Arlington Bishop establishes Mission
to serve Catholic community in Manassas Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
September 3, 2017

On September 1, 2017, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington formally decreed the establishment of a new Mission to serve the growing Catholic population of the City of Manassas Park, Virginia.

The new Mission, christened as Saint Gabriel the Archangel Mission, exists within the parish boundaries of All Saints Church in Manassas.  Priests from All Saints have been celebrating Masses each Sunday at the Manassas Park Community Center.

“With the continued and rapid growth of the Hispanic community in the Manassas area, it is a joy and honor to establish the St. Gabriel Mission,” Bishop Burbidge said. “My prayer is that it will provide the opportunity for the vibrant faith of the people in this area to grow for years to come. I extend my sincere appreciation to Fr. Lee Roos and the other priests serving at All Saints Parish who will provide the pastoral care needed at St. Gabriel Mission. In particular, I wish to express appreciation for Fr. Juan Puigbo, Parochial Vicar at All Saints Church in Manassas, who will have a special care for those to be served at St. Gabriel Mission, especially Spanish-speaking parishioners.”

The territorial boundaries of the Mission are within the city limits of Manassas Park.  The establishment of mission boundaries will allow the Catholic community to begin to develop toward the potential of attaining independent parish status in the future.

The decree establishing the new Mission is effective today, September 3, 2017. Bishop Burbidge informed parishioners while celebrating the 9:30 a.m. Mass at the Community Center.

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