Statement Regarding Change of Administration at Christ the Redeemer Parish

For Immediate Release
June 1, 2018

STERLING, Va - Upon review of the pastoral and administrative needs of Christ the Redeemer Parish (Sterling, VA), and in discussion with the leadership of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, it was decided that the Diocese of Arlington would assume responsibility for the Parish. The change was announced on June 1, 2018, and is effective September 1, 2018. Christ the Redeemer Parish has been staffed by the Atonement Friars since its founding in 1972.

Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington, thanked the Atonement Friars for their 46 years of generous and fruitful ministry to the parishioners of Christ the Redeemer Parish:

I am most grateful for the Atonement Friars sharing their charism for promoting unity within our Church during the years in which we all witnessed tremendous growth in the Catholic population in Sterling. In particular, I am grateful to the Friars for welcoming and encouraging the spiritual growth of so many Spanish-speaking Catholics who make up our Diocesan family.

Very Reverend Brian Terry, SA, Minister General of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, stated:

The Friars have been serving in Sterling since 1971, when we met in Sterling Elementary School cafeteria for Sunday liturgies. I remember arriving early to Mass as a young boy to help fold up the cafeteria tables and set out the very cold metal folding chairs. Christ the Redeemer Parish has had very simple and humble beginnings and blossomed into a vibrant faith community. The Friars have accompanied the community through years of growth with great joy and have found it a privilege to serve the People of God in Northern Virginia. It is our greatest prayer that the new Pastor and Parochial Vicar will be welcomed with open hearts, as we were welcomed so many years ago. In the words of St. Francis, recalled from the Book of Numbers: “The Lord bless you and keep you. May He show His face to you and have mercy. May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace. The Lord bless you. El Señor te bendiga y te guarde; ilumine su rostro sobre ti y tenga misericordia de ti. Vuelva a ti su rostro y te conceda la paz. El Señor te bendiga.”