What is your parish’s charism?
St. Anthony of Padua has a rich history dating back to 1921, when it became a mission of St. Mary Church in Alexandria, now the Basilica of St. Mary. After several years of growth in the area after World War II, St. Anthony’s was established in 1952 by Richmond Bishop Peter L. Ireton.
Through the sacraments, the liturgy, ministries, and faith formation opportunities, St. Anthony’s leads a wide range of cultural, economic, and educational populations to Christ. With a large Spanish-speaking population, St. Anthony’s hosts several apostolates, holds events and celebrates Mass in both English and Spanish.
What’s one thing visitors to your parish should do or see while there? Although the church building is quite large, it has an inviting, prayerful feel to it. People of faith stop in seeking peace and prayer throughout the day, particularly on Wednesdays (all day) and Friday evenings, when Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is offered. The church is open for prayer 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tell us about some of your parish ministries.
Contigo Youth Club, a dynamic new initiative for young people, grades 1-12, began at St. Anthony’s two years ago. The club offers creative ways for service, formation, and prayer with an emphasis on community, friendship, and belonging. A teen center, to complement the daily afterschool program and summer camp, will open this fall.
St. Anthony’s also hosts the Shekinah Youth Dance ministry, a multicultural dance ministry that helps girls and women realize their beauty and dignity as daughters of God through worship and praise.
Luncheons for senior citizens are held monthly, offering an opportunity for fellowship and friendship.
On Good Friday, Spanish-speaking parishioners reenact Christ’s passion and death through the live Stations of the Cross in the nearby Culmore neighborhood.
Is there a special way your parish encourages and supports faith formation?
Numerous prayer groups and ministries make it possible for parishioners to find support for living their Catholic faith in a smaller community setting. As well, St. Anthony’s invites anyone interested in the Catholic faith to participate in formation classes and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults as an opportunity to deepen understanding of the Catholic faith. The largest outreach of the parish is the Religious Education program, which offers catechesis in English and Spanish to a growing number of believers, youth and adults.
How are you supporting the faith journey of particular cultures represented in your parish? The prayer groups regularly offer retreat experiences and events featuring visiting priests and speakers from around the world. The focus of these growth opportunities ranges from conversion (kerygma), to healing, to liberation (Unbound/Liberado). There are several formation and ministry events for the Hispanic community including events, children’s catechesis, and daily and Sunday Masses celebrated in Spanish. The parish also provides English as a Second Language classes for parishioners.
What would a visitor say about your parish?
For generations, St. Anthony’s has been a home to newly arriving immigrants. Much like their patron saint, St. Anthony’s parishioners are strongly committed to glorifying God by publicly sharing their faith and serving others. A current focus of prayer in the parish is the intention of the well-being and safety of the surrounding neighborhoods facing challenges of poverty, drugs, and gangs. A recent Eucharistic Procession into the neighborhood emphasized these needs. From the homepage of our website, anyone can access St. Anthony’s Novena and other prayers.
What’s something we should know about your clergy?
The five priests serving the parish offer a special combination of the wisdom of years, youthful enthusiasm, and diversity of backgrounds. Father Matthew Zuberbueler, pastor, was ordained in 1996 by Arlington Bishop John R. Keating, and has served throughout the Arlington diocese, including Sacred Heart in Winchester, St. John Paul the Great High School in Potomac Shores, and St. Louis Church in Alexandria. Father Zinjin Iglesia and Father Miguel Valle serve as parochial vicars and Father David A. Whitestone and Father Augustine Owusu are priests in residence.
Quick facts
St. Anthony of Padua Church
3305 Glen Carlyn Rd.
Falls Church
703-820-7111
Website: stanthonyparish.org
Social media: facebook.com/stanthonyofpaduava and @stanthonychurchva on Instagram
Pastor name: Fr. Matthew Zuberbueler
Parochial vicars: Fr. Zinjin Iglesia, Fr. Miguel Valle
Priests in residence: Fr. David A. Whitestone, Fr. Augustine Owusu
Mass schedule: Sat.: 8:30 a.m.*; 4:30 p.m. (vigil); and 6 p.m. (vigil) (Spanish); Sun: 8:30 a.m.*; 11 a.m.; 1 p.m.* (Spanish); 3:30 p.m. (Spanish); and 5:30 p.m.; Mon.–Fri.: 7 a.m.*; noon; and 7 p.m.* (Spanish)
*Livestreamed on Facebook
Confession: Wed. and Fri.: 7:30 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m.; 3:30 p.m.; and 7 p.m.; Sun: 2:30 p.m.
Year established: 1921
Total parishioners: 4,854
St. Anthony of Padua School
3301 Glen Carlyn Rd.
Falls Church
Saintanthonyschoolva.org
703-820-7450
Pre-K-8
Student population: 271 students
Principal: Amy Fry
