What’s distinctive about your parish? Corpus Christi officially opened its doors only two years ago. After celebrating Masses in public elementary schools and the cafeterias, gyms and auditoriums of local high schools for the past 21 years, having our church and stable home available to the faithful and community brought with it an energy from our devoted parishioners. The excitement and relief of having our own space has invigorated our members and motivated them into service. Corpus Christi is a younger parish with many young families. When you look around our congregation, you see and feel the longevity and legacy of faith being passed to new generations.
What’s the one unique thing visitors to your parish should do or see while there? We are very proud of the traditional architecture of our church. Although it is quite grand, with seating for more than 1,100 and a long center aisle worthy of a royal wedding, there is a very homey feel to our sacred space. And although it cannot be seen, our parish was gifted a first class relic of St. Peter that was installed in our altar prior to our church dedication in 2021.
Two other items of note in our space are our altar rail and a special kneeler. Our altar rail is a rare and exceptional antique rail from the recently closed, Gothic-style St. Peter Church in Hartford, Conn. The rail is comprised of marble, mahogany and polished brass. It spans more than 55 feet with four gates. The design details are reminiscent of the Garden of Eden.
For the sports fans, we have a kneeler that was used at the Washington Nationals Stadium Chapel. It is located in the side statuary alcove that houses a custom piece of artwork of Divine Mercy, painted by one of our parishioners.
What are some longstanding ministries at your parish? Our ministries have strong missions of outreach. Some of our most prolific groups are involved with local food pantries, a pro-life mission and the Gabriel Project. We also have a very productive Prayer Shawl ministry whose members create and donate shawls, blankets, hats and scarves to those in need and those in need of comfort due to sickness or loss.
Is there a special way your parish encourages and supports faith formation? Corpus Christi has a strong religious education program offering in-person and virtual instruction for our youths. We have a long history of large RCIA classes and offer a three-week class in the spring for our adult parishioners in need of the sacrament of confirmation.
We also have a dynamic Bible study program for adults, with classes offered during the day and in the evening in the fall and spring. These have been quite popular as a way for our members to continue to learn about and grow in our Catholic faith.
How are you supporting the faith journey of particular cultures represented in your parish? Corpus Christi has a large Couples for Christ chapter founded in the Philippines, and we host a Simbang Gabi Mass annually.
We are also blessed to have our newly assigned parochial vicar, Father Devaraju (Devan) Arockiasamy, who arrived this summer straight from his last assignment in India. The Aldie community has a large Indian population and having Father Devan here has brought comfort and familiarity to many.
What would a visitor say about your parish, and how do new parishioners get involved? It is our greatest hope that all visitors to our church feel welcome and at home. We educate our new parishioners on opportunities to get involved with our weekly ministry spotlight in our bulletin and with our weekly email blast of events and news.
What’s something we should know about your clergy? When it comes to our clergy, we cannot express enough their kind and steadfast nature. Father Michael G. Taylor, pastor, and Father Devan are gentle shepherds who guide with compassion, tradition and joyful intentionality.
Would you like to share anything else about your parish? Due to our beautiful setting and location in the midst of Virginia wine country, Corpus Christi has become popular for weddings. We are grateful to assist so many couples in getting their marriages blessed by the Catholic Church.
Quick Facts
Corpus Christi Church
41685 Corpus Christi Dr.
Aldie, VA 20105
703-378-1037
Website: corpuschristisr.org
Social media:
Facebook @Corpus Christi Catholic Church – Aldie, VA
Instagram @corpuschristi20105
Mass times
Saturday Vigil: 5 p.m.
Sunday: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m.
Monday – Saturday: 8:30 a.m.
Confession times
Saturday: 4-5 p.m.
Wednesday: 6-7 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m.-noon
Pastor name: Fr. Michael G. Taylor
Parochial vicar: Fr. Devaraju (Devan) Arockiasamy
Year established: Corpus Christi was established as a mission in 2005 and was named a parish in 2014.
Total parishioners: 5,711
