Following in the footsteps of the Church’s founders – allowing the Lord to enter everyone’s heart
Originally, Saint Joseph Catholic Church, in Alexandria’s Old Town Historic District, was founded in 1916 for African American Catholics of Northern Virginia, because they weren’t allowed to worship fully elsewhere. Money to build the red-brick, English Gothic-style church came from a wealthy Philadelphia family, the Drexels, parishioners, and the Josephite Fathers, an interracial, intercultural community of priests and brothers who work to advance the teachings of the Church in the African American community.
While it is predominately African American, many races and cultures worship at St. Joseph every Sunday.
Nothing much has changed at the church since then, except for the lines of people stretched down the block waiting for their chance to grab winter coats for family members or a newish suit for a job interview.
Emotions cloud Father Donald Fest’s voice as he talks about conditions affecting some of his parishioners, like the choice between buying groceries or paying rent or the electric bill or much needed medicine.
One of his main concerns is immigration services affecting students’ “ability to learn.”
“But what has affected us more than ICE (since we are predominantly a Black parish) is not being able to afford to live in Alexandria.” Many of his parishioners are moving further away, especially in the wake of Amazon building in the area. He also decries seasonal hiring by large employers, especially at the National Harbor. “The bills aren’t seasonal.”
St. Joseph is a strong CCNA supporter, donating funds to supplement its after school mentoring and tutoring program. “I like (CCNA’s) focus that whatever is happening in the city is going to affect kids at school. That whatever is happening at home is going to affect kids at school.”
“Many are amazed to find out about the free school lunch program. For some kids, it’s the only meal of the day,” he notes.
In addition to promoting CCNA’s after school program, Father Fest helps facilitate CCNA’s Community Workshops, letting the church host these community issue and solution oriented forums. “I’m happy to be a cheerleader and to keep information before the people.”
“We need to keep problems in front of us. I’d like to see a community concerned, informed, and more involved.”
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