New pastor moves to All Saints

MANASSAS — The Rev. Bob Cilinski will be installed as the pastor of All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas on Sunday.

Cilinski, who has served as the church administrator for the past year and a half, was appointed pastor on Jan. 5 by the Most Rev. Paul S. Loverde, diocesan bishop of Arlington.

Recognizing the historical roots of the All Saints community that dates back to just after the Civil War, Cilinski will begin the day of his installation with morning prayer at 8:30 a.m. at the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Manassas (formerly the original All Saints Catholic Church built in 1878).

Because of limited seating in the church, attendance is by invitation.

“I want to return to pray where it all began,” Cilinski said, “and give thanks to God for the priests and people who built up the parish and left us a wonderful legacy of faith. We stand on their shoulders.”

The Rev. Dr. Edwin Elliott, the current pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, will join Cilinski in prayer as the two congregations continue to share a close relationship deeply rooted in the historic building and a faith in Jesus Christ.

Cilinski will officially become the pastor of All Saints at an installation Mass at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow in the school gym.

Cilinski said he was happy and delighted to be named the church pastor.

“All Saints is a beautiful community, and I consider it a great honor and privilege to become its pastor. I look forward to a future filled with hope … I am grateful.”

Cilinski is a native of Alexandria, born June 25, 1953, the son of Edward and Catherine Cilinski. He has four brothers and a sister and is a graduate of St. Louis grade school and St. John Vianney Seminary High School in Richmond.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Meinrad College in Indiana in 1975 and a master’s in divinity in theology from Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., in 1979. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Arlington on May 12, 1979.

Cilinski served as parochial vicar at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More (1979-82), Holy Family Parish in Dale City (1982-86), and Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry at George Mason University (1986-2000), where he directed the fund raising and building of the St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Chapel and Campus Ministry Center, dedicated in 1994.

He is the founder and captain of the Earthen Vessels diocesan priests’ basketball team, now in its 22nd season. He also enjoys golf, music, and is an avid Washington Redskins and GMU Patriots fan.

In naming Cilinski as pastor of All Saints, Bishop Loverde said: “I am truly grateful for your dedicated priestly ministry as administrator of the parish. I appreciate very much your willingness to undertake this appointment as pastor. May your service as pastor be blessed by God with much success.”

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at (703) 368-3101, Ext. 125.