Mass, overnight until the start of Saturday 9 a.m. Mass; Wed.: 7 p.m. during Holy Hour
Pastor: Fr. James R. Gould
Parochial vicar: Fr. Joseph R. Kenna
Deacon: Larry Hammel
Year established: 1921 (first church dedicated)
Total parishioners: 7,546
