Saint Joseph Parish

St Joseph’s is a wonderful parish. The building is older, but it is warm and inviting. They welcome all regardless of your socio or economic background. They are not nearly as conservative other Catholic parishes in the area. The Franciscan priests talk to you like friends — they don’t lecture or talk down to you. They seem better at adjusting with the times that you can hear in their homilies and see in policies. For example, They are willing to provide marriage preparations even if a couple is cohabiting. They truly care and will work with you. Also, you don’t have to bribe them to get your children admitted into their school. You recommend St Joseph :)

Ample seating, but it can be a bit uncomfortable. Décor is a little morbid for my taste. Extremely limited menu and wine list, and the offerings are all rather bland. Everything is complimentary, so that’s nice, but they do request donations; I’m not sure if that’s the best business model, but whatevs. Live music on Sundays. Staff is friendly, but can get a little preachy. Sundays are busy, but the place is slammed on holidays. I’ve been once on a Friday; was told it would be «good,» but it was actually somber and somewhat macabre.
I’d give this place a lower rating, but for some reason I feel compelled to give it five stars.

I love this church. I moved from the west to here and so far I really enjoy going to this church. The only thing is the temperature is way too cold. I feel it is such a waste of energy. Be sure to bundle up!

«Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that have received – only what you have given. … For it is in giving that we receive.»
― St. Francis of Assisi
The Saint Joseph Parish and School in Herndon, VA, is tended by the Order of St. Francis (of Assisi). It is the Franciscans who walk the halls of the school and preside over Mass at the St. Joseph Parish.
The comfort and grace of St. Francis is apparent in all they do and say. The Rosary is prayed each morning from 7:30 to 8 AM by the community before the 8 AM Mass. Unlike other Catholic churches which are moving away from having statuaries and altars to St. Joseph, Mother Mary, and the saints, Saint Joseph Parish encourages reflection and prayer to the all whom our Church possible.
The Franciscan priests give wonderful homilies, making the Gospel accessible to all. It may not be a modern church or an aesthetic church (by modern standards), but parishioners are encouraged to pause, reflect, pray and discuss.
In the memory of St. Francis of Assisi who reminded us that it is in giving that we receive, Saint Joseph Parish gives so much to those who attend, and encourages parishioners to share and give in return.

Really nice church. I have gone to this church a couple of times now while in town visiting the area. It is so nice because everyone is really friendly and I automatically felt comfortable attending mass there. The most impressive part is that the younger members of the church are active within the parish and the church recognized their service and their value during mass. So beautiful and inspiring.

Stain glass stations of the cross, thriving young parish, combination of modern & traditional liturgy (e.g.- kneeling after «lamb of God») and 2 priests distributing the Eucharist means this would be where I would attend mass regularly if I lived in the area.