What’s distinctive about your parish?
The 30-acre grounds of St. Michael Church in Annandale abound with reverence, peace and beauty. The grounds are home to a church, two school buildings, a rectory and a convent. Before the parish was formally established in 1953 by Richmond Bishop Peter L. Ireton, Mass was celebrated in the Annandale Elementary School’s cafeteria for 125 parishioners. The new church, which includes an octagonal structure and dome center, was dedicated in 1960 and allowed parishioners to face the celebrant with an unobstructed view. The stained glass dome center rests directly above the altar and shines in the evening.
What’s something visitors to your parish should do or see while there?
Statues of Mary, St. Michael, Our Lady of La Salette and St. Joseph embracing Jesus surround the church and invite moments of prayer and reflection while walking on the grounds.
What is a new or longstanding ministry?
This year we’re celebrating 40 years of perpetual adoration in the adoration chapel, where parishioners are welcome to pray and write down their intentions. A new ministry is Salt and Light, a community for young adults that invites fellowship and formation for parishioners ages 18-39. SALM has monthly Sunday gatherings and opportunities, including adoration with praise and worship, men’s and women’s Bible studies and speaker events. More information about SALM events can be found at @saltandlightyoungadults on Instagram or on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/frassatiannandale.
Is there a special way your parish encourages and supports faith formation?
St. Michael offers weekly adult Bible study throughout the year with a variety of topics including a deeper understanding of the Mass, finding the Bible in the Mass and Christ’s Passion. Formation materials come from sources including Word on Fire and Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minn. Bishop Robert Barron; St. Paul Center and Scott Hahn; and Ascension Press and Edward Sri. St. Michael offers the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, religious education for students in grades 1-12 and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for children ages 3-12.
What would a visitor say about your parish, and how do new parishioners get involved?
Possibilities for parishioners to get involved extend to all ages with opportunities to attend parish gatherings, formation events and contribute to the liturgy. Anyone is welcome to attend ministry, formation and service events.
What’s something we should know about your clergy?
Father Alexander R. Drummond was named pastor of St. Michael in 2016. He was ordained by Bishop John R. Keating in 1994 and was previously pastor of St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Great Falls. Fathers Michael J. Folmar and John F. Heisler serve as parochial vicars.
Quick facts
St. Michael Church
7401 St. Michael’s Ln.
Annandale
703-256-7822
Website: stmichaelannandale.org
Mass schedule: Sat. (vigil): 5 p.m.; Sun.: 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.; Mon.-Fri.: 8:30 a.m. and noon; Sat.: 8:30 a.m.
Confession: Sat.: 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Mon.-Fri.: 7:30-8 a.m., Wed.: 6:30 p.m.
Pastor name: Fr. Alexander R. Drummond
Parochial vicars: Fr. Michael J. Folmar, Fr. John F. Heisler
Deacon: Deacon David S. McCaffrey
Year established: 1953
Total parishioners: 2,695
St. Michael Catholic School
7401 St. Michael’s Ln.
Annandale
703-256-1222
Pre-K-8
Student population: 228 students
Principal: Annie Fernandez
