Make a difference
Contribute today for generations to come…
Together, we are building a new church home where faith will flourish for generations to come.
What is the history of the design of the Incarnation Worship Center?
In the mid 1970’s Bishop Sullivan separated Holy Comforter, which was located both downtown and at Branchlands. Town meetings were held so the parishioners could have a say in how to design the new church. Fr. Frank Kacmarcik [1920 -2004], a well known liturgical consultant, visited our parish and educated us about changes in church liturgy, as described in some of the documents of Vatican II. We went through an extensive consideration of various models of church using a book by Father Avery Dulles, SJ as a guide. We also consulted the guidelines for church architecture which were published by the conference of Catholic Bishops.
Charlottesville’s population was growing with many people moving here from other states. This small southern town had to find a way to adapt to many changes and It became important for the newcomers to feel welcome.
After many meetings we came to the strong belief that we are a community gathered around a table celebrating the Word and the Eucharist. We wanted an architecture that emphasized our gathering around the table. This is what we have now. It has served us well. [courtesy of Herb Ely]
For others who were here at the beginning of our Parish wish to provide their experience with the beginning of Church of the Incarnation, please send a paragraph or two to Deacon Mark (markd@incarnationparish.org) and we will continue to educate others on our rich Parish history.
Capital Campaign (update on 3/22/2026): The HVAC in the church has once again failed. While we frantically scour the country for parts for an HVAC unit that is no longer manufactured, this is the perfect time to remember what is driving the need for the Capital Campaign—our failing HVAC system that is original to the church building from 1980. If this had happened during warmer weather, we would be unable the hold Mass in the Worship Center due to high temperatures inside the building. This latest incident pointedly highlights the urgency to reach our pledge goal of $3,500,000, which we need another $350,000 in pledges to attain.
If you have not yet pledged, now is a good time. You can make a one-time pledge/contribution, or pledge over 3 or 5 years. Many people have made direct contributions from their retirement accounts resulting in tax savings for themselves. Please stop by the Office during the week 8:30 - 4:30 or reach out to Deacon Mark (markd@incarnationparish.org).
Capital Campaign FAQs
-
he plan would redesign the interior of the Worship Center to provide for moving the Sanctuary to the current rear of the Worship Center, making a new entrance where the current Sanctuary sits, adding a central aisle that leads from the new entrance door to the Altar, reconfiguring the pews to enable additional seating, and adding kneelers. The slope of the current floor will be leveled matching the outside ground level. A new, higher roof line will be installed to accommodate the leveling of the floor, which will provide for more natural lighting and better sight lines.
The renovation will provide an additional 120 seats, bringing the seating capacity of the Worship Center to 600. A new Narthex is planned on the parking lot side of the Worship Center providing a new entrance, gathering space, vesting Sacristy, Confessionals, and restrooms.
-
Current plans are to keep the interior of the Worship Center simple as can be seen by the architectural rendering.
The new space will include a Crucifix, and statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of St. Joseph consistent with Catholic sacred art norms. A statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, such as we have in the current space, is very important to a significant portion of our community and would be included in the new space.
-
The Parish Hall can seat approximately 400 for Mass. The PAC can seat approximately 100 for Mass.
Mass would be held in the Parish Hall and would be simultaneously shown in the PAC. Eucharist would be brought over the PAC during Communion so that everyone in attendance as appropriate may receive Christ. Possibly, we may be able to request the services of retired priests in the area so Mass can be celebrated also in the PAC.
To manage the needs of the Parish during the renovation, additional Masses may need to be added temporarily based on availability of priests.
Testimonials
“The parish is more than a church building. It is a place where our families belong.”
Dr. Sarah Jones
“The Capital Campaign is about updating our infrastructure in the church, but also about building for the future. As we reach our 50th year as a Parish in 2026, we are looking to prepare our church for the next 50 years!”
Deacon Mark De Rosch
Our Worship Center was thoughtfully and lovingly designed 50 years ago. It has served our community well as we fulfill our mission to “Know, Love, Serve and Proclaim our Lord, Jesus Christ”
We can’t take the next step without your participation.”
Kathi Gruss
