Christine Socko, a parishioner of St. Lawrence Church in
Alexandria since 1972, has been part of the life of the church for nearly its
entire history. In her role on the welcome committee, she has introduced many
to the parish where she finds comfort.
Though she has welcomed many, she has also had to say goodbye to some,
including a member of the women’s group.
“When she died I went up to the church and cried, but felt at
peace,” she said. “We have a crucifix in the center of our sanctuary and it
comforted me to see that Jesus suffered, too, and suffered for me.”
Though May 20 is not a holiday, it is especially meaningful for Socko
and the church’s 4,194 parishioners who will mark five decades of prayer and
commitment that day. Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge will celebrate Mass
at 5 p.m. Msgr. Frank E. Mahler, founding pastor of St. Lawrence, will be the homilist.
Former clergy and pastors assigned to the parish will concelebrate, along with
priests whose vocations were fostered in the parish.
Socko joined St. Lawrence initially because of its close
proximity to her home, but that’s not why she stayed.
“It’s a traditional church,” she said. “I want intimacy with the
Lord and with the people. You get to know more people when the church is
smaller.”
Socko loves the interior space that seats parishioners in a
semicircle around the Eucharist.
She uses her experience in the church as a way to encourage
newcomers.
“I introduce them to the parish family so they feel like they
have a friend at church,” she said. “It’s a community.”
Herman Rollandini, a founding parishioner and parish finance
manager since 1989, said the parishioners are diverse and generous.
“I can never remember a time when there was a need that they didn’t
respond with help,” he said.
When Richmond Bishop John J. Russell established St. Lawrence in
1967, Mass was celebrated at Edison High School, less than 2 miles from the
church’s current location. The church was built in 1970. In 1992, Father
Franklyn M. McAfee, pastor, oversaw renovations. In 1998, a Communion rail and
tabernacle altar were added by Father William J. Erbacher, pastor. Rollandini
said the parish became one of the first to celebrate the 1962 Latin Mass in 2006.
It is celebrated every Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
The church, rectory and parish hall are set on 12 acres. The
parish hall eventually was named after Father Henry E. Hammond, the third
pastor. In honor of Father Hammond’s 50th jubilee as a priest, Father McAfee
planted a rose garden featuring Stations of the Cross and statues of Mary and the
Pietà. There is also a small statue of St. Fiacre, the patron saint of
gardeners.
Father Ronald J. Gripshover, current pastor, dedicated a
children’s prayer area in 2016. It was designed by Maria Horner, a senior at Saint
John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Dumfries. She was assisted by volunteers
helping with her American Heritage Girls Stars and Stripes project.
Rollandini appreciates the spirituality of the parishioners at St.
Lawrence. There are several devotions at the church, including a novena to Our
Lady of Perpetual Help on Mondays, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on
Wednesday and First Saturday devotions.
Socko finds comfort knowing the church is open during the day.
“It is a place of refuge.”
Anniversary celebration
The 50th anniversary Mass will be celebrated May 20 at 5
p.m. by Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. Msgr. Msgr. Frank E. Mahler,
founding pastor of St. Lawrence, will be the homilist.
