St. Francis de Sales (Diocese of Arlington)
| Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint Francis de Sales |
| Venerated Saints: | None specified |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Arlington |
| Deanery: | Deanery 3 |
| Address: | 37730 St. Francis Court, Purcellville, VA 20132 |
| Coordinates: | 39.1392, -77.7108 |
| City: | Purcellville, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Loudoun County |
| Website: | https://www.sfdscc.org/ |
| Founded: | 1967 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | info@saintfrancisparish.org |
Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Purcellville, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint Francis de Sales, the seventeenth-century Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church known for his gentle approach to evangelization and spiritual direction, the parish fosters a community committed to service, generosity, and sharing the faith.
Originating as a mission in 1919–1921 to serve Catholics west of Leesburg in Loudoun County, it was elevated to parish status in 1967 under the care of Capuchin Franciscan Friars until 1997, when diocesan clergy assumed pastoral leadership. Key developments include the original church dedication in 1921, relocation to the current site, and a major interior renovation completed in 2022 with a new altar and pews. The parish added a Catholic Education Center in 2013.
As of December 14, 2025, Saint Francis de Sales serves over 1,600 families with Masses in English and Spanish, vibrant music ministries, and outreach programs reflecting its patron's charitable spirit.
History
Saint Francis de Sales began as a mission founded by Fr. Amadeus J. Van Ingelgem around 1919, with the first church on Main Street in Purcellville dedicated on May 29, 1921—the first Catholic church in Loudoun County west of Leesburg.[1][2]
In 1967, Bishop John J. Russell of the Diocese of Richmond elevated it to parish status, entrusting it to the Capuchin Franciscan Friars of the New Jersey Province, who served approximately 99 families initially.[1] The parish joined the newly erected Diocese of Arlington in 1974. Diocesan priests assumed administration in 1997.[1]
Growth milestones include construction of the current church, groundbreaking for the 26,465-square-foot Catholic Education Center in 2013, and a comprehensive interior renovation in 2022, featuring a new altar dedicated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge.[2]
Special features
- Commitment to acts of service, generosity, and evangelization, inspired by the parish patron
- Wine and Wisdom lecture series on topics of faith and family
- Strong music ministry with children's and adult choirs enhancing liturgical celebrations
- Spanish-language Mass and ministries supporting the multicultural community
- Associated Catholic Education Center with classrooms, gym, and multipurpose facilities
Relics
According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar, rededicated in 2022 following renovation, contains deposited relics as is customary during the rite of dedication for fixed altars. Specific saints associated with these relics have not been publicly documented in available sources. This reflects common practice where first-class relics, often of martyrs, are sealed within the altar.
Architecture
The original church (dedicated 1921) stood on Main Street in Purcellville. The current church building reflects twentieth-century design adapted for communal worship. A major interior renovation in 2022 introduced European beechwood pews from New Holland Church Furniture and other enhancements.[2]
Associated facilities include the Catholic Education Center (completed post-2013 groundbreaking), providing educational and communal spaces.
Art and devotional features
Specific details on stained glass windows, statues, or sculptures are limited in publicly available sources. The renovated interior supports a welcoming liturgical environment suited to the parish's focus on evangelization and community.
Related parishes
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "St. Francis de Sales Church". Arlington Catholic Herald. https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/parishes/st-francis-de-sales-church-2/.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "St. Francis de Sales in Purcellville begins its 50th year with interior renovation". Arlington Catholic Herald. January 25, 2022. https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/st-francis-de-sales-in-purcellville-begins-its-50th-year-with-interior-renovation/.