The history of the Parish of St. Gregory the Great is unique. From our church's founding in 1957 to the present day, it is the story of a shared alliance between the civilian and military population of Virginia Beach and the Order of St. Benedict. We have always been an inclusive parish family that blends the spirit of Vatican II with traditional Catholic practices while embracing ethnic and cultural differences.

Our story starts in 1957, when the then rural Princess Anne County had only one parish, Star of the Sea. Located at the oceanfront it served the entire county. But during the 1950's, areas far from the oceanfront experienced a population boom. A second parish was needed and the people living in this growing area, led by the residents of the new subdivision called Aragona Village, petitioned for one. Since the Benedictines served the nearby Barry Robinson Home and School for Boys, it was decided to invite them to administrate the new parish. In 1957, the parish of St. Gregory the Great was canonically established and thus was born the long and fruitful alliance of the new parish and its staffers, the Order of St. Benedict.

In 1958 a 14 acre parcel of land and its accompanying house was purchased on Virginia Beach Blvd. In 1959 a cornerstone was laid and our parish journey began. In 1964 a school was added and staffed by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Building continued with a new Rectory, Convent, gymnasium, and food pantry/thrift store. By 1981 a larger church was needed, and in 1988, the new church was dedicated. A Middle School Building and a Child Day Care Center followed. However, one must remember that buildings do not a "parish make" and that it is the people who worship, learn and serve in those buildings that are the true parish. Our people, both the civilian and military sectors, have always been, and continue to be, committed to their faith and work selflessly in being "God's hands on earth". Today we have over 4,700 registered households and the cultural tapestry of our Parish is rich with members from all corners of the globe.

We have more than 40 Ministries/Organizations including Liturgical, Social Justice, and Pastoral Care. The Filipino American Ministry, Persons with Disabilities Liaison, Haiti Twinning Committee, Parish Funeral Ministry, and a full time Hispanic Ministry Coordinator, are just a few. We reach beyond our parish members with Blood Drives, Meals on Wheels, and assisting at local shelters.

We also have a myriad of opportunities for spiritual growth, including RCIA, PREP Program, Adult Faith Activities, Youth Groups, Small Faith Communities, Benediction, retreats, lectures, prayer and outreach groups. We have 7 masses per weekend and, although based on traditional practices, we enjoy diversity in all religious services and activities. Through God's grace and the work of our parishioners, both civilian and military, we are an active, vibrant, multicultural parish built on the Benedictines values of prayer, hospitability, community and service. All are welcome here.