What is your parish’s charism? Service and generosity — across the street and around the world — in the spirit of Jesus’ words in Matthew’s Gospel: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
At home, parishioners work behind the scenes on parish events and serve the community in many ways, such as by providing food donations to those in need. Beyond Northern Virginia, our Knights of Columbus build new homes for low-income families in Appalachia, and our partnership with Food For The Poor through Operation Starfish in Haiti has supported the construction of 1,500 homes and the completion of water treatment projects in 13 villages.
This charism of service leads to a very welcoming and giving atmosphere in our parish.
What should visitors see while at your parish? After visiting the church, stop by the parish office to say hello. Our gift shop is typically open after the weekday morning Masses, the noon Mass on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass. Don’t leave without visiting the new Our Lady of Fatima grotto, across the parking lot from the church, near Old Keene Mill Road. It is surrounded by large crosses marking the stations of Christ’s passion and benches for prayerful reflection.
Tell us about your parish ministries. Our large religious education program, supervised by the Handmaids of Reparation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, an Italian order of sisters, and our parish school minister to the many families in the parish. The youth ministry engages middle and high school students. A marriage enrichment ministry supports couples growing in faith together, as does our family ministry for parents and children. In addition, we have service ministries, prayer groups, Bible studies, a young adult ministry and liturgical ministries. After Sunday morning Masses, we host fellowship over coffee and donuts, which is a great place to introduce yourself and learn more about parish activities and ministries.
Is there a special way your parish encourages and supports faith formation? The welcoming environment at Nativity allows people to feel comfortable to seek out ways to learn more about the faith. Sisters Donatella Merulla and Mary Attilla Todaro direct religious education and come out regularly to greet the children and parents, some of whom attended classes here in their youth. Feeling welcomed in a community opens the door to asking questions and engaging with the faith on a deeper level.
What’s something we should know about your clergy? Father Robert C. Cilinski is in his 10th year as pastor. He enjoys sports and was founder and captain of the “Earthen Vessels,” a basketball team of diocesan priests who, for years, played as many as 15 games per season against teams of diocesan high school faculty, CYO coaches and Knights of Columbus, among others. Father Edward J. Bresnahan, parochial vicar, has a joyful enthusiasm and great culinary skills. Father Jonathan “Tony” A. Bennett, parochial vicar, was ordained last year and loves fishing and the outdoors. Augustinian Father Cedric P. Wilson, assisting priest, leads our ministry to Spanish-speaking parishioners, has two doctorate degrees and teaches at Northern Virginia Community College. Deacon Richard F. Kelly coordinates eight different Bible studies and has served here with his wife, Joyce, long enough that the couple has grandchildren attending the parish school. Our parish celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, recalling the words of Father Frank J. Ready, founding pastor: “As you go into your future, do not be afraid. The Holy Spirit will guide you.”
Quick facts
Nativity Catholic Church
6400 Nativity Ln.
Burke
703-455-2400
Website: nativityburke.org
Pastor: Fr. Robert C. Cilinski
Parochial vicars: Fr. Jonathan “Tony” A. Bennett, Fr. Edward J. Bresnahan
Assisting priest: Fr. Cedric P. Wilson
Deacon: Richard F. Kelly
Mass schedule: Sat. (vigil): 5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish); Sun.: 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Mon.-Fri.: 7:30 a.m.; Tues. and Thurs.: 12 p.m.; Sat.: 9 a.m.
Confession: Sat. 3:30-4:30 p.m., and by appointment.
Year established: 1973
Total parishioners: 16,841
Nativity School
6398 Nativity Ln.
Burke
703-455-2300
Pre-K-8
Principal: Maria Kelly
