The Basilica to Host Farewell Reception for Fr. Joseph Townsend on June 15, 2025

A farewell reception to wish Fr. Joseph well in his new assignment at St. Andrew’s in Clifton will occur on Sunday, June 15, in our Lyceum Auditorium, 313 Duke Street, after the 11:30 a.m. Mass. All are invited.

Bishop Michael Burbidge announced that the following appointments will be effective on Thursday, June 26, 2025:

Reverend Joseph B. Townsend from Parochial Vicar at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Alexandria to Parochial Vicar at Saint Andrew in Clifton.

Reverend Noah C. Morey from Chaplain at Bishop Ireton High School to Director of the Office of Vocations with residence at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Arlington.

Reverend Mr. John M. Meyerhofer to Parochial Vicar at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Alexandria. Click here and here to learn more about him. He is now a transitional deacon and will be ordained to be a priest on June 7, 2025, at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More in Arlington.

Transitional Deacon Assignments, effective June 9, 2025 unless noted otherwise

Reverend Mr. Alexander J. Solsma to Saint Timothy Parish in Chantilly

Reverend Mr. Teko G. Teko-Agbo to Christ the Redeemer Parish in Sterling

Reverend Mr. Aaron F. Zanca to Holy Family Parish in Dale City

Deacon Solsma and Deacon Zanca are Basilica parishioners. Deacon Teko-Agbo was a summer seminarian last year at the Basilica.

To see all the new clergy assignments in the diocese, click here.