St. Ambrose Church parishioners enthusiastically welcomed Father John O’Donohue as their new pastor during a pastor installation Mass, July 20 in Annandale.
Father O’Donohue’s arrival marks a transition for St. Ambrose parishioners, but it is one that comes with a sense of familiarity for some. Having previously served at Holy Spirit Church, also in Annandale, the new pastor enters a community where some members already know him and his ministry.
“We were overjoyed to hear that he would be our new pastor,” said Marine Corps veteran and longtime parishioner Raphael Nkurunziza. Nkurunziza said his shared Marine background with Father O’Donohue gave him another reason to celebrate, noting that Marines are known for their discipline.
During his homily, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge spoke of another kind of discipline: a pastor’s commitment to a life of prayer.
“We cannot exercise our pastoral ministry unless it is rooted in Christ,” he said.
“I’m sure tonight, you renew that commitment to rely on the infinite love and divine mercy of Jesus. Precious gifts that flow from his Sacred Heart,” Bishop Burbidge added. “I always think that probably the best gift a pastor can give to his parishioners is that time that he spends alone with the Lord every day before the Blessed Sacrament.”
Father O’Donohue said the bishop’s “beautiful message” resonated with him. He said he sees his assignment to St. Ambrose as God’s will. “Whenever the bishop assigns you some place, you know it’s God’s will,” he said, adding that one of his main tasks is to continue the good work of the previous pastor, saying that there are so many active groups in the parish.
Bishop Burbidge also highlighted Father O’Donohue’s “great love for the Catholic school,” referring to his previous service as parochial vicar and administrator at Holy Spirit School. The new pastor echoed the bishop’s remarks, adding that “the bishop loves Catholic education, and part of my mission is to support the school and to help it flourish.”
Michael Coss, a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus who helped lead the Mass procession, said many parishioners were already familiar with Father O’Donohue from his years at Holy Spirit Church. Upon hearing that Father O’Donohue would be the new pastor, “There was great excitement,” Coss said. “Many of us, in proximity to Holy Spirit, we knew him and we were excited to have him come join our parish.”
Coss added, “We are so blessed to be here at St. Ambrose and we’re especially happy to be able to continue our faith and ministries and a new pastor to lead us.”
Since his ordination by Bishop Paul S. Loverde June 10, 2000, Father O’Donohue has served in several parish assignments throughout the Arlington diocese. His ministry began at Holy Spirit Church, where he served as parochial vicar in 2000. He later served at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Arlington in 2003 and oversaw St. Paul Mission in Hague in 2007 before returning to Holy Spirit in Annandale, first as parochial administrator in 2012 and then as pastor in 2014.
Pariseau is a freelancer in Falls Church.
