St. Joseph (Diocese of Arlington)

Saint Joseph Catholic Church
Dedication:	Saint Joseph
Venerated Saints:	None specified
Diocese:	Diocese of Arlington
Deanery:	Deanery 3
Address:	750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170
Coordinates:	38.9689, -77.3706
City:	Herndon, VA
Subdivision:	Virginia
Country:	United States
County:	Fairfax County
Website:	https://sjcherndon.org/
Founded:	1944
School:	Yes
Email:	,

Saint Joseph Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Herndon, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and patron of the Universal Church—venerated for his humility, obedience, and protection of the Holy Family—the parish is staffed by Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular (T.O.R.), embodying Franciscan joy, simplicity, hospitality, and service.

Originating as a mission in 1925 with a stone church dedicated in 1926, it was elevated to parish status in 1944. Key milestones include relocation to Peachtree Street with a new church and school building dedicated in 1965, founding of Saint Joseph Catholic School in 1978, and construction of a larger church dedicated in 1987. As of December 14, 2025, the parish serves a diverse community with vibrant ministries, Eucharistic adoration, and outreach reflecting Franciscan spirituality.

The parish community preaches the Gospel through word, sacrament, and service, fostering a joyful environment in a rapidly growing area.

History

Saint Joseph began as a mission in 1925, authorized by Bishop Denis J. Brennan (or Andrew J. Brennan per sources) of the Diocese of Richmond, with a native stone church in downtown Herndon dedicated on July 20, 1926.

Elevated to parish status in 1944, it was initially served by Holy Ghost Fathers (Spiritans) from 1950. In 1965, a new church and school building on Peachtree Street were dedicated by Bishop John J. Russell.

The parish became part of the newly erected Diocese of Arlington in 1974. A larger church was constructed with groundbreaking in 1984 and dedication in 1987 by Bishop John R. Keating. Pastoral care transitioned to Franciscan Friars T.O.R. at some point after diocesan administration began in the 1980s.

Saint Joseph Catholic School was founded in 1978, with further expansions including a gym (1995) and parish hall (2004).

Special features

• Staffed by Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular (T.O.R.), emphasizing Franciscan hospitality and spirituality focused on the crib, cross, and Eucharist
• Eucharistic adoration on Wednesdays and First Fridays with Nocturnal Adoration Society
• Diverse community with ministries promoting peace, service, and welcoming newcomers
• Associated Saint Joseph Catholic School (K-8), providing Catholic education

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 original church (1926) was built of native Virginia stone in downtown Herndon. The current church, dedicated in 1987, features a simple design with abundant natural lighting enhancing the sanctuary.

Associated buildings include the school facilities, parish hall, and spaces supporting Franciscan community life.

Art and devotional features

The church interior emphasizes simplicity and natural light, with a prominent eight-sided baptismal font and ambry for holy oils as recent enhancements.

Stained glass windows depict the Stations of the Cross, inviting reflection on Christ's Passion. Seasonal displays include a large Fontanini Nativity scene at Christmas, along with rotating tapestries, banners, and art aligned with Franciscan mysteries.

Specific details on additional statues or sculptures are limited in publicly available sources.