Visiting Our Lady of Hope | Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church

Visiting Our Lady of Hope

Whether you’re visiting family, just passing through, or new to the neighborhood, we want to welcome you to our parish community. Newcomers are always welcome, but we know there are a lot of unknowns when you visit a new church. Where do I park? How should I dress? Where do I go? We hope this page will help you feel more comfortable before you even reach our doors. If there’s anything we forgot, please reach out to our parish office.

When is Mass?

Weekend Masses
Saturday: 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, & 10:30 a.m.; 12:15 p.m.
Weekday Masses
Monday-Saturday: 8:30 a.m.

Where do I go?

We are located at 46639 Algonkian Parkway, on the corner of Algonkian and Cascades Parkways in Sterling, Virginia. Entrances/exits are available on both roads.

We have plenty of parking along the north side of the building, as well as a smaller lot between the church and school. Handicapped parking is available in the small lot, but there are handicap-accessible entrances and an elevator to the main level.

All main entrances are unlocked for weekend Masses, but we think the main entrance is the most beautiful! Be sure to take a moment to enjoy Our Lady’s rose garden and the lovely mosaics above the front doors.

Is childcare available during Mass?

There is no childcare available during Mass. There are, however, a limited number of seats available in the narthex (just inside the main doors) where you can sit with infants and small children and still hear the Mass. If you have to step out, please come back when everyone is ready. Our ushers will gladly help you return to your seat discreetly.

Where do I find. . .

Single-occupant Restrooms are located on either side of the narthex (the foyer area). If you are facing the altar, the ladies’ room will be behind you to the left, and the men’s room will be behind you to the right. Larger restrooms are available downstairs near the Parish Hall.

The elevator goes from the narthex (next to the ladies’ room) to the hallway outside our Parish Hall. The closest entrance on the lower level is adjacent to the staircase in the courtyard.

Registration cards are available on the information rack just inside the front doors of the church. You may also register by visiting the parish office during business hours.

The Parish Center is on the lower level. Going down the elevator or stairs from the narthex, you’ll find yourself right outside the Parish Hall. Coat racks and larger restrooms are also located on this side of the Hall. The Parish Office, Music Ministry, and our meeting rooms are on the opposite side of the Parish Hall.

I’m not Catholic (or have been away for a while). . .how do I know what to do?

You’ll find copies of three books in each pew–a blue St. Michael Hymnal, red Lumen Christi missal, and burgundy Bible. The grey-edged pages in the Lumen Christi missal will be very helpful, as they include the prayers and responses for most Mass parts. You’ll also be able to follow along with the Sunday readings in the missal (the page number is at the top of the hymn boards in the front of the church, proceeded by an M.).

The St. Michael Hymnal has both the songs that change each week (they’ll be announced and are also listed on the hymn board), and the text for our parish Prayer for the Church is found on the inside back cover. This prayer is prayed at the very end of Mass, after the St. Michael the Archangel prayer (found on the laminated pew card).

If it’s your first time attending Mass, we encourage you to follow along, but if it’s all a little overwhelming, it’s okay to just soak it all in. And honestly, we think the easiest way to figure out when to sit, stand, or kneel is to just sit a few rows back and follow the people around you.

I’m not Catholic. Is it okay for me to participate in Communion?

Since it’s institution at the Last Supper, Catholics have believed that Communion, or the Holy Eucharist, is truly the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. Receiving Jesus in the Eucharist is an outward statement of our unity of faith. The act of receiving the Eucharist unites us in Christ, and unites us to one another in the belief that all the Catholic Church believes, teaches, and confesses is true. Those who are not yet Catholic cannot make such a statement, and so for a non-Catholic to receive Communion is a counter-sign to the truth. It says outwardly, “we are one”, when we are not. Non-Catholics can, however, walk in the procession and receive a blessing from the priest. All you have to do is approach with your arms crossed over your chest, palms on your shoulders. Alternatively, you may also stay in the pew. This is a beautiful time to make a Spiritual Communion, or to simply pray for unity with the Lord Jesus and one another.

Pancakes? Donuts? Tell me more!

The Knights of Columbus and the Ladies of Hope, our men’s and women’s groups, host monthly opportunities for fellowship after our Sunday morning Masses. Pancake Breakfast is typically the first Sunday of the month, and Donut Sunday is the third Sunday of the month. Both events are free (donations are welcome) and open to all. Our parishioners are very friendly–if you’re looking for a place to sit or someone to chat with, all you have to do is ask!

How do I learn more about the parish?

We’d love to have you become a part of our parish family! Sign up for our newsletter, call the parish office at 703-433-6770, or email us at hello@ourladyofhope.net. You can also follow us on social media! We’re on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube at @OLOHChurch.