About Church of the Ascension · Virginia Beach, Virginia
Church of the Ascension is a Roman Catholic parish in the Kempsville area of Virginia Beach, Virginia, belonging to the Diocese of Richmond. Founded in 1972 by Father Robert French, it is a post-Vatican II community whose mission — to Proclaim the Word of God, Celebrate the Eucharist, and Serve the local community — was adopted in 1973 and still guides the parish today. Known for its welcoming spirit and progressive post-conciliar identity, Ascension runs more than 60 ministries, including a robust youth program, social-justice outreach, a food pantry, and a parish garden, and it maintains a global connection with St. Ludovick in Tabora, Tanzania.
- Established
- 1972
- Patron
- The Ascension of the Lord
- Rector
- Very Rev. Daniel Malingumu
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Richmond
Why belong here
Ascension is a thriving, Spirit-filled Catholic community that has welcomed generations of families in the Kempsville area of Virginia Beach since 1972. With more than 60 ministries — from a food pantry and parish garden to OCIA, Marriage prep, Youth of Ascension (YOA), Catching Fire middle school, and Confirmation — almost anyone can find a way to grow in faith and serve neighbors. The parish is known for warm hospitality, livestreamed Masses, Eucharistic Adoration on first Fridays, a Columbarium, and a global bond with St. Ludovick in Tanzania.
Mass times at Church of the Ascension
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturdays 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (you must be on site prior to 11:00 am to receive the sacrament)
Adoration times
- First Friday of every month, 9:45 am – 10:45 am (quiet prayer). No evening sessions during June, July, and August.
Parish Identity and Mission
Church of the Ascension is a Roman Catholic parish in the Diocese of Richmond, located in the Kempsville area of Virginia Beach. Its Mission — To Proclaim the Word of God, Celebrate the Eucharist, and Serve the local community — was adopted in 1973 and remains the parish's guiding light. The parish describes itself as a "thriving, Spirit-filled faith community transforming lives for Christ" and welcomed 40+ events during its 50th anniversary year.
- Roman Catholic parish, Diocese of Richmond (Deanery 2, parish #613)
- Mission statement adopted in 1973
- Vision: "Ascension 2072"
Our History
Ascension was founded in the Kempsville area in June 1972 by Father Robert French under Bishop Russell, beginning with about 70 families who worshipped in homes, then at Kempsville Elementary and Junior schools, and at neighboring Kempsville Presbyterian and Emmanuel Episcopal churches. The parish dedicated its own multifunctional worship space on April 6, 1975, and has remained a post-Vatican II community known for its progressive identity and active lay witness.
- Founded 1972 by Fr. Robert (Bob) French under Bishop Russell
- 70 founding families; worship began in homes and at Kempsville Elementary/Junior schools
- Beth Chaverim Jewish congregation shared worship space for 10 years (until 1995)
- Hosted 1989 community meetings after the Greekfest riots
- 50th anniversary celebrated in 2022
Clergy and Parish Staff
Ascension is served by a pastor and parochial vicar, four permanent deacons, and a broad staff of lay ministry leaders covering administration, liturgy, faith formation, youth, communications, and social justice. Staff can be reached by calling 757-495-1886 and entering the extension shown.
- Pastor: Very Rev. Daniel Malingumu (x416)
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Nicholaus Bulabuza (x417)
- Deacons: Gary Harmeyer, Myles Pocta, Tom McFeely, Jim Ahearn
- Lisa Liedl — Director of Administration and Communication (x422)
- Leah Dayanghirang — Coordinator of Communication
- Diane Nestor — Director of Liturgy and Music (x413)
- Joanne Webb — Parish Secretary (x410)
- Teresa Alfes — Director of Social Justice (x427); Catalina Ortega — Minister of Social Justice (x428)
Faith Formation for Children and Youth
Faith Formation is offered for children age 3 through high school. Programs are designed for both parish school families and those in Catholic schools, and include sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation.
