Hello! My name is Father Michael Folmar and I was recently ordained for our Diocese this past June 9^th, the memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a very significant day for me. For, it was Our Lady and her Immaculate Heart that have guided me throughout my life and, praise God, brought me here to a parish named after Our Lady and her Immaculate Conception. I was born in Pittsburgh (Go Steelers! – you know yinz like them!), where both sides of my family are from, and have lived in various places due to my dad’s job, but have mainly lived in our amazing Diocese in Northern VA. I received a B.S. in Biology at George Mason University while working at Red Hot and Blue next door to it. Shortly after, I became a Franciscan Missionary of the Eternal Word down at EWTN in AL for about six years where tremendous spiritual foundations were laid. Although I was happy as a brother, I realized that as a priest I would not be as happy. For, religious orders specialize in certain areas – down at EWTN it was the media and taking care of the sisters and pilgrims to EWTN. Diocesan (parish) priests are like general practitioners as they do a little of everything, which is more like me. So, my superiors helped me to realize that I could serve God more fully with the gifts He’s given me by being in a parish like this, since I was exhibiting more qualities of a parish priest. Therefore, I transferred back here to our home Diocese a few summers ago and I can’t thank God enough for this blessing. I absolutely love it here. There always was a flame inside of me for our Diocese, even when I went off to be a Franciscan. The time I spent with the order wasn’t a waste of time though because it really prepared me for what I’m doing now and will do in the future. Moreover, I can’t thank the Franciscans enough for all the ways that God formed me there, which was in ways that I never would have been formed if I had not gone there first. Finally, I went to Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD, which now brings me to here. A beautiful parish dedicated to my two loves, Our Eucharistic King and Our Lady, as it is filled with wonderful and caring parishioners! Praise God! May Our Lady always protect you with her mantle of protection! God bless, Fr. Folmar