What’s distinctive about your parish? Our parish is notable for both the historical significance of its early years as well as its rapid growth in recent years.
Sacred Heart of Jesus is the fourth oldest parish in the Arlington diocese, founded in 1870 after several years as a mission parish of St. Peter Church in Harpers Ferry, W.Va. Ours was the mother church for three mission churches that are standalone parishes today: St. John the Baptist in Front Royal; St. John Bosco in Woodstock; and St. Bridget of Ireland in Berryville.
Our parish, which encompasses all of Frederick County, has experienced rapid growth over the past decade-plus. The growth reflects Winchester’s rising economic prominence with the addition of several large manufacturers, an Amazon fulfillment center and an FBI data center. Total registered parishioners increased from 6,806 in 2011 to 10,150 this year — a surge of nearly 50 percent. Registered families jumped from 2,100 families in 2011, to 2,800 families in 2017, and again to 3,400 families in 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic added to the trend.
Tell us about your parish ministries. Our parish groups have come back from pandemic disruptions stronger than ever. There are more than 25 active groups and ministries offering opportunities for prayer, service, worship, study and friendship.
For example, the Knights of Columbus council meets to pray the rosary, maintains a soup kitchen and raises funds for children with intellectual disabilities (a campaign known as Kovar). The Cor Team regularly hosts a range of age-appropriate events and activities for middle schoolers, high schoolers and young adults. Summer at Sacred Heart, or SASH, provides engaging seasonal day camps for children ages 3-13, while also providing high school and college student instructors with a Catholic community and the opportunity for daily Mass, theology classes and adoration. SASH runs Monday-Friday for seven weeks during summer.
How else do parishioners grow deeper in their faith? For nearly 30 years, we have maintained perpetual Eucharistic adoration — pausing only Sundays 6 a.m.-7 p.m. During COVID, we positioned the Eucharist in the window of the rectory for people to drive up and venerate. Our parishioners’ dedication sustains this ministry, which is facilitated through a special website with text-based automation to facilitate substitute adorers when necessary. We celebrated the chapel’s 28th anniversary Aug. 22.
What should visitors see or do while at your parish? Every spring, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival attracts more than 250,000 people over 10 days. It is a prime occasion for visitors to explore Sacred Heart of Jesus. Next year will mark 100 years since the start of the festival, also known as the Bloom. While here, you should visit our Eucharistic adoration chapel. We also maintain a gift shop, open Sundays 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon and 6-9 p.m.
What’s something we should know about your clergy? Father Bjorn C. Lundberg, pastor, was a history major in college and enjoys sharing the parish’s past with new parishioners and visitors. Father Stephen Vaccaro, parochial vicar, has a sweet tooth and is a great evangelist, preacher and works with youth, young adults and families. Father Jerome W. Fasano retired here in Winchester and helps out a good deal. Recently, we were excited to welcome newly ordained Father Luke Poczatek, parochial vicar, who was one of 10 children in his family and has a sister who just entered religious life.
Quick facts
Sacred Heart of Jesus Church
130 Keating Dr.
Winchester, VA 22601
540/662-5858
Website: sacredheartwinchester.org
Social media: facebook.com/sacredheartwinchester
Mass times:
Saturday vigil: 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m. (Spanish), 5:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday: 7 a.m., 8:15 a.m.
Saturdays: 8:15 a.m.
Confession:
Wednesday: 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 4:30 p.m.
Sunday during all Masses, and by appointment.
Pastor: Fr. Bjorn Lundberg
Parochial vicars: Fr. Luke Poczatek, Fr. Stephen Vaccaro
Deacons: Mark R. Maines, Rich Vossler
Year established: 1870
Total parishioners: 10,150
Sacred Heart Academy
110 Keating Dr.
Winchester, VA 22601
540/662-7177
Principal: Anne Arias
