The Basilica of Saint Mary — Church Directory

Quick Facts

Pastor — the shepherd God holds accountable Fr. Edward C. Hathaway (Pastor); Fr. Joseph B. Townsend, Fr. Peter J. Clem (Parochial Vicars); Fr. Noah C. Morey (Priest in Residence)

Founded 1795 (founded); 1827 (church dedicated); Minor Basilica designation

Denomination Roman Catholic

Service Times Multiple Sunday and weekday Masses — see website Mass & Confession Times

Men's Ministry Yes

Kids Ministry Yes

Website stmaryoldtown.org

Pastor Credentials Roman Catholic ordained (Diocese of Arlington)

10-Point Theological Scorecard

Christology

Is Jesus the only way? (John 14:6)

Orthodox Trinitarian; affirms Apostles'/Nicene Creeds, Christ's deity.

Strong

Scripture

Inerrancy affirmed? Final authority?

Scripture + Sacred Tradition + Magisterium co-equal (Dei Verbum) — not sola scriptura.

Caution

Men's Discipleship

Intentional formation for men?

Knights of Columbus and men's groups standard.

Caution

Soteriology

Faith alone? How is salvation presented?

Council of Trent (1547) anathematized justification by faith alone; RC salvation is faith + works + sacraments. Fundamental break with Reformation gospel. RED confirmed.

WARNING!

Gender / Biblical Design

Biblical manhood and womanhood by God's design — patriarchal, complementarian, egalitarian, or affirming gender ideology?

Male-only priests; Marian/saint veneration.

Male-only priesthood per Catholic doctrine.

Caution

Leadership Structure

Male elders/pastors? Accountability?

Apostolic succession; bishop-priest-deacon with papal oversight. Minor Basilica status indicates historic and ecclesial significance.

Strong

Preaching Style

Expository or topical/therapeutic?

Lectionary-based homilies.

Caution

Mission Clarity

Great Commission central?

Sacramental ministry and evangelization per Catholic tradition.

Caution

Cultural Alignment

DEI/CRT language? Social justice crowding out gospel?

Founded 1795 — oldest Catholic parish in Virginia. Gothic Revival architecture; Diocese of Arlington (conservative).

Caution

Accountability Structure

Denominational home, elder plurality, or external network — is the pastor answerable to anyone?

Verified 2026-04-23: Roman Catholic parish, Diocese of Arlington, Minor Basilica status with Basilica Heritage section on official site. Fr. Hathaway confirmed pastor via 'Father Hathaway's Column' dated April 19, 2026.

Strong

Assessment

The Basilica of St. Mary is the oldest Catholic parish in Virginia (1795) and holds Minor Basilica designation — a papal honor indicating historic and devotional significance. Under the conservative Diocese of Arlington with Fr. Hathaway as pastor. Trinitarian orthodoxy and male-only priesthood are preserved, but Catholic soteriology (faith + works + sacraments per Trent) remains the red-flag divergence from Protestant sola fide.

#roman-catholic#sola-fide-rejected#diocese-of-arlington#minor-basilica#historic-parish#oldest-va-catholic

MOOP Engagement Tracker

How this church was personally verified by the MOOP directory team:

✓ Researched church website