St. Leo Catholic Church

Our Mission

We, the parish family of St. Leo Catholic Church, called by Jesus Christ, instructed by the sacred Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit strive to establish a faithful and faith filled community. We share a deep devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary and, aided by the power of prayer, we give witness by our love and support for each other. We welcome all we encounter with warm hearts, open arms, and loving hospitality. We seek unity within diversity; we share what we have in common and we cherish the uniqueness in each other. We, the parish family of St. Leo Catholic Church, extend to you the invitation offered by Jesus to 'Come, Follow Me'.

Parish History

St. Leo Parish was founded in 1982 by Bishop Joseph H. Hodges, who had roots in Harpers Ferry. The 6.5-acre lot was purchased from Dr. Frank Fisher in the Inwood East subdivision. The original building still stands but is now owned by the Inwood Family Worship Center. The parish was initially formed from St. Joseph Parish in Martinsburg. The first parish administrator, Father Mark Angelo, led about 100 active members. Father Paul Tedesco became the first pastor in 1984, growing the parish to 200 families. He was replaced by Father Steve Joyce, who oversaw remodeling and built the rectory. Father Joyce left the priesthood and was replaced by Father Earl Jennings, who served as administrator until June 1991. Father Brian Shoda became pastor in June 1991 and served 22 years, facilitating the move to the new complex. He left the priesthood in 2013. Father Paul Wharton served from July 2013 until October 2015, when he was transferred. Father Alfred U. Obiudu, who had previously served as a seminarian and associate pastor, became pastor in 2015 and is currently serving.

Ministries & Outreach

St. Leo has active ministries that visit the sick and homebound in our parish. We have our own Knights of Columbus Council and Fourth Degree Assembly, as well as our own chapter of the Legion of Mary. The parish supports diverse groups including Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Ladies Auxiliary, and Garden Club. The Christian Service Committee organizes and distributes food once a month to anyone in the area in need. Volunteers tend the gardens, wash windows, tidy the library, and perform daily tasks that keep the parish running.

• Homebound Ministry/Visitation
• Welcome Ministry/Hospitality
• Homeless Ministry
• Garden Club
• Christian Community Outreach
• Funeral Luncheon Ministry
• Food Pantry
• Knights of Columbus
• Ladies Auxiliary
• Boy Scouts of America
• Cub Scouts
• Legion of Mary
• Liturgical Music
• Parish Groups

Faith Formation & Sacraments

St. Leo offers religious education for grades 1st–8th, Confirmation, and Youth Group. The parish has active faith formation programs for adults and youth. Sacraments offered include Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick. The parish also hosts retreats and camps in rural Appalachia for youth and families.

• Faith Formation (Grades 1–8)
• Confirmation
• Youth Group
• Adult Faith Formation
• Sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick

Parish Growth & Community

The parish has grown from 100 families in 1982 to nearly 800 families today. The new 139-acre campus includes a sanctuary, fellowship hall, library, religious education wing, and cemetery. The parish is known for its hospitality and outreach, with volunteers organizing events like carnivals and ice cream fundraisers to support the church. The senior Youth Group participates in community projects and attends Diocesan retreats. The parish is a diverse community that welcomes all and encourages service to others.