What’s distinctive about your parish? Our parish history is remarkable, and its evolution over the years reflects the growth of Northern Virginia in a number of ways.
The old St. Mary’s church, dedicated in 1860, witnessed a number of Civil War skirmishes and was where wounded from the Second Battle of Manassas were treated. Clara Barton was among those administering care, and the experience inspired her to create a civilian society that became the American Red Cross. A plaque on the parish grounds honors her heroism. The cemetery grounds surrounding the church includes the remains of many 19th-century Catholics and is still in use.
What is your parish’s charism? The parish’s greatest charisms today are education and social ministry.
Our beautiful new church, dedicated in 2020, is not only a space for worship and the sacraments but also a place for catechesis. It educates and uplifts people as they enter the church. Large, stained-glass windows above the altar depict the seven sorrows of Mary. Another series of stained-glass windows along the nave continue telling Our Lady’s story. On the right, as you face the sanctuary, are illustrations of her prefiguring in the Old Testament. Opposite those are depictions of their fulfillment in the New Testament. Our excellent, award-winning preschool attracts a number of families to the parish as well.
Our growing food pantry is representative of the parish’s dedication to social ministry. During the pandemic, volunteers expanded it from a 6’ x 8’ storage unit to a classroom-sized space in the parish center. Donations go to support our work with Fairfax County government entities, A Woman’s Choice pregnancy resource center, Catholic Charities Christ House in Alexandria and others. We try to dedicate 10 percent of our parish income to supporting charities recommended by parishioners each year, with a portion of that going to missions abroad.
What’s something visitors to your parish should do or see while there? Visit the new church and take a booklet from the narthex that explains the catechetical elements throughout the building. Don’t leave without seeing the historic church and surrounding cemetery, which are located approximately two miles from the present-day church. On the cemetery grounds is a grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes with an altar and seating for prayer and reflection. Every Memorial Day holiday, a priest celebrates Mass there and blesses the graves afterward.
What is a new ministry that you’ve started? Some parishioners started gathering one Saturday each month to attend the 5 p.m. vigil Mass followed by a dinner party to watch and discuss an episode of the TV series “The Chosen.” Our That Man is You program has expanded, and we support more than 25 different Scripture study groups.
Is there a special way your parish encourages and supports faith formation? Daily Eucharistic adoration is at the center of our faith formation. Adorers participate Monday through Friday following the 9:15 a.m. Mass and until 7 p.m.
We host a monthly anointing of the sick service in the church on the fourth Sunday of the month, following the 11:30 a.m. Mass. It draws up to 40 people. Volunteers knit shawls for the sick, praying for them as they knit, and then the shawls are blessed and presented at the service.
How are you supporting the faith journey of particular cultures represented in your parish? We host Mass for the Ghanaian community on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Our Filipino community is active in Couples for Christ and celebrates Simbang Gabi each year. Amigos in Cristo sponsors a scholarship to help a young Hispanic member of the parish attend college, and a Spanish-language Legion of Mary recently launched to complement the longstanding English legion. The annual International Night celebration of different cultures is popular.
What’s something we should know about your clergy? Father James S. Barkett, pastor, attended Florida State University before going into the seminary and enjoys a good cup of coffee. Father Keith D. Cummings, parochial vicar, worked in New York City finance and traveled extensively for years before giving it all up to become a priest. He likes good coffee and colorful religious socks. Father Francis J. Peffley, parochial vicar, can juggle as he recites the catechism, is active with the Legion of Mary and maintains a YouTube channel on many Catholic subjects.
Deacons Nicholas LaDuca, David Maurer and Jeffrey Meyers do so much for our parish, including taking Communion to the sick, assisting with baptism classes, supporting RCIA education and offering talks throughout the year.
Would you like to share anything else? While Northern Virginia is a transient area with people coming and going, it is striking how many people remain at this parish for a long time. They are passionate about their faith and the parish. A couple of years ago, many of them contributed to “Why I go to Mass,” a compilation of spiritual reflections that is available on our parish website and Amazon.
The parish’s annual Labor Day picnic celebration draws more than 10,000 people annually, and is considered the oldest outdoor social function in Fairfax County. It originated as a Fourth of July celebration at the old church in the 1870s.
Quick facts
St. Mary of Sorrows Church
10500 Zion Dr.
Fairfax
703-978-4141
Website: stmaryofsorrows.org
Pastor: Fr. James S. Barkett
Parochial vicars: Fr. Keith D. Cummings, Fr. Francis J. Peffley
Deacons: Nicholas LaDuca, David Maurer and Jeffrey Meyers
Mass schedule: Sat. (vigil): 5 p.m.; Sun: 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (Ghanaian community) and 5 p.m.; Mon.-Fri.: 6:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m.; Sat.: 9:15 a.m.
Confession: Sat.: 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Mon.: 10-10:30 a.m. and Wed: 6:30-7 p.m.
Year established: 1858
Total parishioners: 2,500+ families
St. Mary’s Preschool
5222 Sideburn Rd.
Fairfax
Ages 3-5
Director: Michelle Huber
