What is your parish’s charism? St. Francis de Sales is known for its intimate setting.
It is located in Kilmarnock, 125 miles from Arlington, a quaint town with a population of approximately 1,000. Despite the parish’s small size, parishioners are involved and committed to deepening their faith. Through the various ministries, activities and service opportunities, St. Francis de Sales is a lively community.
Tell us about your parish ministries. Some charitable efforts of the parish include a bereavement ministry, which prepares meals and comforts those in mourning (many drive long hours to arrive here for a funeral before driving back home); food drives that annually collect 4,000 pounds of food to distribute to the community; and a college scholarship program made possible through parish donations.
How does your parish support faith formation? The parish hosts weekly Bible study and RCIA classes, as well as AA meetings. The Knights of Columbus and Women of St. Francis are also active groups that meet regularly to foster community and development of faith.
How do new parishioners get involved? New parishioners can get involved by calling 804-435-1511, emailing [email protected] or by stopping by in person. The website offers information about various ministries and activities, but talking to parishioners already involved will help someone looking to increase their involvement to get a better understanding of the church community and culture.
What’s something we should know about your clergy? Before Father Michael T. Orlowsky, pastor, studied at seminary for the priesthood, he considered a career as an electrical engineer. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1993 and served at a variety of churches in other parts of Virginia before coming to St. Francis de Sales more than 10 years ago.
Would you like to share anything else about your parish? An effort unique to St. Francis de Sales is a women’s group that delivers a Virgin Mary statue to homes upon request. The parish also hosts a food pantry collection the last weekend of each month in the church vestibule to donate to food-insecure areas.
Our parish is also the mother church to St. Paul Mission in Hague, approximately 35 miles to the northwest, near the Potomac River.
Quick facts
St. Francis de Sales Church
154 E. Church St.
Kilmarnock
804-435-1511
Website: stfranciskilmarnock.org
Pastor: Fr. Michael T. Orlowsky
Mass schedule: Sat.: 5 p.m. (vigil); Sun.: 9 a.m., 11 a.m.; Mon.-Fri.: 9 a.m.
Confession: Wed.: 6 p.m.; Tues.: noon
Year established: 1966
Parishioners: 1,865 (incl. St. Paul Mission)
