About Our Lady of Grace · Romney, West Virginia
Our Lady of Grace Parish in Romney, West Virginia, is a Catholic community rooted in faith, service, and worship under the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. Founded in 1948 as a mission, it moved to its own church in 1981, marking a significant milestone in its growth. The parish honors Mary, Mother of Grace, and is dedicated to deepening faith through the Eucharist, sacraments, and evangelization. It serves a rural area with ministries that emphasize love, acceptance, and compassion, welcoming all who seek spiritual growth.
- Established
- 1948
- Patron
- Our Lady of Grace
- Rector
- Rev. Thomas A. Sebastian C.S.T.
- Diocese
- Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Why belong here
Join Our Lady of Grace to experience a welcoming, ecumenical community grounded in Catholic faith and service. Through ministries like Religious Education, parish outreach, and sacramental preparation, you’ll grow in your relationship with God and others. The parish emphasizes love, acceptance, and compassion, offering a space for worship, fellowship, and evangelization. Whether you’re new or long-time, you’ll find a home here.
Mass times at Our Lady of Grace
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- After Sunday or Tuesday Mass
- By appointment
History
The parish began in 1948 with Masses held in a mission trailer. By 1950, it used the American Legion Hall, then moved to various locations including the Springfield School Auditorium and the Blue Beach Tavern. In 1980, the first resident pastor, Fr. Joseph Quinn, purchased land on School Street, and the new church was consecrated in 1981. The parish has seen multiple pastors and administrators over the decades, including notable figures like Fr. Michael O’Reilly (who died in 2003) and Fr. William J. Kuchinsky, who retired the parish debt. The parish’s first deacon, Martin Rooney, was ordained in 1993, and the church was named 'Our Lady of Grace' to honor Mary, the Holy Mother of God.
Ministries
The parish offers Religious Education, parish outreach, sacramental preparation, and evangelization. These ministries are designed to help parishioners grow in faith and serve others in love and compassion.
- Religious Education
- Parish Outreach
- Sacramental Preparation
- Evangelization
Faith Formation
The parish provides catechesis for children and adults, preparing them for the sacraments and deepening their understanding of the Catholic faith. Programs are offered in both English and Spanish.
Sacraments
The parish offers all seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick. Sacramental preparation is available for all ages.
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Eucharist
- Reconciliation
- Marriage
- Anointing of the Sick
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Joseph Quinn1976–1981
First resident pastor; purchased church lots in 1980; resigned due to illness.
- Fr. Vianney Cunningham1981–1985
Served as Administrator after Fr. Quinn’s retirement.
- Fr. Mark Reifel1985–1988
Appointed Pastor after Fr. Cunningham.
- Fr. Christopher Panagoplos1988–1990
Succeeded Fr. Reifel.
- Fr. Adalbert Wolski1990–1991
Succeeded Fr. Panagoplos.
- Fr. Reginald Krakovsky1991–1992
Final Franciscan (TOR) pastor; served as Administrator.
- Fr. Joseph Kenney1992–1993
Missionaries of the Holy Apostles assumed direction.
- Deacon Martin Rooney1992–1993
First deacon; ordained in 1993.
- Fr. Joseph Salazar1992–1998
Succeeded Deacon Rooney.
- Fr. Eugene J. Weber1998–2001
Succeeded Fr. Salazar.
- Fr. Michael O’Reilly2001–2003
Served until his death in 2003.
- Fr. William J. Kuchinsky2003–2011
Retired parish debt; purchased new rectory in 2005.
- Fr. Joseph Augustine2011–present
Served as Administrator; current pastor is Rev. Thomas A. Sebastian C.S.T.