St. Lawrence (Diocese of Arlington)
| Saint Lawrence Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint Lawrence the Martyr |
| Venerated Saints: | Our Lady, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Holy Family |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Arlington |
| Deanery: | Deanery 2 |
| Address: | 6222 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 |
| Coordinates: | 38.7820, -77.1536 |
| City: | Alexandria, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Fairfax County |
| Website: | https://stlawrencealex.org/ |
| Founded: | 1967 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | office@stlawrencealex.org |
Saint Lawrence Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in the Franconia area of Alexandria, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint Lawrence the Martyr, the third-century Roman deacon renowned for his charity to the poor and heroic martyrdom by roasting on a gridiron, the parish is characterized by a deep spirit of prayer and devotion. Often described as a place that is "never empty," with the church open for extended hours daily, it fosters frequent personal prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and communal devotions.
Established in 1967 amid suburban growth in Fairfax County, the parish initially celebrated Masses at Thomas A. Edison High School before dedicating its current church building in 1970. A major narthex expansion was completed in 2020, enhancing welcome and facilities. The parish has produced several priestly and religious vocations and maintains active pro-life, Knights of Columbus, and outreach ministries. As of December 14, 2025, Saint Lawrence continues to serve a faithful community emphasizing prayer and service.
The parish community reflects its patron's legacy through charitable works and a welcoming environment open to prayer throughout the day.
History
Saint Lawrence Parish was established on June 3, 1967, by Bishop John J. Russell of the Diocese of Richmond to serve the growing Catholic population in Franconia, with Rev. Frank E. Mahler appointed as founding pastor.[1][2]
Initial Masses were held at Thomas A. Edison High School until the church, parish hall, and rectory were dedicated on December 12, 1970.[1] The parish became part of the newly erected Diocese of Arlington in 1974.[1]
Over the decades, the parish has seen interior renovations, including in 1992, and a significant narthex expansion completed in May 2020, adding space for gathering, restrooms, and an updated baptistry.[2][3] The parish has been noted for abundant vocations to the priesthood and religious life.[4]
Special features
- Church open approximately 15 hours daily, fostering a "never empty" atmosphere of personal prayer
- Active pro-life ministry, including regular rosary prayer at a local clinic
- Monthly "Share Sunday" collections of food and funds for multidenominational outreach
- Vibrant Knights of Columbus council hosting breakfasts and Lenten fish fries
- Father McAfee Meditation Garden with devotional statues and roses
Relics
According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar, dedicated in 1970, contains deposited relics as is customary in consecrated 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 church building, dedicated in 1970, exemplifies modernist architectural style common in the post-Vatican II era, with a distinctive stained glass dome above the sanctuary.[5]
A major expansion of the narthex was completed in 2020, providing brighter natural light, improved facilities, and enhanced accessibility.[2]
Associated buildings include the parish hall (original multi-purpose space) and rectory.
Art and devotional features
The parish grounds feature the Father McAfee Meditation Garden, containing devotional elements such as a replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà, Stations of the Cross, statues of the Blessed Mother (illuminated at night), the Holy Family, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.[2][6]
The garden includes roses and other plants as a legacy of a former pastor, encouraging contemplation and prayer.
Specific details on interior stained glass beyond the sanctuary dome or additional statues are limited in publicly available sources.
Related parishes
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "History of the Parish". Saint Lawrence Parish. https://stlawrencealex.org/parish-life/about/history-of-the-parish/.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "St. Lawrence Church". Arlington Catholic Herald. https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/parishes/st-lawrence-church/.
- ↑ "A church that’s ‘never empty’". Arlington Catholic Herald. https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/a-church-thats-never-empty/.
- ↑ "A church that’s ‘never empty’". Arlington Catholic Herald. https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/a-church-thats-never-empty/.
- ↑ "Architecture from domes to steeples". Arlington Catholic Herald. https://www.catholicherald.com/article/arts/art/architecture-from-domes-to-steeples-2/.
- ↑ "A church that’s ‘never empty’". Arlington Catholic Herald. https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/a-church-thats-never-empty/.