World Cup imagery found its way into Father Jeb S. Donelan’s installation Mass, as he became the new pastor of St. Philip Church in Falls Church July 8.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge used the popular sport to illustrate the importance of teamwork, quoting Pope Leo XIV as he reminded Father Donelan and the parish community that success is never achieved alone.
“The successful team is the team that knows how to work together,” Bishop Burbidge told the packed church. He noted that Father Donelan is blessed with strong support at St. Philip, from Father Philip D. Briggs, parochial vicar, and Father Jamie R. Workman, in residence and diocesan vicar general, to a dedicated staff, committed colleagues and parishioners eager to help. “With God’s grace, if you rely on them, you will score many goals,” he added.
“We’re excited to have Father Donelan with us,” said Gay Cororaton, parishioner, usher, extraordinary minister and member of the parish council. “I can’t wait to work for him and support him,” she added.
The celebration drew a large crowd of St. Philip parishioners as well as members of Father Donelan’s former parishes, along with diocesan Cursillistas from the lay Catholic movement Cursillo.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge reminded Father Donelan that his ministry must be rooted in devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He praised the new pastor’s gifts, zeal and love for the church, but emphasized that these alone are not enough. “We are effective as pastors only when we rely on the Lord’s intimate love and divine mercy,” he said.
Bishop Burbidge said that prayer is the foundation of a priest’s life, calling daily time before the Blessed Sacrament “one of the most precious gifts a pastor can give his people,” the place where a priest finds the grace needed for pastoral and administrative responsibilities. He urged Father Donelan to keep his spiritual life his highest priority and encouraged him, as he began this new ministry, to reconsecrate himself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Bishop Burbidge also reflected on the nation’s 250th anniversary, calling it a reminder of God’s blessings throughout American history, especially the gift of freedom, and most importantly, religious liberty. The founders, he said, understood that a nation must allow its people to worship freely and bring their faith into public life without fear or intimidation. That freedom, he added, is needed now more than ever.
“Our country needs Jesus; our country needs his truth,” he said, urging Father Donelan to preach the Gospel boldly and without compromise. He asked everyone present to show courage as Virginia faces upcoming ballot initiatives that, he warned, threaten protections for the unborn and the sanctity of marriage. He also called on the new pastor to strengthen the parish’s ministries that serve those most in need, and he thanked parishioners for their generosity and goodness.
Father Donelan said he felt excited and humbled, moved especially by the bishop’s words and the strong support from the parish community. The message resonated deeply, he said, noting that he had chosen the Sacred Heart for his ordination holy card. The bishop’s emphasis on prayer “hit home.”
“I try to start my day with an hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament, so it was kind of confirming everything Bishop Burbidge was saying,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenges of pastoral life, but said he finds reassurance in placing the work in God’s hands. Serving now in his home community, he said he knows both the people and the challenges well. Taking on the role of pastor here for the first time, he added, brings much to learn and much to embrace.
Ordained by Bishop Paul S. Loverde June 11, 2011, Father Donelan served as parochial vicar at All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas, 2011; St. Anthony of Padua Church in Falls Church, 2014; and Good Shepherd Church in Alexandria, 2019. He later served as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Banica, Dominican Republic, 2021, before joining St. Bernadette in 2023.
