St John The Beloved Catholic Church, located in McLean, Virginia, stands as a beacon of faith with a history stretching back over a century. From its humble beginnings as a mission church, St John’s has grown into a thriving parish deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, community engagement, and a commitment to spiritual and educational excellence. The church’s dedication to the Holy Eucharist and its welcoming spirit make it a cherished spiritual home for many.
A History Forged in Faith and Community
The story of St John the Beloved Catholic Church began with a vision in the early 20th century. Mr. John Carlin, a local landowner, dreamt of a Catholic church gracing the western edge of his property in El Nido, Virginia. This dream became reality when his son, William M. Carlin, donated land in 1912 for a mission church. In 1913, Bishop Denis J. O’Connell of Richmond laid the cornerstone, marking the official start of St John’s as a mission of Saint James Catholic Church in Falls Church.
Under the pastoral care of Fr. Amadeus J. Van Ingelgem from Saint James, the mission church slowly took shape. Masses were initially held in the basement as the upper sanctuary was constructed. A small but dedicated group of families, including the Carlins and Peytons, formed the core of this fledgling community, ensuring the mission’s upkeep and fostering its early growth. For nearly two decades, Father Van Ingelgem nurtured this community until Fr. Edward V. Mullarkey succeeded him in 1931.
A pivotal moment arrived in October 1951 when St John the Beloved officially became an independent parish. This new chapter began with the arrival of Fr. Paul R. Cauwe, CICM, as the founding pastor. Father Cauwe, a Belgian missionary with years of service in China and resilience forged by wartime imprisonment, brought dynamic leadership to the burgeoning parish. The post-war population boom in the area fueled rapid growth, necessitating a larger church and a school to serve the expanding community of St John the Beloved Catholic Church.
In 1954, under Father Cauwe’s guidance, construction commenced on the distinctive eight-sided, “church in the round” building that stands today. Designed by parishioner and architect Francis Koenig, the new church was dedicated in 1956 by Bishop Peter L. Ireton of Richmond. This architectural landmark became a symbol of the parish’s growth and its forward-looking spirit.
The Heart of Parish Life: Liturgy, Community, and Tradition
St John the Beloved Catholic Church is known for its profound reverence for the Sacred Liturgy, particularly the Holy Eucharist. Inspired by the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, the parish fosters a deep interior life among its parishioners, encouraging spiritual growth that extends into tangible acts of service. Weekday Adoration and all-day Wednesday Confessions underscore the central role of the sacraments in parish life, drawing individuals seeking spiritual solace and renewal.
Beyond its liturgical focus, St John the Beloved Catholic Church thrives as a vibrant community. The parish calendar is filled with events that nourish both body and soul, fostering fellowship and celebrating Catholic traditions. From fall festivals and Immaculate Conception lessons and carols to Mardi Gras celebrations, Lenten soup suppers, and Corpus Christi processions, St John’s offers numerous opportunities for parishioners to connect, celebrate, and deepen their faith together. Weekly coffee and donuts after Sunday Mass further enhance this sense of community and belonging.
St. John the Beloved Academy: Cultivating Faith, Knowledge, and Joy
Education has been a cornerstone of St John the Beloved Catholic Church since the establishment of Saint John the Beloved Academy in 1954. Founded by Rev. Paul R. Cauwe, CICM, the academy opened its doors to 150 students in kindergarten through fourth grade. Staffed initially by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM) sisters, the school quickly expanded, adding grades each year to become a K-8 institution by 1958. By the mid-1960s, the academy served an impressive 1200 students, reflecting the parish’s commitment to Catholic education.
Over the years, St John the Beloved Academy has benefited from dedicated leadership and a commitment to excellence. The Sisters of Notre Dame (SND) served the school from 1973 to 1993, followed by the appointment of the first lay principal, Mrs. Christine Wells, in 1993. Renamed Saint John Academy in 2006, the school achieved national recognition as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2008.
Today, St John the Beloved Academy, under the direction of Mr. Jeffrey Presberg, continues to provide a robust Catholic liberal arts education to nearly 200 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Rooted in the motto “Faith, Knowledge, and Joy,” the academy upholds a tradition of academic rigor and spiritual formation, preparing students to be thoughtful, engaged citizens grounded in their Catholic faith.
Leadership and a Legacy of Vocations
St John the Beloved Catholic Church has been guided by a succession of dedicated pastors who have shaped its spiritual and communal life. Following Fr. Paul R. Cauwe, notable pastors like Fr. Henry E. Hammond, Fr. Jerome Daly, Fr. Ed Hathaway, Fr. Franklyn McAfee, Fr. Paul Scalia, and currently Fr. Christopher Pollard have each contributed to the parish’s growth and development. Their leadership has overseen building projects, renovations, and the expansion of ministries, always with a focus on serving the evolving needs of the parish community.
Furthermore, St John the Beloved Catholic Church is blessed with a vibrant culture of vocations. The parish has witnessed the ordination of several sons to the priesthood, including Rev. Mauricio Pineda, Canon Benjamin Norman, ICRSP, and Rev. Charles Pavlick. With ongoing prayers for those still in formation and for the many couples entering Holy Matrimony, St John’s stands as a testament to the power of faith-filled families in fostering vocations and enriching the Catholic Church.
To discover more about the vibrant community and rich history of St John the Beloved Catholic Church, please visit https://www.stjohncatholicmclean.org/.
