Dedication to St. Dominic
In a special ceremony, Fr. Luke Clark, OP, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas, lays in the underflooring of the chapel apse a medal of St. Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers. December 12, 2011
The Priory Chapel Takes Shape
The framing for the concrete pour for the Priory Chapel gives a sense of the area and its purpose - as the center of the life of the Friars who will reside there.
A Foretaste of Things to Come!
An outline of the foundation gives onlookers a small preview of the building to come. October 11, 2011
Clearing the Way!
Clearing the lot in preparation for the digging of the foundation for the St. Thomas Aquinas Priory, July 2011
Breaking New Ground!
Abp. Augustine di Noia, OP, Fr. Luke Clark, OP, and Fr. Joseph Scordo, OP wield shovels at the Groundbreaking ceremony for the new St. Thomas Aquinas Priory, April 12, 2011
Student Brothers
Pictured here (L to R) are Rev. Bro. Ignatius Schweitzer, O.P. and Bro. Joseph Fussner, O.P., who are here on their summer ministry assignment from our Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C.
The Dominican Presence on Grounds
Fr. Joseph Scordo, O.P. celebrates Mass at the Chapel on grounds at UVA, January 26, 2010.
April 15, 2012
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Many prayers for you all throughout this Holy Season of Lent! As we prepare for the joyous celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection, it seems very fittng that we have so many visible signs in the building progress of the new Priory.
The construction is ahead of schedule. The roof trusses are almost all set in place. The window installation is underway. Installation of plumbing, electrical, heating & air conditioning lines is moving forward at a steady pace. Most exciting of all, the Chapel cross is in place! Now the spiritual significance of our new home is all the more readily visible to passersby; this is not merely a residence–it is a Priory.
Fr. Scordo, Fr. Stephen, and I recently had the opportunity to walk through the new building to see first-hand the amazing progress. Fr. Scordo has happily accepted the task of selecting cabinetry and flooring throughout the building. He has not, however, neglected to make other valuable selections: he has already picked out his own room in the Priory!
We have contracted with Ecikhof Columbaria for our St. Vincent Ferrer Columbarium. We are in the process of finalizing plans for the crypt under the Chapel. Soon we will have brochures for St. Thomas Aquinas parishioners who may be interested in purchasing a niche.
The fundraising continues in earnest . With $2.1 million still to raise, we ask for your prayers.
I am deeply grateful for your continuing support as this project proceeds. Our community continues to keep you in our prayers.
God Bless,
Fr. Luke Clark, OP
"May the Lord build our house and watch over our city."
The Dominicans have had the pleasure of serving St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Charlottesville, VA and the University of Virginia for fifty years! Since we arrived in 1959, we have witnessed a tremendous growth in faith and size in our community. To continue to meet the needs of our vibrant parish and University we are endeavoring to build a Priory.
Only with your help can we make this mission a reality!
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