From Bank to Church: Bishop Knestout Blesses New Crozet Sanctuary
On April 19, 2026, Bishop Barry C. Knestout led the blessing of Our Lady of the Rosary in Crozet. The ceremony marked the culmination of a three-year journey, transforming a former branch bank into a vibrant center for Catholic worship.
A Transformation of Space
The renovation saw the defunct bank building undergo a dramatic aesthetic and functional overhaul:
Seating: Replaced folding chairs with polished pews (originally from a closed church in Pittsburgh).
Flooring: Transitioned from a wooden gym floor to elegant carpet and tile.
Ceiling: Upgraded a plain, high ceiling to one intricately stenciled with gold stars by volunteers.
Sanctuary: Features a crucifix based on a painting by the 13th-century artist Cimabue and a main altar relocated from St. Francis in Staunton.
A unique touch of history is literally embedded in the architecture: a three-inch remnant of an old floor from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is set into the step leading to the sanctuary.
A "Worthy Space" for Worship
During his homily, Bishop Knestout wore a chasuble adorned with roses and an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Addressing the approximately 200 congregants, he remarked:
“I thought it was appropriate to wear this vestment on this day, as we bless this beautiful church that has been so capably designed and the details so well attended, to make it a worthy space for worship and prayer and praise for the celebration of the sacraments and especially the Eucharist.”
The Bishop noted the impressive blend of professional contracting and volunteer labor. Highlights include:
A former teller window converted into a side entrance.
The bank vault repurposed as an office for the pastor, Msgr. Timothy Keeney.
The addition of custom metal sconces crafted by local blacksmith Dave McKinnon.
A Growing Community
The Crozet Catholic community, which previously met at a private school, has grown significantly. Longtime member Mary Ann Marinchick described the parish as a small but spirited "mixture of people like ourselves who are older and empty nesters … and young families."
Regarding the community's support, she shared:
“For five weeks, people brought us meals to our home. Every other day, we were getting food that we didn’t have to worry about cooking. And that’s the kind of thing that this community does.”
Newer members, like Tom Trollinger, feel the same warmth, noting that the parish “seems like home now.” Andrew Giordano, a father of three, added, “Now that we actually have a building to come to, everybody’s back together again.”
Looking Ahead
With the $457,000 remodeling complete, the parish is now looking toward future goals, including expanded parking, an outdoor pavilion, and a local rectory.
Bishop Knestout concluded by emphasizing that the building is merely the vessel for the community's spirit:
“This space will be the setting for the teaching of the faith, for the celebration of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and the offering of grace to us. We express that grace through our charity for one another. The grace that God gives to us … bears fruit in our lives and in our relationships.”
Source: https://catholicvirginian.org/slider/bishop-blesses-crozet-church-transformed-from-bank-to-our-lady-of-the-rosary/
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