Our History
The History of Holy Family Parish
Holy Family Parish was established in September 1970 by the then Bishop of Richmond, The Most Reverend John J. Russell. Reverend R. Roy Cosby was its founding pastor. Holy Family has had eight pastors and one Administrator since Fr. Cosby (1970-1978).
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| Rev. Roy Cosby 1970 – 1978 |
Rev. Vincent Keane 1979 – 1983 |
Rev. George Griffin 1983 – 1992 |
Rev. Joe Biniek 1991 – 1998 |
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| Rev. Stephen F. Leva Administrator 1998 – 2001 |
Rev Jose Hoyos 2001 – 2005 |
Rev. Donald Planty 2005 – 2010 |
Rev. Gerry Creedon 2010 – 2017 |
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| Rev. Bill Korpi 2017 – 2020 |
Rev. Ramon Baez 2020 – Present |
In May 1974, Holy Family became part of the Diocese of Arlington when the new diocese was created with Bishop Thomas J. Welsh as its founding prelate. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge is now Bishop of Arlington.
On September 1, 1970 Fr. Roy Cosby was named the Founding Pastor of “The Dale City Parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Richmond” later to become “Holy Family Catholic Church”. Until a permanent church could be built, Sunday masses were celebrated at BelAir Elementary and Godwin Middle schools. The first mass was celebrated by Fr. Roy Cosby on September 6, 1970 at BelAir Elementary School with over 1,2oo parishioners in attendance. Weekday masses were celebrated in a small chapel constructed in a garage at the rectory then located at 3006 Del Mar Drive. In addition, Holy Family administered a mission church, Sacred Heart, located on Hoadly Road. Sacred Heart was later designated as a parish.
The present church building was dedicated on June 2, 1974. The parish activity center was dedicated in April 1990 and now houses the Pre-School established in 1992 and the Holy Family School established in 1995.
Approximately 3,300 families are the heartbeat of the parish. Their involvement keeps the parish ministries of religious education, youth ministry, social ministry and Christian life and liturgy vibrant.
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| Church Ground Breaking August 6, 1972 |
Ceiling Collapse January 19, 1986 |
Damage From 1986 Ceiling Collapse |
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| Ground Breaking For Parish Activities Center June 4, 1989 |