Saint Michael Roman Catholic Church

Here follows an excerpt from the church's website:

St. Michael Catholic Church was established in June 1953 by Bishop Ireton to address the growing Catholic population in Annandale, VA. From 1951 until the formal establishment of St. Michael Parish, a Sunday mass was celebrated in Annandale Elementary School’s cafeteria for the 125 original parishioners. Each week new parishioners appeared. Fr. Scannell was a visionary, who was able to foresee the urban sprawl that would happen in Fairfax County over the next 50 years.

The architectural design was revolutionary, incorporating an octagonal structure with a dome on top. Directly under the dome was the altar, with 11 pews flanking the altar. A balcony was constructed for additional seating. This design allowed the celebrant to face the congregation and afforded each worshiper with an unobstructed view. The new church was dedicated on November 26, 1960.


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Here follows an excerpt from the Arlington Catholic Herald newspaper published in 2024:

What’s distinctive about your parish?

The 30-acre grounds of St. Michael Church in Annandale abound with reverence, peace and beauty. The grounds are home to a church, two school buildings, a rectory and a convent. Before the parish was formally established in 1953 by Richmond Bishop Peter L. Ireton, Mass was celebrated in the Annandale Elementary School’s cafeteria for 125 parishioners. The new church, which includes an octagonal structure and dome center, was dedicated in 1960 and allowed parishioners to face the celebrant with an unobstructed view. The stained glass dome center rests directly above the altar and shines in the evening.

What’s something visitors to your parish should do or see while there?

Statues of Mary, St. Michael, Our Lady of La Salette and St. Joseph embracing Jesus surround the church and invite moments of prayer and reflection while walking on the grounds.

What is a new or longstanding ministry?

This year we’re celebrating 40 years of perpetual adoration in the adoration chapel, where parishioners are welcome to pray and write down their intentions. A new ministry is Salt and Light, a community for young adults that invites fellowship and formation for parishioners ages 18-39. SALM has monthly Sunday gatherings and opportunities, including adoration with praise and worship, men’s and women’s Bible studies and speaker events. More information about SALM events can be found at @saltandlightyoungadults on Instagram or on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/frassatiannandale.

Is there a special way your parish encourages and supports faith formation?

St. Michael offers weekly adult Bible study throughout the year with a variety of topics including a deeper understanding of the Mass, finding the Bible in the Mass and Christ’s Passion. Formation materials come from sources including Word on Fire and Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minn. Bishop Robert Barron; St. Paul Center and Scott Hahn; and Ascension Press and Edward Sri. St. Michael offers the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, religious education for students in grades 1-12 and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for children ages 3-12.

What would a visitor say about your parish, and how do new parishioners get involved?

Possibilities for parishioners to get involved extend to all ages with opportunities to attend parish gatherings, formation events and contribute to the liturgy. Anyone is welcome to attend ministry, formation and service events.

What’s something we should know about your clergy?

Father Alexander R. Drummond was named pastor of St. Michael in 2016. He was ordained by Bishop John R. Keating in 1994 and was previously pastor of St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Great Falls. Fathers Michael J. Folmar and John F. Heisler serve as parochial vicars.

Quick facts
Pastor name: Fr. Alexander R. Drummond
Parochial vicars: Fr. Michael J. Folmar, Fr. John F. Heisler
Deacon: Deacon David S. McCaffrey
Year established: 1953
Total parishioners: 2,695