News and Issues

Head of School Chosen for Bishop O'Connell2013-04-09
(ARLINGTON, VA) – Bishop Paul S. Loverde has named Joseph E. Vorbach, PhD, as Head of School for Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School in Arlington. In the newly created position, Vorbac ... read more
Bishop Loverde on the Election of Pope Francis2013-03-13
  CONTACT: Michael J. Donohue, (703) 841-2517, m.donohue@arlingtondiocese.org (Arlington, VA) – The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, on the Election of Pope Francis: & ... read more
Statement On Arrest of Bishop Ireton Staff Member2013-03-11
CONTACT: Michael J. Donohue, (703) 841-2517, m.donohue@arlingtondiocese.org Statement Regarding Arrest of Bishop Ireton High School Staff Member  (Arlington, VA) – Anthony “Tony&rdq ... read more
Bishop Loverde on Pope Benedict XVI's Resignation2013-02-11
The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, released the following statement in response to Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement today that he will resign the papacy: “As I reflec ... read more
Statement on the appointment of Bishop-elect Coyle2013-02-11
The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, comments on the appointment of Bishop-elect Robert J. Coyle: “I am delighted to learn of the appointment of Bishop-elect Robert J. Coyl ... read more
10,000 Youth to Proclaim that "Life is Very Good"2013-01-15
(ARLINGTON, VA) -- Traveling from nearby and from as far away as Maine, Florida and Nebraska, ten thousand teens will gather together in prayer, fellowship and song at George Mason University’ ... read more
Statement From Bishop Loverde On Newtown Tragedy2012-12-17
In the face of the horrific tragedy that occurred on December 14th in Newtown, Connecticut, our hearts continue to break in unspeakable sorrow. The human family is one, so we cannot but be profoundly ... read more
Bishop Loverde on Bishop Walter F. Sullivan2012-12-12
          "Along with the clergy and parishioners of the Diocese of Arlington, I join in prayer for the repose of the soul of Bishop Walter F. Sullivan, Bishop Emeritus o ... read more
Diocese Assessing Future Plans for Paul VI HS2012-11-13
  Nov. 13, 2012 (Arlington, VA) — The Catholic Diocese of Arlington today announced that the Office of Catholic Schools is assessing the long-term needs of Paul VI Catholic High School. Th ... read more
Statement Regarding the "Nuns on the Bus"2012-11-01
STATEMENT REGARDING THE "NUNS ON THE BUS" CAMPAIGN AND SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO CHURCH (ARLINGTON) MICHAEL J. DONOHUE, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS DIOCESE OF ARLINGTON: (Nov. 1, 2012) “Today, it ... read more
A Letter from Bishop Loverde to the Diocese2012-10-30
My brothers and sisters in Christ, With Election Day now a week away, I take this final opportunity to urge you all to vote in these very important national elections. As I have communicated to you i ... read more
October Clergy Appointments2012-10-10
The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, has announced the following clergy appointments:   Parochial Administrator   Reverend Ugochukwu J. Cletus, S.S.J., from service ... read more
Clergy Appointments2012-09-05
The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, has announced the following clergy appointments: Parochial Vicars Reverend Paul J. Breslin, O.F.M. -from service outside the diocese to Paroch ... read more
This July 4th, Catholics Must Remain Vigilant2012-07-03
Bishop Loverde: This Independence Day, Catholics Must Remain Vigilant in the Fight to Retain Our Religious Liberty ARLINGTON, VA (July 3, 2012) – The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of A ... read more
2012 Clergy Appointments2012-06-09
The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, has announced the following clergy appointments effective on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, except where noted differently. Pasto ... read more
Priest Placed on Leave 2012-04-18
(ARLINGTON, VA) – Rev. Terry W. Specht, a priest of the Diocese of Arlington, has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation of an allegation of sexual misconduct involving a male ... read more
Bishop Loverde Congratulates Bishop Lori2012-03-20
I congratulate Bishop William E. Lori upon his appointment as the new Archbishop of Baltimore. I have known Bishop Lori for many years and been gratified to work with him as a member of the United S ... read more
Bishop Loverde on "Accommodation" of HHS Policy2012-02-13
On Friday, President Obama stated that his Administration will implement a Health and Human Services policy that “accommodates religious liberty while protecting the health of women” (cf. ... read more
Bishop Loverde on the Death of Bishop Estabrook2012-02-08
On behalf of the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Arlington, and in my own name, I wish to express my deep sadness upon the death of Bishop Joseph W. Estabrook. We were very fortun ... read more
Bishop Loverde on HHS Contraceptive Mandate2012-01-24
  ARLINGTON, VA (January 24, 2012) – The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington and spiritual leader of Northern Virginia’s nearly half million Catholics, today commented ... read more
Diocese Welcomes New Communications Director2012-01-18
Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde has appointed Michael J. Donohue as Director of Communications for the Diocese of Arlington.  Michael will serve as spokesperson for the Diocese and oversee all ... read more
