Holy Comforter Catholic Church

Holy Comforter Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic Church on East Jefferson Street in North Downtown Charlottesville. The Church is a branch of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, and is currently led by Father Joseph Mary Lukyamuzi.

History

The Church was first established under the name Church of the Paraclete in 1880; it was the first Catholic Church in Charlottesville. Its original building was located at the corner of Jefferson and School Streets, with the cornerstone laid in July of 1880 by Bishop John J. Keane of Richmond.

Mass was only held by guest priests until 1896, when Father John Massey was appointed as a resident pastor. In the early 20th century, the parish was renamed Holy Comforter Catholic Church; at the same time the building was enlarged and renovated.

By 1924, the Church had outgrown its current size and the original edifice was demolished. The new building was largely inspired by the Basilica Sant'Andrea in Mantua, Italy. This new building, along with an Italian high altar, was dedicated in May, 1925. An Austin organ was installed in 1932, where it remains in use to this day

As the Church maintained around 250 parishioners, it grew its connections with the University of Virginia in the establishment of the Newman Club in 1947, which would lead to the founding of St. Thomas Aquinas Church closer to the university.

In 1968, the Diocese of Richmond shut down black-only parishes, leading to the closure of St. Margaret Mary's Church. Black Catholics in Charlottesville transferred membership to Holy Comforter Catholic Church in response.

The creation of the "Branchlands Catholic Community" - now the Church of the Incarnation in 1976 saw Charlottesville members torn between the North Downtown location and this new church; 276 members of Holy Comforter made a pledge to remain with their original Church.