Giving
programs supported by the bishop's lenten appeal
Vocations
Vocation awareness and discernment groups assisting candidates considering a vocation are coordinated by the diocese. Currently, there are 34 seminarians supported with room, board, tuition and health care expenses as they prepare to serve our parishes. Additionally, the BLA provides support for the permanent diaconate program as well as active and retired priests.
Office for Family Life,Young Adults and College Campus Ministries
The Office for Family Life supports ministries and programs that serve parishes, young adults and families throughout the diocese. These programs include: Gabriel Project, Project Rachel, Marriage Preparation, Marriage Enrichment, Theology on Tap, and Respect Life Programs. The Tribunal Office is a healing ministry that examines petitions for annulment.
SPIRITUALITY CENTER
The diocesan Spiritual Center is a serene and peaceful retreat complex in the beautiful wooded area of White Post, Virginia. The Center will offer hospitality to a variety of events such as youth retreats, Marriage Encounters, parish gatherings and spiritual retreats for groups or individuals.
eVANGELIZATION EFFORTS
This program area includes ecumenical outreach, support of our Dominican Republic Mission Parishes, the Peace and Justice Commission, INOVA Hospital Ministry and campus ministry programs at George Mason University, Marymount University and Mary Washington University.
Spanish Apostolate and Diocesan Multi-cultural Ministries
Catechetical, Sacramental and other programs are offered for Spanish-speaking Catholics. 35 parishes now have Sunday Mass in Spanish. Multicultural Ministries serve the pastoral needs of the many ethnic communities within our diocese.
DIOCESAN/PARISH LAND ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT
The diocese purchases land for future parishes. The land is gifted to the parish upon its establishment.
Youth Ministry, Catholic Schools and Religious Education
These programs help people grow in their Catholic faith. In our Youth Ministry Program, direction and support for parents, pastors, principals, and youth ministers is offered as they provide guidance to young people. Catholic schools offer quality education in a Christ-centered environment. Parishes work with our Office of Catechetics to assist and guide them in their religious education programs for children, teenagers and adults.
Parish Programs and Other Services
Programs and Offices assisting 68 parishes, 6 missions and more than 3,000 parish, school and diocesan employees which include support of liturgical issues, parish financial guidance and audits, human resource and employee benefit programs.
CHANCERY OFFICES AND THE VIRGINIA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
The BLA funds chancery offices that assist the Bishop as he leads our parishes and the diocese. Additionally, the BLA supports the Virginia Catholic Conference.
pARISH AND DIOCESAN FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNICATION PROGRAMS
The BLA provides support for the diocesan programs and ministries, while the Parish Offertory Program helps parishes address their pastoral needs. The Communications Office assists in media relations, Bishop Loverde’s Regional meetings and other diocesan external interactions.
AND MANY MORE PROGRAMS AND MINISTRIES SERVING PARISHES AND PARISHIONERS THROUGHOUT OUR DIOCESE