What’s distinctive about your parish? Each of the 16 stained-glass windows throughout the church are worth a closer look. Three large windows in the narthex greet parishioners as they enter. A large rose window is behind the altar and the remaining 12 are evenly divided on the right and left as visitors face the altar.
In addition to depicting Scripture passages and lives of the saints, many windows also incorporate Virginia life. Small likenesses of nearby Holy Cross Abbey and the San Damiano Retreat Center’s chapel can be seen in windows depicting the Good Shepherd and St. Francis of Assisi, respectively. A window illustrating the Annunciation includes a white post — a nod to the namesake Virginia town where legend holds the young surveyor George Washington set the post to mark the village’s crossroads. In another, our parish patroness holds a model of our chapel, with her namesake cross in the corner, and one of the Barns of Rose Hill, a performing arts center in historic Berryville, can be seen in the distance. “The Windows of St. Bridget’s,” a booklet with pictures and descriptions of every window, is available in the parish office.
What is your parish’s charism? We’re a small parish of approximately 560 families. We have always had a communal feel.
Our ushers greet people as they enter the church and often seek out new faces to welcome them. People find a home here quickly. Berryville is a rural area, and people are down to earth.
What would a visitor to the parish say? People like to take advantage of the parish’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Skyline Drive, Antietam National Battlefield and Harper’s Ferry, W. Va., because it is so quiet: a small building that offers intimacy in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Many visitors appreciate the church’s blend of modern amenities (it was dedicated in 2002 by Bishop Paul S. Loverde), traditional design and gothic architecture. Driving toward the church or leaving after Mass, a large statue of St. Bridget of Ireland, holding her namesake cross in one hand and a church in the other, commands one’s attention.
What’s new with your parish ministries? We recently hosted our third annual July Fourth picnic, which drew hundreds of parishioners for fellowship, food and great views of the Berryville fireworks display. A new Mardi Gras fundraiser was successful enough to spark interest in bringing it back in 2024. Last year, a special collection supported completion of a water reclamation project in Uganda, sparked by our friendship with Father Deogratias SSemaluulu, a priest visiting from the nation. More than 500 people came when we hosted the traveling Treasures of the Church relics exhibit last year.
How do you support faith formation? One of the benefits of being a small parish is that catechumens can meet one-on-one with Father Paul Grankauskas, pastor, and Calvin Smith, our faith formation director, who was previously a Methodist pastor before becoming Catholic and has brought tremendous energy to our evangelization.
What should we know about your clergy? Father Grankauskas enjoys riding roller coasters and is a movie buff. He’s known to sprinkle movie references into homilies to connect with parishioners.
Is there a standout or longtime staff member or volunteer you’d like to tell us about? Our sacristan, Becky Jackson. Becky is a parish veteran, sings in the choir, keeps everything running smoothly and knows everyone in town.
Quick facts
St. Bridget of Ireland Church
1024 W. Main St.
Berryville, VA 22611
540/277-2943
Website: stbridgetberryville.org
Pastor: Fr. Paul Grankauskas
Mass schedule:
Saturday vigil: 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m., noon
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: noon
Wednesday, Saturday: 9 a.m.
Confession:
Monday: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturday: 4-5 p.m.
Year established: 1999
Total parishioners: 1,130
