Our Lady of Grace Church at 15661 Norbeck Boulevard, Silver Spring, MD 20906 US - Parish History

In 1978 Monsignor William F. Farrell was assigned by Archbishop James Hickey to provide for the pastoral needs of the Catholics of Leisure World. Masses were celebrated at the Interfaith Chapel and in 1983 Our Lady of Grace Parish was canonically established.

Mr. Ross Cortese, developer and original owner of Leisure World, generously donated the land, and the newly constructed church was dedicated on September 9, 1991. Monsignor Farrell died in February, 1995.

Monsignor John J. Madigan was named Pastor in April, 1995 by Cardinal James Hickey. Recently retired pastor, Father Peter J. Sweeney, was named pastor in June, 2004 by Cardinal Theodore McCarrick and retired in June, 2012. The present pastor is Monsignor Donald Essex, assigned by Cardinal Donald Wuerl.