About St. Louis · Alexandria, Virginia
St. Louis Parish in Alexandria, Virginia, is a dynamic Catholic community rooted in its history as a chapel built from a 1888 schoolhouse, now serving over 520 students at its parish school and a congregation of over 700 in its permanent church. Founded in 1925, the parish has grown into a vibrant place of worship, education, and service, emphasizing both spiritual and communal life. The parish is led by Pastor Fr. Keith O’Hare and two parochial vicars, Fr. Luke Poczatek and Fr. Gregory Thompson, who serve alongside a dedicated staff and school. The parish also features a monastery nearby, a coffee shop, and active ministries for all ages.
- Established
- 1925
- Patron
- Saint Louis
- Rector
- Fr. Keith O’Hare
- Diocese
- Diocese of Arlington
Why belong here
You’re invited to join a community that loves God and loves people — a place where you’re made to belong and serve. With ministries for all ages, a parish school, a coffee shop, and opportunities to grow spiritually, you’ll find both spiritual hunger and a place to belong. Whether you’re new or longtime, you matter to God and have a place here in God’s Church at Saint Louis.
Mass times at St. Louis
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- 8:45 AM Mon - Sat
Adoration times
- Perpetual Adoration
Our Story
Our local neighborhood was originally called 'Groveton' and our story begins with the Groveton Schoolhouse which was built in 1888. In 1925 that one-room schoolhouse on the corner of Route 1 and Popkins Lane was converted into a Catholic chapel and soonafter the first Masses were being celebrated once a month. Over time the Catholic population grew and so a parish school was built in 1956, which today serves 520 students from pre-school through 8th grade. In 1962 the permanent parish church was built with a seating capacity for over 700 people. Saint Louis Parish has been a dynamic Catholic community for the past 100 years, loving God and loving people as members of the Church that Jesus Christ himself founded.
Our Staff
The parish is led by Pastor Fr. Keith O’Hare and two parochial vicars, Fr. Luke Poczatek and Fr. Gregory Thompson, who serve alongside a dedicated staff and school.
Ministries
We offer active ministries for all ages, including Men’s Groups, Women’s Groups, Youth Groups, and other groups. We also have a parish school, a coffee shop (Little Way Café), and opportunities for spiritual growth through classes and podcasts.
- Men's Groups
- Women's Groups
- Youth Groups
- Other Groups
- Religious Education
- Sacramental Preparation
- Parish School
- Coffee Shop (Little Way Café)
Sacraments
We celebrate all seven sacraments: Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick. Sacramental preparation is available for all ages.
- Baptism
- Reconciliation
- Eucharist
- Confirmation
- Marriage
- Anointing of the Sick
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Keith O’Hare2017–present
Served as pastor since 2017. Previously served as parochial vicar in the Dominican Republic (2008–2017) and in Virginia (2002–2008).