A former Bank of America building in downtown Crozet will be the first permanent location and building owned by the Crozet Catholic community.
On Sept. 25, Our Lady of the Rosary Mission and the Diocese of Richmond finalized the purchase of the one-acre lot for $1.72 million.
Minor renovations began immediately to turn the old bank building into something more suitable for Mass. Bishop Barry C. Knestout plans to celebrate the first Mass at the location on Oct. 7, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, pending approval by Albemarle County.
Our Lady of the Rosary Mission is affiliated with Church of the Incarnation, Charlottesville, meaning it does not have the status of a parish and needs external support.
Bishop Knestout named the mission, putting it under the patronage of the Blessed Mother. This is the first time the bishop has established and named a mission within the diocese.
“I am grateful that we can further the growth of this community and expand the ability of the Church to spread its mission,” said the bishop.
Purchasing a building has been a goal for the Crozet Catholic community for more than ten years. The community celebrated its first Mass at the former Field School in 2014.