What’s distinctive about your parish? What really stands out is how utterly vibrant the sacramental life is here. From young to old and every age in between, people are practicing the faith. Young families bring their children to daily Mass, and lines form regularly for confession. It is all the result of many years of work by clergy and laity.
Parishioners are imbued with the spirit of our patroness, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, whose spirituality of the “little way” has made her one of the most beloved saints. You can become a saint by doing small things with great love. It is very attractive to people. Her complete and unshakable trust in the love of God and her spirituality can be imitated and practiced by all souls, no matter their state in life.
What should visitors do or see while there? First, walk around to appreciate the size of the campus, including our playgrounds, basketball courts and an usual amount of acreage. The grounds have beautiful flowers and plants. As you enter the church, notice the etching to the left of the front doors taken from St. Theresa’s final words, “All for the love of the good God.” The church’s interior is beautifully multifaceted with lovely statues, handcarved stations of the cross and other opportunities for devotion.
Second, visit the adoration chapel located in the school building across the driveway from the main church. It is open 24 hours a day, including Sunday mornings, holidays and Christmas. People come all day. A web-based software program with text messaging helps adorers find substitutes when necessary.
Tell us about your parish ministries. At every age group, we have strong ministries.
The Knights of Columbus handyman crews complete small home repair projects for those who are physically unable to or with financial hardship. Since 2005, the Divine Mercy Outreach ministry has provided assistance to those in need, including rent and utility assistance, household goods and furniture and other support. Its annual consignment sale, held Sept. 30 this year, is one of the largest in Loudoun County. The St. Zelie Moms Group hosts social events for Catholic fellowship and is also working to bring together homeschooling families. Multiple Bible study groups are open to parishioners, and the Young at Heart Club hosts events for men and women 55 and older. People can learn more on the parish website by calling the parish office or attending a ministry fair with tabletop displays held in conjunction with our annual picnic in October.
What’s something we should know about your clergy? Father Paul L. Dudzinski, parochial vicar, studies philosophy and teaches at Holy Cross College near Notre Dame in Indiana. Father John F. O’Farrell, parochial vicar, is Philadelphia through and through and a big Eagles fan. Father Christopher T. Vaccaro, parochial vicar, is active in young adult ministry and the Associates of St. John Bosco, which supports high school graduates heading to college. Father James C. Hudgins, pastor, loves playing piano and guitar and studying foreign languages, most recently Russian.
Is there a standout or longtime staff member or volunteer you’d like to tell us about? Tom Balint, facilities coordinator, keeps the whole place running and the physical plant looking great.
What else should we know? Since its establishment in 1991, our parish has experienced rapid growth that continues today. Nearly 5,000 families are registered parishioners. Since it opened in 1994 with 150 students, St. Theresa School has expanded to two classes per grade and completed two building expansions. Now nearly 500 students are enrolled.
Quick facts
St. Theresa Church
21371 St. Theresa Lane
Ashburn, VA 20147
703-729-2287
Website: sainttheresaparish.com
Social media: facebook.com/sainttheresaashburn
Mass times
Saturday Vigil: 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m.; 12:30 p.m., 5 p.m.
Monday-Friday: 6:15 a.m., 8:30 a.m.
Monday, Wednesday and First Friday: 12:15 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m.
Confession
Wednesday: 9 a.m., 7 p.m. (during Holy Hour)
Saturday: 4 p.m.
Or by appointment.
Pastor: Fr. James C. Hudgins
Parochial vicars: Paul L. Dudzinski, John F. O’Farrell, Christopher T. Vaccaro
Deacons: Paul C. Konold, Matthew K. Noah, Anthony J. Renzette
Year established: 1991
Total parishioners: 14,693
St. Theresa School
21370 St. Theresa Lane
Ashburn, VA 20147
K-8
703-729-3577
Principal: Erin O’Malley
