New father at Holy Family Catholic Church doubles as dad

DALE CITY — Father Willson I. “Bill” Korpi brings a new dimension to the priesthood at Holy Family Catholic Church in Dale City.

He is referred to as “father,” but he really is a dad.

Before entering the priesthood, Korpi was married for 36 years, had a son, and grandchildren. Following the death of his wife, he attended Pope St. John XXIII Seminary and was ordained at age 63.

On the recommendation of the personnel committee of the Diocese of Arlington, Korpi was chosen to fill the role of Parish Pastor following the death of the previous Priest, Father Gerry Creedon, 73, who died last November after complications from heart surgery.

Korpi became the administrator of Holy Family Parish, an interim position, on January 3. He will transition into the role of Pastor of Holy Family Parish on June 28.

Before seeking the priesthood, Korpi served as a Permanent Deacon for 10 years at Church of the Nativity in Burke. After his ordination into the priesthood, he was sent back to the same parish and served as a Parochial Vicar for 7 years.

Korpi  said that all priests have special talents, but he added, the “Unique characteristic that I bring is I am the only priest in our Diocese that has had married life experience raising children.” He also brings a background in financial administration having served as the Director of Finance for a number of small non-profit organizations.

When asked about the response of congregants to the presence of a married priest, Korpi stated, “They love it. They often come to me saying ‘I know you’ll understand’ when they have questions about family issues.”

When asked, Father Bill said that “I am of course supportive of the church’s position” on married priests. But he went on to explain that there are a few other married priests in the church. These usually have been married priests in other denominations before converting to Catholicism.

He also said  he is “very supportive of women in service” explaining that the “Holy Father is investigating the possibility of having women ordained as permanent deacons.” “To hear the perspective of a woman giving a homily from the altar  would be a beautiful thing.”

Korpi plans to build on the successes at Holy Family as he takes the reins.

“I inherited a very vibrant parish with people who are devoted to the universal church. I want to make sure that spirit lives through and past my time here.” To do that, he will strive to “Make sure all the ministries here are upheld, continued, and strengthened and that the people who run them are encouraged, and that the people of God are well fed from the moment of their baptism to the end of their life.