Are there any tight knit catholic communities in Va?

[Anonymous]

I suppose I’m looking for an area that is generally Catholic and small/close. Similarly to how Jewish people have areas of Brooklyn, Baltimore and most all of Kemp Mill, I was wondering if there is something like that but for Catholics? I have many friends that live in Kemp Mill and I think it’s so nice how all the neighbors are celebrating the same traditions and holy days as each other.


I’m aware this could go in several forums (religion, real estate, etc).

[Anonymous]

It seems you are thinking more culturally—Irish, Italians, etc. because what are they doing different than other Christians in terms of celebrations?

Christians celebrate all of the same Holidays and you will find them in great abundance no matter the neighborhood. So—for celebrating Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, Palm Sunday, Passover....u can do that with Episcopalians, Protestants, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems you are thinking more culturally—Irish, Italians, etc. because what are they doing different than other Christians in terms of celebrations?

Christians celebrate all of the same Holidays and you will find them in great abundance no matter the neighborhood. So—for celebrating Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, Palm Sunday, Passover....u can do that with Episcopalians, Protestants, etc.

I understand this, however I have been returning to the faith. I’m a liberal, WOC and I felt excluded by the church for a long time. However, I recall the intensity with which my great grandma and grandma would worship and show their Catholic faith. I am pulled back to that orthodox level of Catholicism.

[Anonymous]

I think there is a very observant Catholic community near Hyattsville, MD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think there is a very observant Catholic community near Hyattsville, MD.

Yeah -- I read about a very observant Catholic community (i think in the Post) several years ago. I remember thinking it was MD. I think there's a community in Fairfax too. But i feel like these communities are heavily Opus Dei.

[Anonymous]

https://www.npr.org/2017/04/10/522714982/catholics-build-intentional-community-of-like-minded-believers

Yes, hyattsville

[Anonymous]

Find dense enough population of Hispanic immigrants and you may find what you’re looking for

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there is a very observant Catholic community near Hyattsville, MD.

Yeah -- I read about a very observant Catholic community (i think in the Post) several years ago. I remember thinking it was MD. I think there's a community in Fairfax too. But i feel like these communities are heavily Opus Dei.

I honestly think that there are very few members of Opus Dei in Hyattsville. Most people in the Hyattsville Catholic community have some sort of affiliation with Catholic U., either as professors (both women and men) and as graduate students or former graduate students. A lot of people are attracted to St. Jerome Academy for their kids. Many people live within walking distance of St. Jerome church and school, but not everybody.

In Virginia you would find a Catholic community in Front Royal. Honestly, this community is a bit traditional. You might find a lot of women wearing mantillas at mass. I don't say this to criticize them - the community just has that flavor.

In Montgomery County, you might find like-minded families at Brookewood and Avalon schools. You might find a few Opus Dei members, but not many. You will find many devout families.

You might also like the residential neighborhoods around St. Bernadette in Silver Spring and Holy Redeemer in Kensington.

I don't think that OP shows a misunderstanding of Christianity. She simply wants to find like-minded people for community. I would hope that OP still enjoys her friendships with non-Catholics and appreciates all that we share as children of the same creator.

OP, you might enjoy the book The Benedict Option by Rod Dreher.

PS - I am sure that there must be some Catholic-dominated neighborhoods in northern Virginia, but I don't live there, so I can't tell you!

[Anonymous]

I think it depends on the parish. Our closest church is ultra-conservative, so we go to a different parish.

[Anonymous]

Cheverly?

[Anonymous]

St Leos Fairfax

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I suppose I’m looking for an area that is generally Catholic and small/close. Similarly to how Jewish people have areas of Brooklyn, Baltimore and most all of Kemp Mill, I was wondering if there is something like that but for Catholics? I have many friends that live in Kemp Mill and I think it’s so nice how all the neighbors are celebrating the same traditions and holy days as each other.


I’m aware this could go in several forums (religion, real estate, etc).

I don't think you understand Jewish communities. It's important for observant Jews to live close together, since they don't drive on the Sabbath. Catholics have no such limitation.

There are catholics everywhere around here - look at how many parochial schools there are in Nova. Maybe ask your parish priest for suggestions of particularly small pockets?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I suppose I’m looking for an area that is generally Catholic and small/close. Similarly to how Jewish people have areas of Brooklyn, Baltimore and most all of Kemp Mill, I was wondering if there is something like that but for Catholics? I have many friends that live in Kemp Mill and I think it’s so nice how all the neighbors are celebrating the same traditions and holy days as each other.


I’m aware this could go in several forums (religion, real estate, etc).

I don't think you understand Jewish communities. It's important for observant Jews to live close together, since they don't drive on the Sabbath. Catholics have no such limitation.

There are catholics everywhere around here - look at how many parochial schools there are in Nova. Maybe ask your parish priest for suggestions of particularly small pockets?

Yes, living within walking distance of a synagogue is important for observant Jews. The side effect is a close-knit community. What's wrong with others also wanting a close-knit community?

[Anonymous]

Op I get what you are saying. There are neighborhoods like this in Pittsburgh and St Louis. Not sure about here.

[Anonymous]

Our Lady of Good Council in Vienna

St Agnes in Arlington

St Lukes and St Johns in McLean

St John the Apostle in Leesburg