Visitors
Welcome.We are So Glad You are Here!
We give thanks for you and for your life, and we are grateful for the opportunity to welcome you to our faith community.
Directions & Campus Map
We are located at 12291 River Road, west of Gaskins Road and east of Blair Road.
From Interstate 64:
- Take Exit 180A, Gaskins Rd. South.
- Travel 4 miles on Gaskins Rd., to the traffic light at River Road.
- Turn RIGHT onto River Road.
- Go 1.4 mi. to St. Mary’s Church, on the LEFT.
From south of the James River:
- Take Chippenham Parkway North.
- Take the River Rd. exit.
- At the light, turn right onto River Road.
- Drive 3.5 mi. to St. Mary’s Church, on the LEFT.
What to Expect
We know that visiting a church for the first time may be intimidating. We hope that answers to some frequently asked questions may ease your way.
During the program year (September–May), we gather at 9 a.m. for a traditional Eucharist in our smaller chapel, Little St. Mary’s. At 11 a.m., we worship in New St. Mary’s with either a traditional Eucharist or a simple Morning Prayer service; this service is often considered our “family service.” Children are always welcome at both.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, we shift to a summer schedule with a single service at 10 a.m. in New St. Mary’s, alternating between Holy Eucharist and Morning Prayer.
Both services usually run about an hour.
Holy Eucharist is celebrated every Sunday at every service and ALL are welcome. During Morning Prayer Sundays, an optional, brief Holy Eucharist is offered after the service. Gluten-free communion wafers are available. And if you prefer to simply receive a blessing, approach the altar rail with arms crossed on your chest and you’ll be offered a quiet blessing.
Children are welcome and active participants at all services at St. Mary’s. Worship bags that contain a coloring page based on the Gospel reading for younger children are available in the wooden bins near the entrances to New St. Mary’s. At the 11 a.m. service, children are also invited to Children’s Chapel in the Block Room during the Gospel hymn and sermon. Children hear the Gospel story, have time for prayer, and sing, before returning to the service during the passing of the peace.
St. Mary’s is located at 12291 River Road, Richmond, VA 23238. There are two marked entrances along River Road that lead to gravel parking lots, and there is ample parking. Please review St. Mary’s Campus map to help direct you.
There’s no dress code — we encourage you to show up in whatever feels comfortable and is appropriate for you! Suits are not required but you will find men in bowties and coat jackets or a simple button-down with khakis, while women wear dresses or pants.
Have more questions? Reach out via our contact page!
How to Become a Member
Wherever you are in your faith journey, you are welcome to participate in all the ministries and events at St. Mary’s. Thank you for choosing St. Mary’s as your church home.
In the Episcopal Church, there are a couple of ways to be an official member of record:
- If you are baptized or confirmed here, you officially become a member of St. Mary’s.
- If you are a member of another Episcopal parish, our Director of Parish Life can assist you with transferring your membership.
- If you are coming from another Christian tradition, St. Mary’s sends a courtesy letter to your former church requesting your baptism and/or confirmation information. Again, just let our Director of Parish Life know.