- PreK–5th Grade Family Faith Formation (Sunday morning or Wednesday afternoon monthly meetings)
- Catching Fire — Middle School youth group (grades 6–8, Tuesday evenings)
- Youth of Ascension (YOA) — High School youth group (grades 9–12, Sundays 2:00–4:00 pm)
- First Reconciliation / First Communion preparation (2nd grade and older)
- Confirmation preparation (10th grade+, 15+ years old)
- Registration fees: $65 / $90 / $115 (1, 2, 3+ children); $30 extra for First Communion; no extra fee for Confirmation
Adult Faith Formation and OCIA
Adults seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church, as well as baptized Catholics who have not received Eucharist and/or Confirmation, journey through the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) at Ascension. The parish also offers a Landings program for returning Catholics.
- OCIA — Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (culminates at the Easter Vigil)
- Adult First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation
- Landings program for returning Catholics
- Coordinator: Nancy Poole (x423)
Marriage Preparation
Engaged couples are asked to contact the parish office at least six months before their wedding date. A non-refundable deposit secures the date, and Ascension's wedding team coordinates sacramental preparation, liturgy, and music. The Ascension Community Center (ACC) is available for wedding receptions.
- Contact Parish Office 6+ months in advance (x410 or [email protected])
- Sacramental preparation: Deacon Myles Pocta (757-410-4203)
- Wedding coordinator: Joanne Webb
- Musician: Diane Nestor
- Reception venue: Ascension Community Center (contact Lisa Liedl, x422)
Social Justice and Outreach
Outreach is a founding pillar of Ascension's identity. The parish runs a food pantry and financial assistance program, hosts forums on contemporary social issues, and supports a parish garden that grows fresh produce for those in need. The parish has also taken up issues including the nuclear arms race, racism, AIDS, homelessness, human trafficking, immigration, and the death penalty.
- Food Pantry & Financial Assistance (Mon–Fri 10 am–12 pm; x414)
- Parish Garden supplementing the food pantry
- Social Justice forums (racism, human trafficking, homelessness, death penalty)
- Just Faith module and book club
- Special Ministry — Communion calls to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Riverpointe Nursing Homes
- Global mission: St. Ludovick in Tabora, Tanzania
Music, Liturgy, and Devotions
Liturgy and music are led by Director of Liturgy and Music Diane Nestor. Eucharistic Adoration is offered on the First Friday of each month, and the parish has held extended Adoration events such as 50 hours during Lent of the 50th anniversary year.
- Director of Liturgy and Music: Diane Nestor (x413)
- First Friday Eucharistic Adoration (9:45–10:45 am)
- Mary Garden dedication (2022)
- Livestreamed Mass via Facebook
Parish Life, Trips, and Community
Ascension is known for being a parish that does life together — from the long-running Youth of Ascension (YOA) and the annual YOA Golf Classic to parish pilgrimages (Israel, Italy) and group leisure trips (Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. National Parks). A welcoming committee greets newcomers, and the parish council represents more than 60 active ministries.
- Youth of Ascension (YOA) founded in the parish's early years
- YOA Golf Classic (annual fundraiser)
- Parish pilgrimages (Israel, Italy) and group trips
- Welcoming Committee and Community Life
- Parish Council with 60+ ministries
Columbarium and Facilities
The Church of the Ascension Columbarium is located at the parish address on Princess Anne Road. The Ascension Community Center (ACC) can be rented for receptions and parish events.
- Church of the Ascension Columbarium — 4853 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach 23462 (757-495-1886)
- Ascension Community Center (ACC) available to rent
Visiting and Contact
Parishioners and visitors can reach the parish by phone, email, or in person during office hours. Mass times should always be confirmed with the parish directly, especially around holy days.
- Address: 4853 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462-4446
- Phone: 757-495-1886 (Fax 757-495-1516)
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Mon–Thu 9:30 am – 4:00 pm; Fri 9:30 am – 1:00 pm (closed Sat–Sun)
- Website: http://www.ascensionvb.org
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Robert (Bob) French1972 – (founding pastor)
Founded the parish in 1972 under Bishop Russell; gathered the original 70 families in the Kempsville area.
- Rev. William (Bill) Dale
Hosted the Beth Chaverim Jewish congregation in the parish worship space for ten years.
- Rev. James (Jim) Parke
Continued Ascension's community-mission emphasis in the parish's later decades.
- Rev. Charles (Chuck) Breindel
Fourth pastor of Ascension.
- Very Rev. Daniel Malingumu
Current pastor; has ties to the Archdiocese of Tabora (Tanzania), expanding the parish's global outreach to St. Ludovick.