Installation Masses 2023

Installation Masses 2023

The Installation Mass for Father James Scullion was celebrated on August 13, 2023 at St. Francis of Assisi in Triangle, Virginia, and the Intallation Mass for Father Richard Dyer was celebrated on July 23, 2023 at St. Thomas à Beckett in Reston, Virginia. Explore this page to learn more, and see photos of the Masses.

Pastor Installation Mass for Father James Scullion

Father James Scullion was installed as pastor at St. Francis of Assisi in Triangle. The Mass was celebrated by the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington, on Sunday, August 13.

Father Scullion is a biblical scholar and taught graduate theology in Washington for many years. 

Father Scullion served as parochial vicar at St. Francis of Assisi. From a Friar Reflection on stfrancis.org: "Jesus shows us the way to do God's will. It is the way of humility, sacrifice, and service. So, we pray to God today and each day: 'Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.'   

Read more in the Arlington Catholic Herald. 

Pastor Installation Mass for Father Richard Dyer

Father Richard Dyer was installed as pastor at St. Thomas à Becket Church in Reston. The Mass was celebrated by the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington, on Sunday, July 23 at 11 a.m.

Father Dyer was born April 10, 1963 in Buffalo, N.Y., to Richard and Justine Dyer. As one of four children in a military family, he spent his childhood moving around the country and to Germany. Father Dyer entered Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., in 2006. He was ordained to the priesthood Dec.27, 2011, at St. Andrew. The ordination was celebrated early so that his dying father could attend - “a tremendous grace,” he said. His father died the next day as he was celebrating his first Mass of thanksgiving. 

Father Dyer has served as parochial vicar of Blessed Sacrament Church in Alexandria (2012-16), St. Charles Borromeo Church in Arlington (2016-19) and St. Veronica Church in Chantilly since 2019. 

Read more of his story in the Arlington Catholic Herald.