ABOUT US

Welcome to the website of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, located in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County, Virginia.  Whether you are exploring our site to learn about our parish community or looking for information posted on these pages, we hope your visit will be fruitful and pleasant. The website offers a comprehensive overview of our many ministries.  You will find information about who we are, where we are located, worship and prayer times, and how to become a member of our parish family.  There are links to our faith formation programs for children and adults, social outreach within our parish and the surrounding community, and to sacramental, ministerial, educational, and service opportunities. In all these aspects of parish life, we are guided by our vision, loving as Christ loves, serving as Christ serves. 

History
Good Shepherd was founded in May 1965 by Bishop John J. Russell of the Diocese of Richmond in response to the growth of Fairfax County during the early 1960's. The boundaries of the parish encompass the historic Mount Vernon Estate and most of George Washington's farms including River Farm to the north and Mansion Farm on the south. The Potomac River forms the eastern border and the historic community of Gum Springs is on the west, bounded by U.S. Route One.

Father Joseph F. Schwartz, Good Shepherd's first pastor, founded an "instant parish" of more than 900 families. The first Mass was celebrated on Sunday, May 30, 1965, in Walt Whitman (now Mount Vernon) High School. A low-cost quick-to-build multi-purpose structure was constructed. The building, complete with an altar setting and 980 green folding chairs, was dedicated by Bishop Russell on June 17, 1967.

In June 1970, Father William P. Connelly was named pastor and continued building the programs of Good Shepherd until July 1971, when Father Thomas J. Quinlan succeeded him. During Father Quinlan's time, plans were created for additional parish facilities and a fund-raising campaign was initiated. To celebrate the diverse ethnic and multi-cultural background within the community, the parish held its first International Festival that continues each year on Labor Day. 

In June 1979, Father Gerard Creedon was appointed pastor.  The theme "Building Community in the Light of Christ" inspired all efforts undertaken.  Plans were initiated for the construction of a church and the development of additional facilities. On October 21, 1984, Bishop Keating dedicated the worship space 19 years after the parish was formed. The cornerstone was hewn from a rock quarry on the Mount Vernon estate; the mahogany altar and ambo are consistent with the historic design of a sideboard in the Mount Vernon mansion's dining room.

Diocesan approval was granted in September 1987 for the construction of the Community Center, which incorporated the original multi-purpose building, and added space for offices, a professional kitchen, nursery, youth center and six classrooms. The building was dedicated in January 1991 and has been the hub of the parish's activities ever since. During Fr. Creedon’s tenure as pastor, Good Shepherd became known for its outreach to the poor and underprivileged in our own community, nationally, and internationally.  Funds raised at the International Festival are used to fund “Shepherd’s Gate Grants.”  These funds support those in need in various areas to provide food, shelter, and education opportunities.

Father Creedon was replaced by Father George Griffin who served as pastor from June 1991 until June 2003. Under Father Griffin’s direction, parish facilities were updated, stained glass windows were added to the worship space, a memorial to the victims of September 11th was constructed, and a priests’ residence was built on parish grounds. Fr. Griffin supported the expansion of outreach to the poor and needy and the parish’s dedication to social justice. 

Father Chuck McCoart was named pastor in June 2003. Under his direction, Good Shepherd continues to flourish as a caring and sharing community, welcoming all who share the vision of "loving as Christ loves, serving as Christ serves.” 
In October 2008, the parish released a Parish Pastoral Plan with goals and objectives guiding all members to fulfill their baptismal call to be Disciples of Christ.  The Parish Pastoral Plan is the framework for all members or visitors to Good Shepherd Catholic Church to be the people and parish God intends.