What’s distinctive about your parish?
The strong Catholic community that has developed around St. John the Baptist Church inspired many of our parishioners to move to this area specifically for the Catholic kinship and to raise their families in a supportive Catholic atmosphere. The fruit of this robust Christian community is an active, growing Catholic population and many religious vocations. In the past four years, St. John’s has hosted six First Masses of priestly sons of the parish.
What should visitors see while there?
The original 1884 church was built as one of the few memorial Catholic churches in the United States. It was built in memory of John Carrell Jenkins by his Baltimore family. This original church is a designated part of the Front Royal Historical District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Serving now as our Adoration Chapel, it is open to the faithful around the clock.
Inside our primary church (built in 1998) there are four life-size images of St. John the Baptist painted by Henry Wingate. These images represent St. John’s recognition of Christ at the Visitation, his birth, the baptism of Jesus and St. John’s martyrdom.
Other places of interest within our parish boundaries include Christendom College and the new Chapel of Christ the King in Front Royal, St. Dominic’s Monastery in Linden, and Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry.
What is a new ministry that you’ve started? Or, alternatively, share some recent activities of longstanding ministries
Over the past year, our social outreach programs have become more formalized, coordinating with other charitable organizations in the area. By publicizing charitable opportunities, parishioners help provide basic needs to the less fortunate. Additionally, we erected a Blessing Box on church property.
A longstanding ministry is our award-winning St. John’s Drama Club for teens. Established in 2008, it provides opportunities for teens to learn and enjoy dramatic presentations and bring to stage well-crafted family entertainment. Three shows per year are presented as well as an outdoor “Back from the Dead Cemetery Walk” featuring words of wisdom from the saints.
Is there a special way your parish encourages and supports faith formation?
The parish religious education program includes not only catechism classes for about 250 Spanish-speaking and English-speaking students but also faith formation for nearly 1,000 students who attend the seven independent Catholic academies and schools within our parish territory. The clergy actively visit these schools, oftentimes teaching classes, and the parish hosts retreats and other faith formation opportunities so that the students from the different schools are able to get to know one another.
How are you supporting the faith journey of particular cultures?
About 10 percent of the St. John the Baptist community is Hispanic, with an active participation in sacramental and liturgical activities. These activities, support and ministries are integrated under the pastoral care of two bilingual priests and one bilingual deacon.
What would a visitor say?
A visitor might be surprised by the numerous children abounding within our parish. When welcoming a new parishioner, our Welcome Committee provides a packet of information that includes local points of secular and religious interest and a booklet with contact information for all parish ministries.
Tell us about your clergy.
St. John’s three dedicated priests, Fathers Daniel Gee, Michael R. Duesterhaus and Tom K. Shepanzyk, are devoted to their parishioners — especially by making themselves available through the sacraments. Three dutiful deacons joyfully serve our parish as well: Rafael A. Goldsmith, Mark R. Jerge and Gerald Solitario. St. John’s is truly blessed by selfless and faithful clergy.
Is there a standout or longtime staff member or volunteer you’d like to tell us about?
For 37 years, Patty Sonak has been the administrative assistant to our priests, guiding St. John’s through many changes and much growth. Seen as the heart of the parish, she has worked tirelessly for the priests and people, taking a sincere interest in all aspects of the parish, and sharing in the joys and heartaches of all who pass through St. John’s.
Would you like to share anything else?
Nearly 700 parishioners participate in two annual processions from the church down Main Street of Front Royal: the Corpus Christi Procession and the Rosary Procession in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Quick facts
St. John the Baptist Church
120 West Main St.
Front Royal
540/635-3780
Website: Sjtb.org
Pastor: Fr. Daniel Gee
Parochial vicars: Fr. Michael R. Duesterhaus, Fr. Thomas K. Shepanzyk
Permanent Deacons: Rafael A. Goldsmith, Mark R. Jerge, Gerald Solitario
Mass Schedule:
Saturday vigil: 5 p.m.
Sunday: 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Spanish), 5 p.m.
Monday-Saturday: 8:30 a.m.
Monday-Friday: noon
Wednesday: 7 p.m. (Spanish)
Confession:
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Year established: 1884
Total parishioners: 1,400 families
Chelsea Academy
4 Family Life Ln.
Front Royal
540/635-0622
K-12
Headmaster: John M. DeJak
