Father Christopher Pollard soon will leave the rural environs
of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish in Orange for New York City.
He will be an attaché to Archbishop Celestino
Migliore, the permanent observer of the Holy See to the
United Nations.
The Vatican’s permanent observer represents the Holy See at
the U.N. as a non-voting member. Non-voting, permanent
observer status is a voluntary designation the Holy See chose
to maintain absolute neutrality in various diplomatic and
political issues. The Holy See represents the Vatican City
State internationally at such venues as the Organization of
American States and the European Community. The Holy See also
maintains diplomatic relations with 177 countries.
Archbishop Migliore holds diplomatic rank as apostolic
nuncio. Father Pollard will be one of five priests at the
nunciature. Two are serving as attaché, each with a
different function. He will be personal secretary to
Archbishop Migliore.
Father Pollard attended public elementary schools in
Annandale and Fairfax and graduated from Bishop Ireton High
School in Alexandria in 1989. He was a National Merit Scholar
at Bishop Ireton and received the Brent Youth Award in 1989.
Father Pollard received a bachelor’s in philosophy from the
University of Chicago in 1992, and he holds a master’s in
catechetics from the Notre Dame Graduate School of
Christendom College and a licentiate in philosophy from
Catholic University in Washington. Father Pollard earned a
licentiate in sacred theology at the Pontifical Gregorian
University in Rome, while at the North American College.
After his ordination to the priesthood in 1998, his first
assignment was as parochial vicar at St. Mark Church in
Vienna. In 2002, Father Pollard became parochial vicar of St.
Agnes Church in Arlington. He became parochial vicar of St.
John the Baptist in Front Royal in 2006 and the parochial
administrator at St. Isidore the Farmer this year.
Father Pollard said it will be difficult leaving parish life,
but he is looking forward to the challenge.
“I was just getting used to being in charge of a parish. I am
getting more and more excited about the work that awaits me,”
he said.
Not hearing confessions or saying Mass for his own
parishioners is going to be strange at first he said. It’s
also the first time since he was ordained that he won’t have
an RCIA program or confirmation class “to terrorize.” But he
hopes to continue many parish duties in New York.
“I anticipate finding a nearby parish where I will offer my
daily Mass and make a Holy Hour. And if there is a pastor
willing to let me hear confessions, all the better,” said
Father Pollard.
Father Pollard will assume his new duties in mid-October and
hopes Our Lady of Fatima will take special care of him in his
new role.
