Father Gregory S. Thompson received a warm welcome at his new parish at Sacred Heart Church in Manassas. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated the first-time pastor’s installation Mass with nine concelebrants July 13.
Just before his homily, Bishop Burbidge formally presented the parish’s new pastor to his flock. “Father Thompson, may you always serve the faithful of Sacred Heart Parish with zeal, fidelity and sincere devotion so that all people may come to know Jesus Christ, our only true high priest and shepherd,” he said.
The packed church erupted into a lengthy applause. Bishop Burbidge turned to Father Thompson. “That’s a good sign, then,” he joked.
In his homily, the bishop reminded parishioners that these new changes are all part of God’s plan. “As we install your new pastor this evening, we’re not here by some sort of chance or coincidence. This is part of God’s divine plan for Father Thompson and your parish,” he said. He thanked Father Thompson for his continual “yes” to serving God throughout his priesthood.
“The rite of installation reflects, in a very pure way, the unity of a pastor and bishop and the bond that we share,” Bishop Burbidge said. “Tonight is also an occasion for me, since the pastor’s ministry is an extension of my ministry, to renew my affection and passionate concern for all of you here, parishioners of Sacred Heart.”
Addressing Father Thompson, Bishop Burbidge reminded him that “you bring many talents and gifts, experiences and expertise to this ministry as pastor — many gifts. And yet, you know that they are never enough.” Rather, rely fully on Christ’s love and mercy and spend time before the Blessed Sacrament every day, he added. “I often think that the best gift that a pastor gives to his parishioners is that time he spends each day with the Lord,” he said.
Father Thompson led his new congregation in praying the Nicene Creed. He then turned to Bishop Burbidge and made an oath of fidelity, promising to remain steadfast to church teaching and to submit to the church magisterium.
Parishioners, priests and family of Father Thompson gathered in the parish hall for a reception following Mass. Longtime parishioner and former mayor of Haymarket Jack Kapp said Bishop Burbidge’s description of Father Thompson impressed him. “We’re really looking forward to having him as our pastor,” he said.
Parishioners describe Sacred Heart as a welcoming parish bursting with life and ministries. “We have a lot of outreach,” Kapp said. Mary Braun, who helps run the parish’s clothing pantry, described the community as “very caring and generous with time and talents.” She said she was touched by Father Thompson and his willingness “to get to know his parish, and (he’s) very interested in how he can support us — very friendly and fantastic.”
Father Thompson said that the first few weeks after arriving at the parish are “like drinking out of a fire hose because you have to learn so many things.” But even during this brief time, he said he’s seen the Lord working through his new ministry. “I can tell this is where the Lord wants me, just by the reception of the people. It’s a real humbling experience.”
He said his goal is to make parishioners feel at home in the parish. “Trying to draw people closer to Christ through the sacraments and prayer — that’s really what I’m focused on.”
Bishop Paul S. Loverde ordained Father Thompson to the priesthood June 10, 2006. He served as parochial vicar of All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas, 2006, and St. John the Beloved Church in McLean, 2011. He was assigned chaplain and assistant principal of Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, with residence at St. James Church in Falls Church, in 2014. Since 2022, he has served as parochial vicar of St. Louis Church in Alexandria.
Donofrio can be reached at [email protected].
