St. Edward

Welcome & Parish Identity

St. Edward's Catholic Church in Pulaski, Virginia, identifies itself as a mission of St. Mary's Mother of God in Wytheville. The parish family describes itself as 'small' and 'close knit,' welcoming all who enter its doors. It is led by Fr. Frank Boateng (Rev. Francis Kwaku Boateng) and falls within the Diocese of Richmond, Deanery 13.

• Mission of St. Mary the Mother of God Parish, Wytheville, VA
• Diocese of Richmond (Deanery 13)
• Pastored by Fr. Frank Boateng
• Permanent Deacon: Rev. Mr. Charles May, II

Mission Statement

The parish mission statement, printed on the official website, reads: 'Our Parish Family at St. Edward's Church is a Catholic community where the saving word is proclaimed "so that all might grow in the love and knowledge of God"; as a place for the worship of the One by Whom, through Whom, and in Whom we are saved; as a means for gathering believers in community; and as a resource for the generous service of all people. Amen.'

History of St. Edward's Parish

The Catholic community in Pulaski began in 1939 with only three families. World War II and the Radford Army Ammunition Plant brought a wave of Catholic newcomers, requiring larger worship venues. Mass moved from the Women's Club on 3rd Street to the Maple Shade Inn, then to a 1st Street storefront in the early 1950s after the Inn was razed. Land was purchased, and the church (now the fellowship hall) was dedicated in 1964. For a time it was a mission of St. Jude's in Radford, but when the region was reassigned to the Diocese of Richmond it returned as a mission of St. Mary's in Wytheville. The present-day sanctuary was completed and dedicated in 1998.

• 1939: Catholic community of three families; Mass occasionally in private homes
• Women's Club on 3rd Street used for Mass after WWII
• Maple Shade Inn serves as worship space
• Early 1950s: storefront on 1st Street, downtown Pulaski
• 1964: church dedicated (now the fellowship hall)
• 1998: present sanctuary dedicated

Pastor & Clergy

St. Edward Mission is currently led by Rev. Francis Kwaku Boateng, known to parishioners as Fr. Frank Boateng, with the assistance of Permanent Deacon Rev. Mr. Charles May, II. The parish website lists the long succession of priests who have served this mission over the decades, beginning with Fr. George Walker and continuing through to the current pastor.

• Current Pastor: Rev. Francis Kwaku Boateng (Fr. Frank Boateng)
• Permanent Deacon: Rev. Mr. Charles May, II
• Pastor email: [email protected]

Sacraments

The parish website has a dedicated Sacraments page that explains the Church's seven sacraments as outward signs instituted by Christ that actually convey the grace they signify. The page links to information on Reconciliation (Confession / Penance) and the Anointing of the Sick, with the broader sacramental life of the parish available through contact with the pastor.

• Reconciliation (Confession / Penance)
• Anointing of the Sick
• Teaching on all seven sacraments from St. Leo the Great: 'what was visible in our Savior has passed over into his mysteries'

Outreach & Special Ministries

Beyond its Sunday worship, St. Edward Mission extends pastoral care into the wider community. According to the Diocese of Richmond parish profile, the mission conducts Prison Ministry at Bland Correctional Center and a Special Ministry at Pulaski Community Hospital.

• Prison Ministry – Bland Correctional Center
• Special Ministry – Pulaski Community Hospital

Visit, Contact & Directions

St. Edward Mission is located at the corner of North Washington Avenue and 7th Street NW in Pulaski, Virginia, with a mailing address of P.O. Box 1670, Pulaski, VA 24301. The parish can be reached by phone or fax at (540) 980-6511, or by emailing the pastor at [email protected]. Office hours are by appointment, with the Diocese listing Thursday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

• Address: North Washington Ave & 7th Street NW, Pulaski, VA 24301
• Mailing: P.O. Box 1670, Pulaski, VA 24301
• Phone/Fax: (540) 980-6511
• Pastor Email: [email protected]
• Office Hours: By Appointment Only (Thursdays 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM per Diocese)
• From I-81: Take Exit 94 toward Town of Pulaski; turn right at the 4th traffic light onto Washington Ave; proceed through the blinking caution light up the hill to 7th Ave; church is on the right.