About St. Therese · Gloucester, Virginia
St. Therese Parish in Gloucester, Virginia, is a vibrant Catholic community rooted in the legacy of St. Therese of Lisieux, founded in 1939 after decades of Catholics worshipping in scattered locations including homes, camps, and even a theater. The parish serves Gloucester, Mathews, and Middlesex counties and is known for its active ministries, strong faith formation, and commitment to service. It is part of the Diocese of Richmond and welcomes all who seek spiritual growth, fellowship, and outreach.
- Established
- 1939
- Patron
- St. Therese of Lisieux
- Rector
- Father Gregory
- Diocese
- Diocese of Richmond
Why belong here
Join a community that values stewardship, active participation in worship, and deep faith formation. Through ministries like Justice & Peace, Cursillo, and the Knights of Columbus, parishioners build relationships, serve others, and grow spiritually. The parish offers liturgical prayer, fellowship, and outreach to those in need — all rooted in the love of Jesus Christ.
Mass times at St. Therese
Weekly Mass schedule
Parish History
In 1930, only 7–10 families in the Gloucester/Mathews area were Catholic. By 1931, summer residents began requesting Mass locally, leading Bishop Peter L. Ireton to assign Father Jakubowski to hold Masses at the Edge Hill Theatre in 1937–1938. A building committee formed in 1937, purchased land on Main Street and Route 666, and received a major anonymous donation from the Catholic Extension Society to fund construction. The cornerstone was laid in 1938, and the church was dedicated on May 14, 1939. It remained a mission until 1959, when Bishop John J. Russell designated it a parish, appointing Rev. Edmond P. McCarthy, OSFS, as its first pastor.
Parish Mission Statement
The Parish of St. Therese is a spiritual community of Roman Catholic Christians. Through stewardship, our parishioners enjoy full, active, and joyful participation at worship. The Church of St. Therese provides ministry in Gloucester County where our parishioners know each other, socialize with each other, care for one another, and unite as a faith-based community to offer each other the acceptance and compassion of Jesus Christ. Our Parish is a center for Christian study, learning, service, and faith formation – liturgical and devotional prayer – faith sharing and development – lively gatherings for discussion and fellowship. St. Therese Parish is a home base for outreach to those in need and for ecumenical collaboration with people of other Christian communities and faiths. By virtue of our membership in the Roman Catholic Church of the Diocese of Richmond, we are committed to support our parish, Local and worldwide communities.
Sacraments
Baptism is the beginning of our faith and our gateway into the Church. It is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: 'Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word'. (CCC 1213) Other sacraments include First Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Edmond P. McCarthy, OSFS1959
First pastor of the parish after it was designated a parish in 1959.