What’s distinctive about your parish? What is your parish’s charism? With more than 50 active ministries, Holy Spirit is a highly engaged parish that has ongoing programs for grade schoolers through seniors.
What’s the one unique thing visitors to your parish should do or see while there? With the completion of the new narthex, we were able to locate the new baptismal font to the main entrance. It is located under a beautiful cupola/dome. Floating above the font is a custom-carved Holy Spirit dove descending upon the newly baptized.
What is a new ministry that you’ve started? The Young Adults Ministry was started last year. It fills the void for those who have aged out of Youth Ministry. They do a variety of activities and social gatherings and the ministry has been very well received.
Is there a special way your parish encourages and supports faith formation? Our weekly Bible study series has proven to be very popular. Starting with just 20 attending, we have grown to more than 60 participants both in person and online.
How are you supporting the faith journey of particular cultures represented in your parish? We have a diverse group of cultures represented in our parish. By actively approaching those from other cultures to be engaged in our liturgical ministries, we have added members to the extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist and lectors from Brazil, France, Ghana, Guam, Malaysia, the U.K., Vietnam and other countries. We are also fortunate to have the Eritrean community based at our church. Father Hagos Haile leads the congregation and it has been an opportunity for his members to socialize at the picnic and other events with our parishioners. Soon, we look forward to welcoming Father Ignatius Agure from the Diocese of Mamfe in Cameroon to serve as our new parochial vicar upon his arrival in the United States.
What would a visitor say about your parish, and how do new parishioners get involved? A visitor would find us welcoming with an outreach to join a ministry. The annual parish picnic has become a major neighborhood event for both parishioners and non-parishioners alike. It is a chance for others in the community to get to know us.
What’s something we should know about your clergy? We are fortunate that Father John M. O’Donohue was first with us as a new parochial vicar shortly after he was ordained a priest in 2000 for several years. Then in 2012, he returned as pastor. Beloved by all, he has seen us through a number of changes — including the COVID-19 pandemic, the redesign of the sanctuary and the construction of the narthex — with a steady hand, and kind, calming, and holy demeanor.
Is there a standout or longtime staff member or volunteer you’d like to tell us about? Tom Kennedy is a longtime parishioner along with his wife, Jean. Tom doesn’t just wait to sign up for a program or event that needs assistance. Rather, he actively looks for ways to engage in opportunities and assist in the needs of the parish. He is what we would call a super volunteer. Cheryl Hutchison started with us more than 10 years ago as a secretary. She has steadily progressed in her responsibilities and is now our office manager. Cheryl is the friendly face and voice that callers and visitors first encounter, welcoming those interested in joining the parish.
Would you like to share anything else about your parish? We are encouraged by the continued return of parishioners, new parishioners and those “just checking us out” that combined draw more than 2,000 people to our six weekend Masses.
Quick facts
Holy Spirit Church
5121 Woodland Way
Annandale, Va. 22003
703-978-8074
Website: holyspiritchurch.us
Mass schedule: Saturday vigil: 5:30 p.m.; Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon and 6 p.m.; Monday-Friday: 6:30 a.m., 9 a.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m.
Confession: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 7-8 p.m. (with Eucharistic adoration); Tuesday and Thursday: 6 a.m., 8:30 a.m.; Saturday: 3:30 p.m.
Pastor: Fr. John M. O’Donohue
Parochial vicars: Fr. Ignatius Agure, Fr. Jordan M. Willard
Deacons: Malcolm D’Souza, Tom Grodek
Year established: 1964
Total parishioners: 7,400
Holy Spirit School
Pre-K to 8th grade
8800 Braddock Rd.
Annandale, Va. 22003
703-978-7117
Principal: Maureen Ashby
