Tell us about your parish.
St. Raymond of Peñafort Church in Springfield was established in 1997 by Bishop John R. Keating with a house on Triple Ridge Road serving as the first rectory and a daily Mass chapel. In 2003, the parish broke ground on a new church, parish hall, library and rectory that stands today. The church was dedicated in 2006 by Bishop Paul S. Loverde. St. Raymond is home to more than 5,300 parishioners.
The physical beauty and traditional architecture, along with images of St. Raymond of Peñafort and the Blessed Virgin Mary in the church, encourage a prayerful atmosphere. The parish has a strong dedication to promoting reverence toward the Eucharist and the liturgical traditions of the church. The church is open weekdays 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. for prayer and meditation.
What’s something unique about the church? Several pieces of the detailed stained glass and artwork in the church date back more than a century and originally hail from now-closed churches in Pennsylvania and New York.
What is one of your longstanding ministries? The pro-life group at St. Raymond is extremely active, sponsoring various guest speakers, conferences, monthly baby item drives, the 40 Days for Life campaign, and participation in the annual National March for Life and Virginia March for Life. St. Raymond also partners with MaRiH Pregnancy Support Center in Alexandria and A Best Choice Mobile Ultrasound and Pregnancy Resource Center in Falls Church to support mothers, children, and families in the diocese.
How does your parish encourage faith formation? St. Raymond hosts regularly scheduled adult Bible studies centered on a different aspect of faith each year. Additionally, St. Raymond hosts numerous guest speakers for parish events. Past speakers include Cardinal Raymond L. Burke; San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone; pro-life advocates Lila Rose and Abby Johnson; Ken Cuccinelli, former Virginia attorney general; Ryan Anderson, president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center; and Janet Smith, former professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit.
What would a visitor say about your parish? Whether a visitor spent time in prayer, attended Mass, or participated in one of the many events, it would be clear that St. Raymond is a flourishing parish that strives to share the truth of Christ and his church. St. Raymond parishioners are strengthened by the witness of their patron, a 12th-century Spanish saint known for his teaching, writing, preaching and prodigious faith.
What’s something we should know about your clergy? Father John C. De Celles, pastor, was ordained in 1996 by Bishop Keating, and previously served as parochial vicar of St. Andrew the Apostle in Clifton; Blessed Sacrament and the Basilica of St. Mary parishes in Alexandria; St. James, Falls Church; and St. Michael, Annandale. Father Joseph D. Bergida is parochial vicar and Father Edward R. Horkan is in residence.
Quick facts
St. Raymond of Peñafort Church
8750 Pohick Rd.
Springfield
703-440-0535
Website: straymonds.org
Mass schedule: Sat. (vigil): 5 p.m.; Sun.: 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m.; Mon.-Fri.: 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.
Confession: Wed.: 6:15-7 p.m.; Sat.: 8-9 a.m., 3:30-5 p.m.
Eucharistic adoration: Wed.: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri.: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; First Fridays Nocturnal: Fri. 9 a.m.- Sat. 9 a.m.
Pastor: Fr. John C. De Celles
Parochial vicar: Fr. Joseph D. Bergida
In residence: Fr. Edward R. Horkan
Year established: 1997
Total parishioners: 5,424
