St. Patrick (Diocese of Arlington)

Saint Patrick Catholic Church
Dedication:	Saint Patrick
Venerated Saints:	Our Lady, Saint Joseph
Diocese:	Diocese of Arlington
Deanery:	Deanery 6
Address:	9149 Elys Ford Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Coordinates:	38.3000, -77.4667
City:	Fredericksburg, VA
Subdivision:	Virginia
Country:	United States
County:	Spotsylvania County
Website:	https://www.saintpatrickparish.org
Founded:	1988
School:	Yes
Email:	office@saintpatrickparish.org

Saint Patrick Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint Patrick, the fifth-century Apostle of Ireland and patron saint of Ireland—venerated in Catholic tradition for his missionary work, use of the shamrock to explain the Trinity, and legendary expulsion of snakes from Ireland—the parish operates Saint Patrick Catholic School (pre-K through grade 8) and emphasizes faith formation, community service, and evangelization.

Established in 1988 to serve the growing Catholic population in the Fredericksburg area, the parish initially held Masses in local facilities before dedicating its current church on June 13, 2021. As of December 18, 2025, Saint Patrick continues to offer vibrant liturgies and ministries, reflecting devotion to its patron through celebration of his feast on March 17.

The parish community fosters spiritual growth through education, prayer, and outreach.

History

Saint Patrick Parish was established in 1988 by the Diocese of Arlington to accommodate population growth in the Fredericksburg region.

Initial Masses were celebrated in borrowed spaces. The parish grew steadily, leading to the construction of a new church dedicated on June 13, 2021, by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge.

Saint Patrick Catholic School serves students from pre-K through grade 8.

School

Saint Patrick Catholic School (pre-K through grade 8) provides faith-integrated education within the parish community.

The school emphasizes academic excellence and spiritual development.

Special features

• Active ministries supporting faith formation and community service
• Celebration of the feast of Saint Patrick on March 17

Architecture

The current church building, dedicated on June 13, 2021, features contemporary design suited to large gatherings and modern liturgical needs.

Art and devotional features

The church interior includes exceptionally stunning stained glass windows from Conrad Schmitt Studios, bronze exterior statuary, an ornate wood altar railing, handcrafted wooden statues of saints and archangels imported from Italy, exquisite hand-carved Stations of the Cross imported from Italy, a marble altar facing with a mosaic of the apocalyptic lamb, a golden tabernacle imported from Spain, and an inspiring crucifix hand-carved by Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz.

The main altar houses relics of several saints, including Pope Saint John Paul II, Saint Faustina Kowalska, Saint Paul of the Cross, Saint Gemma Galgani, Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko, Saint Maria Goretti, Saint John of the Cross, and Saint Teresa of Ávila.

Relics

The main altar, dedicated in 2021, contains deposited first-class relics of several saints, including Pope Saint John Paul II, Saint Faustina Kowalska, Saint Paul of the Cross, Saint Gemma Galgani, Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko, Saint Maria Goretti, Saint John of the Cross, and Saint Teresa of Ávila, as documented in diocesan records.