What’s distinctive about your parish? What is your parish’s charism? Since its founding, St. Luke has been dedicated to outreach to the less fortunate both locally and globally. Because of the parishioners’ dedication to serving the poor, plans to build a physical church on the property had been postponed for more than 20 years and Mass was celebrated in the school gymnasium. For many years, the parish had supported the work of the St. Patrick’s Foundation in Kingston, Jamaica, and more recently the Archdiocese of Mandeville in Jamaica. The parish’s outreach committee receives funding requests from all over the globe and meets semiannually to disperse grants.
What’s the one unique thing visitors to your parish should do or see while there? The unique architecture of the parish church houses an incredible pipe organ which dominates the sanctuary. The Steiner-Reck, Opus 104 was dedicated in 1998 and has become symbolic of the parish’s passion for liturgical music.
Housed within the Chapel of the Most Blessed Sacrament is a unique triptych, the centerpiece of which depicts the Risen Lord breaking bread with his disciples at Emmaus on the evening of Easter Sunday. Images of our Blessed Lady and St. Luke flank the central image. The icon was “written” by Basil Lefchick of The Icon Studio in Washington and was installed in the chapel in 1998.
On the outside of the church is a massive sculpture depicting the crucified Christ. This sculpture, entitled “The Mystical Body of Christ,” was the handiwork of artist Muska Brzezinski and has been on display on the side of the church since 1984.
Is there a special way your parish encourages and supports faith formation? The newest ministry in the parish was instituted by one of our newest staff members. Dan Catalanotto was hired to fill the music director position at St. Luke, following the retirement of Paul Skevington who had been with the parish for 28 years. Danny has been a church musician for more than 40 years. He feels called to minister to participants in the music ministry “to be a part of providing them an outlet to give their gifts to God and each other in the church.” Upon arriving at St. Luke, Catalanotto formed an early childhood program — a “Cherub’s Program” — for children ages 4-6. The program provides a genuine music education while engaging parents as well. Ideally these children will grow out of the Cherub Program and into the children’s choir, better prepared to sing a higher order of repertoire. The children’s choir (also new to the parish) was begun with just a handful of singers who have been growing in the skills of singing technique, music reading and performing.
How are you supporting the faith journey of particular cultures represented in your parish? The parish has a number of prayer groups and Bible studies that are ongoing which assist parishioners of all ages to engage more deeply in their faith. There are numerous small groups meeting nearly every day of the week as we grow together in our journey of discipleship. Groups found their comradery to be especially helpful during the height of the pandemic when they would meet online.
In recent years a Mass on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe has been organized by a group of parishioners. With the addition of mariachis, the school and larger parish community are able to celebrate the patroness of the Americas in authentic fashion.
What would a visitor say about your parish, and how do new parishioners get involved? Visitors often comment on the welcoming atmosphere of the parish family. Our annual Ministry Fair showcases the many ways that a newcomer can get involved in St. Luke. There are activities for parishioners of all ages, from the Cherub music program for preschoolers to myriad youth events to our regular Wednesday senior luncheons.
What’s something we should know about your clergy? Though only assigned to St. Luke together in June of 2020, our pastor, Father Richard M. Guest, and our parochial vicar, Father Joseph F. Moschetto, have known each other for nearly 20 years. Father Moschetto attended St. Theresa Grade School when Father Guest was pastor there.
Is there a standout or longtime staff member or volunteer you’d like to tell us about? Our facilities manager, Roberto Rocabado has overseen the maintenance of the buildings and grounds at St. Luke for nearly three decades. He has an impeccable knowledge of the plant operations and is always ready and willing to offer a helping hand to anyone who needs it. Whether it is setting up tables and chairs or making sure the sound system is ready to go, parish groups know that they can count on him to make their meeting or event run smoothly.
Would you like to share anything else about your parish? Our parish school is currently flourishing under the leadership of our principal, Mrs. Tanya Salewski. Like other private and parochial schools, we were able to offer our youngsters in-person learning when others around us were not. Our outstanding academics taught by a stellar faculty and our fidelity to Church teaching have helped us to retain a strong student population even now that public schools have reopened. The school is marking its 60th anniversary this year.
St. Luke Church
7001 Georgetown Pike
McLean, VA 22101
703/356-1255
Website: saintlukemclean.org
Social Media: Facebook/Instagram @SaintLukeMcLean
Pastor: Fr. Richard M. Guest
Parochial Vicar: Fr. Joseph F. Moschetto
Mass Times: Monday-Friday, 6:45 a.m.; 9 a.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m., 5:30 p.m. (Vigil); Sunday 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Confession Times: Fridays, 9:30-10 a.m.; Saturdays, 4-5 p.m.
School: Preschool through eighth, 250 students
7005 Georgetown Pike, McLean
703/356-1508
stlukeschool.com
Principal: Tanya Salewski
Year Established: 1961
Total parishioners: 5,309
