View source for Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception (Diocese of Arlington)

{{Parish
|Dedication=Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
|VeneratedSaints=
|ShortName=Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
|ParishLocation=38.3100, -77.4700
|MailingAddress=1009 Stafford Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
|Diocese=Diocese of Arlington
|Deanery=Deanery 6
|City=Fredericksburg, VA
|County=Fredericksburg City
|AdministrativeSubdivision=Virginia
|Country=United States
|ParishWebsite=http://www.stmaryfred.org/
|ParishFounded=1858
|ParishSchool=Yes
|ParishEmailAddress=stmary@stmaryfred.org
|ParishImage=Generic church icon.jpg
}}

'''Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church''' is a territorial parish in the [[Diocese of Arlington]], located in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia. Dedicated to the [[Blessed Virgin Mary]] under her title of the [[Immaculate Conception]]—a dogma proclaimed in 1854 by Pope Pius IX affirming Mary's preservation from original sin from the moment of her conception—the parish serves a large and diverse community of over 4,200 registered families (approximately 18,000 parishioners). It operates Holy Cross Academy, a regional Catholic school serving pre-K through grade 8.

Established in 1858 as the Fredericksburg Mission within the [[Diocese of Richmond]], the parish grew significantly, necessitating a new church building dedicated in 1971. Upon the erection of the Diocese of Arlington in 1974, it became part of the new diocese. Known for its vibrant apostolates and service-oriented charisms, the parish offers multiple weekend Masses and supports extensive outreach in Fredericksburg and surrounding counties.

As of December 21, 2025, Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception continues to foster prayer and service, welcoming visitors due to its proximity to Interstate 95 and the city's historic downtown.

==History==

Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception originated as the Fredericksburg Mission in 1858, serving a small Catholic community in the area.<ref name="Wiki">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Mary_of_the_Immaculate_Conception_Roman_Catholic_Church_(Fredericksburg,_Virginia) |title=St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church (Fredericksburg, Virginia) |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=December 21, 2025}}</ref><ref name="ParishWelcome">{{cite web |url=http://www.stmaryfred.org/welcome/ |title=Welcome |publisher=Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church |access-date=December 21, 2025}}</ref>

An initial church building on Princess Anne Street was used until 1970. The current church, located at the corner of Stafford Avenue and William Street, was dedicated in 1971.<ref name="Wiki" /> The parish transferred to the newly erected [[Diocese of Arlington]] in 1974.<ref name="Wiki" />

Growth has led to the establishment of Holy Cross Academy as its regional school and numerous ministries addressing local needs, including collaborations with food banks, homeless shelters, and refugee services.<ref name="HeraldParish">{{cite web |url=https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/parishes/st-mary-of-the-immaculate-conception-fredericksburg/ |title=St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Fredericksburg |publisher=Arlington Catholic Herald |access-date=December 21, 2025}}</ref>

==School==

Holy Cross Academy, the regional parochial school associated with the parish, serves pre-K through grade 8.

It supports Catholic education for families in Fredericksburg and surrounding areas.

==Special features==

* Extensive collection of crucifixes from around the world, displayed in the Courtyard Meeting Room and parish offices
* Vibrant service ministries supporting the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, Thurman Brisben Homeless Shelter, Micah Ecumenical Ministries, and others
* Multiple daily and weekend Masses accommodating a large community
* Proximity to historic downtown Fredericksburg, welcoming many visitors
* Charisms of service and prayer, fostering a small-town warmth despite its size

==Relics==

According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar contains deposited relics, as is customary in dedicated churches. Specific details regarding the saints associated with these relics are not publicly documented in available sources. This follows common practice where first-class relics, often of martyrs, are sealed within the altar.

==Architecture==

The current church building, dedicated in 1971, reflects mid-twentieth-century design suitable for a large congregation. The previous church (used until 1970) has since been repurposed for non-parish use.<ref name="Wiki" />

Associated facilities include parish offices and spaces supporting ministries. Holy Cross Academy serves as the regional parochial school.

==Art and devotional features==

A notable feature is the extensive collection of crucifixes from diverse cultures, gathered by a former pastor and displayed prominently to inspire contemplation of Christ's Passion.<ref name="HeraldParish" />

Specific details on stained glass windows, statues, or other interior artwork are limited in publicly available sources beyond this devotional emphasis.

==Related parishes==

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Parishes in Virginia]]
[[Category:Parishes in Diocese of Arlington]]
[[Category:Parishes in United States]]
[[Category:Parishes founded in 1850s]]
[[Category:Parishes built in Modern architecture]]