About St. Clare of Assisi · Clifton, Virginia
St. Clare of Assisi is a small Catholic parish in the town of Clifton, Virginia, nestled in a wooded residential area of Fairfax County and known affectionately as 'the little church in the woods.' Established in 1980 as a mission church and erected as an independent parish on August 11, 1996, St. Clare's serves roughly 350 families within the Diocese of Arlington under the pastoral care of Reverend Michael J. 'Father Mike' Bazan, assisted by Permanent Deacon Michael J. 'Mike' Mochel. The parish offers daily Mass, a Saturday Vigil, two Sunday Masses, Saturday confessions, Faith Formation for grades 1–8, RCIA, adult Bible study, an active Knights of Columbus council, and live-streamed Masses for the homebound.
- Established
- 1980
- Patron
- St. Clare of Assisi (named in honor of a group of Poor Clare nuns who established a monastery in Alexandria, Virginia)
- Rector
- Reverend Michael J. 'Mike' Bazan
- Diocese
- Diocese of Arlington, Virginia
Why belong here
St. Clare of Assisi offers the warmth of a small, close-knit Catholic community in the wooded Clifton countryside, with daily Mass Monday–Saturday at 8:00 AM and a 35-year tradition of faithful worship. Parish life is anchored by Faith Formation for grades 1–8, an active RCIA program led by Deacon Mochel, an adult Bible study each fall, a Knights of Columbus council (No. 12963) that runs monthly food drives and outreach to the elderly and infirm, music ministry, altar service, and a live-stream Mass for the homebound — giving every member a real way to belong and serve.
Mass times at St. Clare of Assisi
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- By appointment
Parish History & Heritage
St. Clare of Assisi was established on September 22, 1980 by Bishop Thomas J. Welsh, the first Bishop of Arlington, originally as a mission of St. Timothy Parish in Chantilly. In 1989 it was reassigned as a mission of St. Andrew the Apostle in Clifton, and on August 11, 1996 Bishop John R. Keating formally erected it as an independent parish with Msgr. Frank E. Mahler as founding pastor. Mass was originally celebrated at the Clifton First Presbyterian Church and the Old Clifton Fire House — where, by local legend, the alarm would sound and trucks would roll out mid-Mass — before construction began on the present church in 1990.
- Founded September 22, 1980 by Bishop Thomas J. Welsh
- Present church dedicated May 12, 1991 by Bishop John R. Keating
- Independent parish since August 11, 1996
- Named in honor of St. Clare of Assisi and the Poor Clare nuns who established a monastery in Alexandria, VA
The 'Little Church in the Woods'
Situated on roughly 10 wooded acres in a residential part of Clifton, Fairfax County, St. Clare's is affectionately called 'the little church in the woods.' The property is surrounded by woodlands that the parish notes abound with wildlife, lending the church a quiet, retreat-like setting that complements its daily schedule of Mass and prayer.
Clergy & Staff
The parish is shepherded by Reverend Michael J. 'Father Mike' Bazan, a former U.S. Air Force serviceman (1972–1977) who was ordained May 12, 1984 and celebrated his 40th anniversary of priesthood in May 2024. He is assisted by Permanent Deacon Michael J. 'Mike' Mochel, who directs adult faith formation, sacramental preparation, and the parish RCIA program.
- Rev. Michael J. Bazan — Pastor (appointed June 24, 2021)
- Deacon Michael J. 'Mike' Mochel — Permanent Deacon; Adult Faith Formation & Sacramental Preparation
- Hawla Donley — Office Manager / Business Manager
- Dana Bretney — Administrative Assistant
- Erin Spicer — Director of Religious Education
- Mary Dash — Music Director and Wedding Facilitator
Faith Formation (Grades 1–8)
St. Clare's Faith Formation program serves public and non-Catholic school students in grades 1 through 8 and includes the preparation necessary for the sacraments of First Penance, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Classes for grades 1–6 are combined (1/2, 3/4, 5/6) and meet after the 8:00 AM Sunday Mass from 9:00 to 10:15 AM, while grades 7 and 8 meet Sunday evenings from 7:00 to 8:15 PM. The current Director of Religious Education is Erin Spicer.
- Grades 1–6: Sunday 9:00–10:15 AM (after 8:00 Mass)
- Grades 7–8: Sunday evening 7:00–8:15 PM
- Sacramental prep: First Penance, First Communion, Confirmation
- DRE: Erin Spicer — [email protected]
Adult Faith Formation & RCIA
Deacon Mike Mochel directs the parish's adult faith formation efforts, including the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and an adult Bible study offered each fall. The RCIA program has historically attracted both catechumens and Catholic parishioners seeking a refresher on the faith, generating what the parish describes as 'rich discussion.'
- RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) — directed by Deacon Mochel
- Adult Bible Study — fall session
- Deacon Mike Mochel — Adult Faith Formation & Sacramental Preparation
Music, Liturgy & Weddings
Liturgical music is coordinated by Mary Dash, who also serves as Wedding Facilitator for couples marrying at the parish. The choir supports the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass and other liturgical celebrations.
- Music Director & Wedding Facilitator: Mary Dash
- Choir supports the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass
- Altar Servers (parish is currently recruiting)
Parish Outreach & Knights of Columbus
St. Clare's Knights of Columbus Council No. 12963 is a visible force in parish outreach, organizing monthly food drives, providing assistance to parishioners needing help with tasks, caring for the elderly and infirm, and coordinating parish celebrations. The parish also supports a variety of community charities, inviting newcomers to 'join us today' in supporting these works.
- Knights of Columbus Council No. 12963
- Monthly food drives
- Outreach to elderly and infirm parishioners
- Parish celebrations and fellowship
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Msgr. Frank E. Mahler1996 (founding pastor)
First pastor when St. Clare's was established as an independent parish on August 11, 1996; lived at neighboring St. Andrew the Apostle because no rectory yet existed on-site.
- Rev. Paul Dudzinski1998–2004
Lived about a half-mile from the church in a house that also served as the parish office.
- Rev. Thomas J. Lehning
Succeeded Fr. Dudzinski and was pastor until 2021; resided in the same off-site house/office during his tenure.
- Rev. Michael J. Bazan2021–present
Appointed by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge effective June 24, 2021; previously pastor of Sacred Heart, Manassas since 2004; ordained May 12, 1984; celebrated his 40th anniversary of priesthood in May 2024; former U.S. Air Force serviceman (1972–1977).