Catholic Church with Franciscan style?

[Anonymous]

I know there is one official Franciscan church down by Stafford, but that's far from me. Are there any Catholic Churches in NOVA (not DC) that have a Franciscan style?

Or Jesuit, if nothing Franciscan.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

This isn't really a thing, except under limited circumstances. You generally only see Franciscans or Jesuits running parish churches when they have a school that they are running in the diocese and the bishop asks that they staff a local church (kinda in repayment for being allowed to operate the school there). But generally the way services work in such a church will be indistinguishable from the other services in that diocese per how the bishop runs things, and not per how the order does things (so not "Franciscan style"). The exception would be chapels attached to monasteries/religious communities that are open to the public. But you wouldn't be able to become a member of a church under such circumstances; even if you go every Sunday you are just visiting the monastery chapel. So you aren't going to get married there, have your kid baptized there, etc., and you aren't really a member of a Christian community which is 90% of the whole church-going thing.

Whether you are talking about Jesuits or Franciscans, running parish churches really isn't their mission.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This isn't really a thing, except under limited circumstances. You generally only see Franciscans or Jesuits running parish churches when they have a school that they are running in the diocese and the bishop asks that they staff a local church (kinda in repayment for being allowed to operate the school there). But generally the way services work in such a church will be indistinguishable from the other services in that diocese per how the bishop runs things, and not per how the order does things (so not "Franciscan style"). The exception would be chapels attached to monasteries/religious communities that are open to the public. But you wouldn't be able to become a member of a church under such circumstances; even if you go every Sunday you are just visiting the monastery chapel. So you aren't going to get married there, have your kid baptized there, etc., and you aren't really a member of a Christian community which is 90% of the whole church-going thing.

Whether you are talking about Jesuits or Franciscans, running parish churches really isn't their mission.

This is not true as far as it pertains to Franciscans. Plenty of Franciscan-run parishes that definitely operate in a distinctly Franciscan way.

OP there is a Franciscan parish in Triangle and one in Silver Spring (St Camillus) but I am not aware of one in Northern VA.

[Anonymous]

Holy trinity is Jesuit

[Anonymous]

St. Joe's in Herndon.

[Anonymous]

What is a Franciscan-style parish like?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is a Franciscan-style parish like?

Welcoming, warm, focus on social justice, inclusion, the environment, helping the less fortunate, and a focus on actually helping people. Preaching acceptance and empathy. Meeting people where they are rather than scolding them for things that don’t really matter. Friars follow the teachings of Saint Francis and are humble and among the people.

[Anonymous]

Nativity in Burke isn’t Franciscan but is all those things just listed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nativity in Burke isn’t Franciscan but is all those things just listed.

I agree that Nativity has traditionally been this way, but I have concerns for the future. At least one of the newer priests there appears to be more conservative. The pastor is wonderful, and he did a great job of stepping in when Father Martin- who truly set the standards for warmth and welcoming in this parish- passed away. I worry that when he retires or is transferred that the parish will take a turn away from the way it has been for so many years

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nativity in Burke isn’t Franciscan but is all those things just listed.

I’m PP. That is good! I think that it can be very hit or miss in many parishes, but it’s basically guaranteed at Franciscan parishes which is why I seek them out when traveling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nativity in Burke isn’t Franciscan but is all those things just listed.

I agree that Nativity has traditionally been this way, but I have concerns for the future. At least one of the newer priests there appears to be more conservative. The pastor is wonderful, and he did a great job of stepping in when Father Martin- who truly set the standards for warmth and welcoming in this parish- passed away. I worry that when he retires or is transferred that the parish will take a turn away from the way it has been for so many years

Father Bob only has a few years left before retirement, and I'm concerned too. Father Bennett is probably the new guy you're talking about. He's a newly ordained priest and seems very traditional. Father Wilson I don't know really. Father Bresnahan is very warm and welcoming, so I think he would carry on the open and welcoming atmosphere. I'm not sure how the next Pastor gets selected. It could be someone from outside the parish.

I will say that both Father Bennett and Wilson refuse to bless children in the communion line, which is ridiculous. Our little boy cries and says "why didn't Jesus bless me?" It's so sad. How can you not bless children in the communion line who are excited about their faith? It's really cold and messed up.

Father Bob and Father Bresnahan both do it, which I am very grateful for. We avoid masses with Bennett or Wilson now.

[Anonymous]

St. Joseph Catholic Church - Herndon, VA
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church - Triangle, VA

[Anonymous]

I go to St. Joe's in Herndon. i love it. ther sermons are great, the music is fabulous -- the church got a new music director and they're letting loose! however, i don't think there's a big focus on social justice. (i used to go to Holy Trinity where it was a focus.) it's a very community-focused church -- donut sundays, there's a school, food pantry collections.