The Basilica of Saint Mary

09/07/2026

The Basilica of Saint Mary’s Parish Offices will be closed today for the Labor Day holiday. There will only be Mass — at 9 a.m.

Here is a prayer to celebrate the day:

Lord, on this Labor Day we thank You for the blessing of work. We ask for strength to complete each day. We ask Your guidance for everyone seeking employment, and we ask that You be with those faces we might never see, but who work tirelessly each day for the good of us all. Amen.

On behalf of the priests and staff at the Basilica, we wish you a safe and blessed holiday!

09/05/2026

In Fr. Hathaway's latest column, he shares about the "Catholics Vote No" campaign. Go here to learn more:

09/05/2026

Celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary with us!

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 in the Basilica Church at 7 p.m.

09/04/2026

Chris Zettler, a parishioner at the Basilica, shares about why it’s important to vote no on the proposed abortion amendment on the November ballot.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is facing very serious legal threats to the human right to life and the truth of marriage. 

During the November election, Bishop Burbidge is asking all Catholics to vote no on two dangerous amendments on the ballot that could be enacted in Virginia’s State Constitution.

Learn more about what’s at stake and also about upcoming vote registration drives at the Basilica here: https://stmaryoldtown.org/catholicsvoteno

09/04/2026

On the ballot during this November's election, the Commonwealth of Virginia has two proposed amendments, which threaten the human right to life and the truth of marriage. Bishop Burbidge is encouraging all Catholics in the diocese to vote “no” on these amendments because, if passed, they will gravely damage the intrinsic dignity of persons and the nature of marriage and the family. If you're not registered to vote in Virginia, the Basilica is sponsoring two voter registration drives: after all the Sunday Masses this weekend and next.

Go here for more information: www.stmaryoldtown.org/catholicsvoteno

09/04/2026

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. at the AMC Hoffman Center 22 Theater in Alexandria, Fr. Hathaway and other Basilica parishioners will be attending the following documentary by Bishop Robert Barron: "Heaven in Stone and Glass," which takes viewers through the French cathedrals of Amiens, Chartres, Notre-Dame, Reims, and Saint-Denis to explore the various elements of these medieval churches.

Applying his dynamic grasp of history, theology, art, and Scripture, Bishop Barron uncovers architectural echoes of heaven on earth that continue to awaken our sustained longing for God. See the trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faiwwN6M6Yc

Get your tickets today (before the film is sold out) by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4qVQO0I

09/03/2026

SAVE THE DATE

Join other parishioners for our annual Oktoberfest celebration on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, at the Basilica School, from 2:30-5 p.m.

Enjoy German food/music; live music; dancing; games/activities for all ages; and a petting zoo.

09/03/2026

Over the next few weeks, you will be hearing about the upcoming "It Is In The Giving That We Receive" Offertory Program at the Basilica.

This effort is very important as we move forward with our mission and vision. We, as a parish family, have changed so many lives in our community.

In order to continue our mission and ministries, we encourage all parishioners to spend time in prayer and discussion with your family reflecting on the work we do.

Our special Commitment Weekend will be celebrated on Sept. 26 & 27. We thank you in advance for your generosity.

09/03/2026

Beginning with the weekend Masses on September 20th, 27th and October 4th, the Knights of Columbus Council 459 will conduct their annual coat drive to support the local community.

Please bring your gently used winter coats to Basilica of Saint Mary church where members of the Knights of Columbus will be curbside to accept your donation. A box will also be located behind the last pew in the church’s main section if a Knight is not available to collect them.

Collection boxes will also be at the Basilica School of St Mary for your convenience.

If you have any questions, please contact:
John Kim ([email protected])

God Bless!

09/01/2026

Click here to listen to a homily given by Fr. Edward Hathaway for the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on August 30, 2026.