Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2017
Courtesy of Joseph M. Seiffert
ajor challenges to the sustainability of Roman Catholicism in all forms remains an issue in the 21st century. Since the turn of the millennium, the number of parents sending children to Catholic schools has plummeted, resulting in the closure of more than 1,250 schools across the United States, or 14% of its total student body. In 2020, Lynchburg joins this statistic with the closure of Holy Cross Regional Catholic School, the last of its kind in the Hill City.
Long overdue, the 21st century has also seen, for the first time in a major way, church hierarchy brought to terms with the history of sexual abuse of minors. In 2019 in Virginia, the creation of open and shared lists of abusers became public knowledge. Seven priests associated with Holy Cross and St. Thomas More were listed, although during their time spent at other parishes outside of the city. Most of the priests listed had been either delaicized (left the priesthood), or are now deceased, including John Leonard, the founding pastor of St. Thomas More, and Dennis Murphy, his successor.
While these massive internal and external challenges remain, the Roman Catholic church, which started humbly in the home of Mary Dornin in Lynchburg, is committed to the stability and growth of its faith, as it has been for two thousand years.
1992–Present
Monsignor J. Kenneth Rush, circa 2000
Courtesy of Holy Cross Catholic Church
Msgr. Kenneth Rush saying Mass at Holy Cross, circa 2016
Courtesy of Holy Cross Catholic Church
In 1992, Father J. Kenneth Rush was appointed as pastor of Holy Cross Catholic Church. In 1995, Holy Cross received a legacy from William Larner which was instrumental, along with the generosity of parishioners, in the building of the Parish Life Center. The cornerstone was laid in 1996 and the Center was dedicated in January 1997. This building facilitated the Religious Education Department to move from Holy Cross Regional Catholic School on Langhorne Road to the Church on Clay Street. It has contributed to the growth of the parish as well as many new and various committees. Additionally in January 1997, Father Rush was elevated to Monsignor. He continues to serve the parish today.
St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 2020
Courtesy of the Lynchburg Museum System
St. James Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, demolished in 2015
Courtesy of Laura A. Macaluso, Ph.D.
St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Roundelay Road has grown significantly since its founding in 1978, especially as the population of the nearby Forest neighborhood has increased dramatically since 2000. As of 2017, there were almost 1,000 families in its congregation. To accommodate its growing numbers, St. Thomas More added two wings and renovated the existing space. The expansion enabled the church to better serve its religious education classes and house its college campus ministry for Liberty University. One way the parish serves Lynchburg is by providing assistance to economically disadvantaged community members: it helps to pay rent and utility bills, and assists in food programs for the needy. Monsignor Michael McCarron has led the church as head pastor for seven years.
Many locals may recognize the steeple on the right wing of the church. It is originally from St. James Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, built in 1888 and located near the intersection of Old Forest Road and Route 221. After the building was demolished in 2015, St. Thomas More Catholic Church acquired the steeple and included it in its 2017 renovations.
Click here to learn more about the history of St. Thomas More Catholic Church
