What’s distinctive about your parish? What is your parish’s charism? Peace and good. Franciscan spirituality — the crib, cross and the holy Eucharist — is our focus. The parish is oriented toward the celebration of the Eucharist and prayer as a faith community, and how the fruits of prayer lead us to living out the works of mercy. Following the example of St. Francis of Assisi’s celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus, the parish celebrates with the display of the Fontanini Nativity scene (Dec. 25–Jan. 30).
What’s the one unique thing visitors to your parish should do or see while there? Depending upon the liturgical time of the year, visitors are invited to reflect on the Franciscan mystery of the Stations of the Cross in the stained-glass windows; the mystery of Jesus’ suffering as they pray before the large crucifix over the altar; the mystery of the Incarnation with the beauty of the 30-piece Fontanini Nativity scene (Christmastime); and the rotation of tapestry, banners and art.
What is a new ministry that the parish has started? Or, alternatively, share some recent activities of longstanding ministries. Each September (with the exception of the COVID-19 years), parishioners are invited to the parish BBQ for fellowship, good food, getting to know other parishioners, and opportunities to share their faith and ministries. This year, we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the BBQ.
The new ministries established in the parish are: That Man Is You, Walking with Purpose and Middle School Ministry.
A longstanding ministry is the Ladies’ Society, which facilitates an annual craft fair, backpack lunches for local elementary school students, meals for the Embry Rucker Shelter for the homeless and purchasing of the baptismal gowns and candles for parish baptisms.
Each fall, the men and women of the parish are invited to a directed retreat at two different retreat centers.
Is there a special way your parish encourages and supports faith formation? Faith formation at the parish goes beyond religious education to include the six foundations of catechesis shared by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, National Catechetical Directory and General Catechetical Directory. The six foundations are knowledge of faith; liturgical education; social justice/outreach and moral formation; teaching prayer; community life; and missionary spirit. These foundations go beyond education by forming one’s entire life. We encourage each parishioner to develop an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ.
As followers of Christ and St. Francis of Assisi, we remain open to the grace of lifelong conversion (“metanoia”).
What would a visitor say about your parish, and how do new parishioners get involved? A visitor would appreciate the simplicity of the church and its natural lighting. They would be welcomed by the sight of the new baptismal font and ambry, where the holy oils including sacred chrism are stored. They would experience the Franciscan hospitality of the friars and parishioners. New parishioners are welcomed with a personal note from the pastor and contacted by members of the parish advisory council. They are introduced to the various ministries that welcome their participation.
What’s something we should know about your clergy? Our priests embrace their Franciscan charism and enjoy their life in fraternity. They are with the heart of the church, prayerful, reverent and good homilists. Father Thomas Bourque, pastor, can be found being introduced to Catholic podcasts from Father David Dodd, parochial vicar, discovering new cooking recipes, how to find time to visit the ocean beaches and all things Massachusetts. Father David is engaged in “The Bible in a Year” podcast, preparing for Tough Mudder athletic events, enjoying being a new uncle and all things Nashville. Father Matthew Russick, parochial vicar, can be found reconnecting with parishioners from his earlier days at the parish, engaged with our Hispanic parishioners and all things Michigan. Father Pat Whittle can be found providing example to our friars in formation, enjoying his visits to Wawa, celebrating the successful defense of his doctoral dissertation/thesis and all things Philadelphia.
Is there a standout or longtime staff member or volunteer you’d like to tell us about? The extraordinary minsters of holy Communion visit the sick and homebound to share the gifts of holy Communion, prayer, fellowship and attentive listening. Hung and Loan Tran have visited many parishioners in assisted living and coordinated volunteers to help with those visits.
Quick Facts:
St. Joseph Church
750 Peachtree St.
Herndon
703/880-4300
Website: sjcherndon.org
Social media: Facebook @facebook.com/stjosephherndon
Pastor: Fr. Thomas Bourque, TOR
Parochial Vicars: Fr. David Dodd, TOR, and Fr. Matthew Russick, TOR
Weekend Assistant: Fr. Pat Whittle, TOR
Director of Faith Formation: Reyes Ruiz
Director of Youth Ministry: Stephen Paquette
Mass Schedule:
Monday-Friday: 6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. (Mass at 9 a.m. only on federal holidays)
Saturday: 8 a.m., 5 p.m. (vigil).
Sunday: 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. (Spanish), 5 p.m.
First Friday: 7:30 p.m. (Mass) – followed by nocturnal adoration (Friday, 8 p.m. – Saturday, 7:45 a.m.)
Year established: 1944 as a parish and 1925 as a mission church of St. James Church
Total parishioners: 7,353
St. Joseph School
750 Peachtree St., Herndon
Herndon
703/880-4350
Sjschoolva.org
K-8
Principal: Denise Rutledge
Assistant Principal: Lisa Carson
Year established: 1944 as a parish and 1925 as a mission church of St. James Church
Total parishioners: 7,353
