What’s distinctive about your parish? The only Catholic church in Stafford County, the clergy and staff at St. William of York have the privilege of serving two nursing homes, one prison and one hospital in addition to nearly 5,000 parishioners.
What’s something visitors to your parish should do or see while there? The parish has a newly renovated grotto honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. Located at the south end of the parking lot, visitors are encouraged to notice the attention and detail that went into the renovation. Students and staff from the parish school often join in devotional prayer around the grotto, including Our Lady of Guadalupe’s feast day (Dec. 12).
Tell us about your parish ministries. Our broad range of ministries available serve all ages. A Catholic Youth Organization, an altar boy guild, a Legion of Mary and Knights of Columbus Father Widmer Council are some of our most active ministries. The adult choir welcomes all comers, no audition necessary, to pray and sing during Mass and participate in outreach events throughout the parish. Income from our volunteer-staffed Thrift Store is used to provide food and donations to community members in need of support. Our active youth ministry meets weekly hosting events and service opportunities in addition to religious education classes for younger parishioners. Our Knights host Donut Sundays, pot-luck dinners, Lenten Fish Frys and numerous other opportunities for parish fellowship.
Is there a special way your parish encourages and supports faith formation? The parish offers weekly RCIA classes for adults who wish to join the Catholic Church and for practicing Catholics who simply want to learn more about their faith. St. William of York also provides a robust religious education program. This eight-year comprehensive program is not merely a sacraments program. Instead, children continue to build on what they have learned in previous years to fully prepare them to receive the sacraments of the church.
What would a visitor say about your parish, and how do new parishioners get involved? Visitors would be immediately impressed by the visibly robust attendance at each Mass every week. As the community has grown, the parish has grown with it — particularly our Spanish-speaking Mass, which surpasses full capacity every week. New parishioners can get involved by connecting with someone in person, visiting the website or by calling the parish office.
What’s something we should know about your clergy? Father Robert J. DeMartino, pastor, emphasizes the parish community and the fostering of an authentic Catholic culture. With his leadership, the parish emphasizes reverence at Mass, devotion to Our Blessed Mother and to the saints, and frequent confession. From his earliest days with us, Father DeMartino has included his parish motto from time to time in his preaching: “Welcome to St. William of York! Come as you are, but change when you get here!”
Father DeMartino considers Father Will Nyce, parochial vicar, as his closest and most valued team player and collaborator with whom he works very closely and happily as a pastoral team. Father DeMartino said he couldn’t imagine having a better parish staff than the one he has.
Quick facts:
St. William of York
3130 Richmond Hwy.
Stafford
540-659-1102
Website: Swoycc.org
Pastor: Fr. Robert J. DeMartino
Parochial vicar: Fr. William Nyce
Deacon: James Benisek
Parish acolyte: Daniel D’Agostino
Mass schedule: Sat.: 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Sun.: 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. (Spanish); Mon., Tue., Thur.: 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.; Wed. and Fri.: 9 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.
Confession: Wed., Fri.: 9:30 a.m.; Sat.: 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Year Established: 1971
Parishioners: 4,785
St. William of York Catholic School
3130 Richmond Highway
Stafford
540-659-5207
Pre-k – 8
Principal: Jennifer A. Schiller
