About St. Lawrence Catholic Church · Alexandria, Virginia
St. Lawrence Catholic Church is a Eucharist-centered parish in the Fairfax County portion of Alexandria, Virginia, serving the Franconia–Rose Hill area. Founded in 1967 and rooted in the faith for which St. Lawrence the Martyr gave his life, the parish welcomes longtime parishioners, newcomers, and visitors alike. The church grounds feature a Meditation Garden with statues, the Stations of the Cross, and a Memorial Garden for miscarried children and infants. Parishioners are invited to grow in faith through Holy Mass, the sacraments, parish devotions, and active ministry life.
- Established
- 1967
- Patron
- St. Lawrence the Martyr
- Rector
- Rev. Ronald J. Gripshover, Jr.
- Diocese
- Diocese of Arlington
Why belong here
St. Lawrence offers a warm, sacramental community centered on the Holy Eucharist and the faith handed down from the Apostles. Parishioners can participate in daily and Sunday Mass, Eucharistic adoration, parish devotions such as the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and practical ministries that support life and family. The parish also invites prayer and reflection in its outdoor Meditation Garden and Memorial Garden.
Mass times at St. Lawrence Catholic Church
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday: 9:30 a.m.
- Wednesday: 7:00–7:45 p.m.
- Friday: 6:45 a.m.
- Saturday: 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Adoration times
- Wednesday: 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 7:15–8:15 p.m. (Holy Hour with Benediction)
- Monday: 7:15 p.m. (Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help)
History
St. Lawrence Catholic Church was canonically established in 1967. The first pastor, Monsignor Frank E. Mahler, initially celebrated Mass at Edison High School. The parish church on Franconia Road was built in 1970, and the community observed its golden jubilee in 2017.
- Founded in 1967 by Bishop John J. Russell
- First Masses at Edison High School
- Current church built in 1970
- 50th anniversary celebrated in 2017
Clergy & Leadership
The parish is led by a pastor, assisted by a parochial vicar, a priest in residence, and a permanent deacon.
- Pastor: Rev. Ronald J. Gripshover, Jr.
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Maurice Akwa
- In Residence: Rev. Paul A. Berghout
- Deacon: Michael A. Waters
- Director of Religious Education & Youth Ministry: Joseph Stakem
Worship & Devotions
St. Lawrence offers daily Mass, Saturday vigil, Sunday Masses, regular confession, Eucharistic adoration, and a weekly novena.
- Weekday Masses Monday–Friday at 6:15 and 9:00 a.m.; Saturday at 9:00 a.m.
- Saturday Vigil at 5:00 p.m.; Sunday Masses at 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00 a.m.
- Confessions Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
- Eucharistic Adoration Wednesday 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
- Wednesday Holy Hour with Benediction 7:15–8:15 p.m.
- Monday Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help at 7:15 p.m.
Respect Life & Parish Ministries
The parish supports life through several focused ministries and offers religious education and youth programs.
- Respect Life Ministries
- Project Rachel
- Gabriel Project
- Baby Cradle
- 40 Days for Life
- Religious Education
- Youth Ministry