Saint Bede Catholic Church — Attraction in Virginia

I was disappointed to read the two-star comment by a visitor (from Arlington, I believe) regarding our church, and our perceived lack of respect for the Holy Eucharist during Mass. Perhaps this visitor did not realize that the tabernacle is in our Reservation Chapel (not "tucked in the back"), always adorned with flowers, an icon of Our Lady, and golden statues of angels on the walls. The chapel has large windows at the back, which allow the light to stream in at various times of the day. Here, many of us come to worship our Lord, through adoration, contemplation, and prayer, at different times of the week, and the Liturgy of the Hours also is prayed. As one of many extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, I assure you that we take the distribution of Our Lord's Sacred Body and Blood very seriously, and take great pains to show that respect. Incense is used in some of our Masses, many of them actually, and certainly on the great feasts of the liturgical calendar. It is true that St. Bede also is a very large parish that welcomes tourists who come to Mass in between their tourist activities, perhaps more rushed than we--or they themselves might wish--but we welcome them nonetheless, with open arms. Monsignor Keeney is an excellent pastor and an inspiring preacher, whose homilies are rooted in the teachings of the Church. He attempts to make them relevant to our lives and personally I believe he really does. We hope you will visit us again, on a future trip to Williamsburg, so that we might welcome you and dispel the doubts created during your recent visit. Thank you for...

GRATEFUL is the first word which comes to mind when thinking of what to write about our experience with this church for our wedding. I am so grateful for EVERYTHING Father Kyle, Rita, Jennifer, and everyone else who contributed to our wedding. From the very first phone call, I truly felt as though it was destiny I was put in contact with them. The time and effort Rita gives to making sure the ceremony is exactly what you envision is unprecedented. Whatever anxiety we may have had at rehearsal about the wedding was put to rest that evening in large part because of Rita; her directions and tips for the ceremony made all the difference in the world. The actual ceremony was perfect — it felt as though a family friend who has known my husband and I our entire lives was marrying us. Everyone who attended the wedding was wildly impressed with how personal and natural feeling the ceremony was. I just cannot imagine the day and Rita & Father Kyle not being a part of it — my husband and I feel so thankful our memories of that day include her! We WHOLEHEARTEDLY recommend Rita & Father Kyle — you will not be...

I love Williamsburg and have visited often. I have a list of favorites to return to, such as the Colonial houses, the Art Museum, William & Mary., the Inn. Now the chief place I wish to visit upon my return is St. Bede. This church is TRULY Heavenly! The 11 a.m. Mass today was said by the Pastor who delivered an inspiring homily. A handbell choir consisting of little children rang several hymns. Tiny grade school angels sang. A large number of EucharisticMinisters distributed the Eucharist from shining white gold Ciboriums and Chalices whose beauty reflected their contents: the Body and Blood of Jesus. The Congregation filled the large, beautiful Nave, and included all generations. Noteworthy was the number of Millennials there, the generation many say has lost faith. Williamsburg is blessed to have this House...