St. Mark (Diocese of Arlington)
| Saint Mark Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint Mark the Evangelist |
| Venerated Saints: | None specified |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Arlington |
| Deanery: | Deanery 3 |
| Address: | 9970 Vale Road, Vienna, VA 22181 |
| Coordinates: | 38.8833, -77.1667 |
| City: | Vienna, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Fairfax County |
| Website: | https://stmark.org |
| Founded: | 1965 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | |
Saint Mark Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Vienna, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint Mark the Evangelist, traditionally regarded as the author of the Gospel of Mark and companion of Saints Peter and Paul—the parish serves a suburban community in Fairfax County.
Established in May 1965 by Bishop John J. Russell of Richmond, the parish grew amid post-Vatican II changes and suburban expansion. Initial Masses were celebrated at James Madison High School before the original church was built in 1968. The current sanctuary complex was completed and dedicated in 1984, with the Christian Formation Center added in 2003. As of December 19, 2025, Saint Mark continues to offer ministries focused on worship, invitation, nurture, and service.
The parish community lives its mission to witness Christ's love and mercy through outreach and proclamation of the Gospel.
History
Saint Mark Parish was established in May 1965 by Bishop John J. Russell of Richmond, during implementation of Vatican II reforms.[1][2]
Under founding pastor Fr. Robert J. Walsh, the parish emphasized lay involvement. The original church was built in 1968; the current sanctuary in 1984; and the Christian Formation Center in 2003.
Pastors have included Msgr. Thomas Cassidy, Fr. Anthony Justs, Fr. Stewart Culkin, Fr. Patrick Holroyd, and currently Fr. Peter Nassetta, Y.A. (appointed 2024).
Special features
- Emphasis on lay leadership and participation, rooted in Vatican II vision
- Extensive ministries and outreach proclaiming the Gospel
- Christian Formation Center supporting education and faith sharing
Architecture
The current sanctuary complex was completed and dedicated in 1984, with the Christian Formation Center added in 2003.
Art and devotional features
The church features a bright sanctuary.[3]
A statue of Mary holding the infant Jesus is displayed near the altar.[4]
The Memorial Garden includes a statue of Jesus as the Good Shepherd.[5]
Additional details on stained glass windows, sculptures, or other interior artwork are limited in publicly available sources as of December 19, 2025.
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.
Related parishes
References
- ↑ "About Us". Saint Mark Catholic Church. https://stmark.org/about-us/.
- ↑ "Saint Mark". Catholic Diocese of Arlington. https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/jubilee/our-diocese/our-history/parish-history-profiles/saint-mark/.
- ↑ "St. Mark Church". Arlington Catholic Herald. https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/parishes/st-mark-church/.
- ↑ "St. Mark Church". Arlington Catholic Herald. https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/parishes/st-mark-church/.
- ↑ "St. Mark Church". Arlington Catholic Herald. https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/parishes/st-mark-church/.