2012 Clergy Appointments2012-01-14
The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, has announced the following clergy appointments effective January 14, 2012: Newly Ordained Permanent Deacons Deacon James J. Benisek, newly ... read more
Bishop Urges Return to the Heart of Christ2011-10-27
Bishop Loverde Releases Pastoral Letter on the Heart of Christ; Relics of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque Tours the Diocese; Diocese to be consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus      Ca ... read more
The Death of Monsignor Thomas J. Cassidy2011-10-04
  Bishop Loverde on the death of Msgr. Thomas J. Cassidy “Monsignor Cassidy was among the priests who were present at the foundation of this diocesan church.  Earlier as a priest ser ... read more
Clergy Appointments2011-09-26
The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, has announced the following clergy appointments: Pastor   Reverend Thomas P. Vander Woude from Pastor of the Church of Queen of Apostl ... read more
Catholic Schools in Northern Virginia are National2011-09-15
St. Ann School and St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School are among only 49 private schools nationwide to be recognized   St. Ann School, 980 N. Frederick Street, Arlington, and St. Thomas Aquin ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2011-09-01
  September 10:  Ten Years after 9-11, Conference Focuses on Religious Liberty Preceding this milestone anniversary of the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the Catholic Diocese of Arlington& ... read more
Bishop Loverde on Archbishop O’Brien2011-08-29
I congratulate Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien on his appointment as Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He will certainly bring to his new responsibilitie ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2011-08-08
August 7: Young Adult and Catholic?  Do young adults really care about religion anymore? They do here in Northern Virginia! Catholics in their 20s and 30s from across Northern Virginia will ga ... read more
Bishop Loverde on Archbishop Pietro Sambi2011-07-29
  The following is from Bishop Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, on the death of Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States: It was with profound sadness that I received ... read more
Bishop Loverde on the Death of Dr. Warren Carroll2011-07-19
It is with a thankful heart for the life of Dr. Warren H. Carroll, founder of Christendom College, that I join my prayers with those of his family and of the Christendom community. Dr. Carroll&rsqu ... read more
2011 Clergy Appointments2011-06-11
  The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, has announced the following clergy appointments effective on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, except where noted differently.  Pastors&nb ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2011-06-01
June 2 – Blessed John Paul II Day in Virginia  A resolution by the Virginia General Assembly designates June 2 as “Pope John Paul II’s Pilgrimage to Poland Day.” The re ... read more
Bishop Loverde on the Death of Osama Bin-Laden2011-05-02
The recent news of Osama Bin-Laden’s death brings back many painful memories for the faithful in our parishes and the members of our broader community affected by the tragedy of September 11, ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2011-05-01
May 1 -- Celebrating the Beatification of Pope John Paul II Pope John Paul the Great High School, Dumfries, will be the center of activity for beatification events: ·     ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2011-04-01
April 9 - Annual Diocesan Science FairFrom Engineering to Zoology to Behavioral Sciences, seventh- and eighth-grade students from 32 diocesan schools and a homeschool group will compete in t ... read more
Over 200 Churches Invite Catholics to Confession2011-03-09
People today don’t think twice of telling all in a status update or a tweet, so why are they so reluctant to tell God? “The Light is On for You” is designed to change that ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2011-03-01
  March 5: Diocesan-Wide Spelling Bee to be Held in Arlington More than 30 seventh- and eighth-grade Catholic school students will be participating in a Spelling Bee at the Cathedral of Saint T ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2011-02-02
January 30 – February 5: Catholic Schools Week Each year, Catholic schools across the U.S. commemorate the mission and identity of Catholic education during Catholic Schools Week. Here in ... read more
2011 Clergy Appointments2011-01-15
The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, has announced the following clergy appointments effective on Saturday, January 15, 2011, except where noted differently. Newly Ordained Permane ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2011-01-07
January 10-15: Basketball Challenge Begins National Vocation Awareness Week  The Diocese of Arlington will host the annual seminarian basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 8, at Pope John Paul the G ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington 2010-12-02
December 4: Prayer Service for Survivors/Victims of Abuse Members of the Catholic community will join together in support of victims/survivors of abuse at a prayer service for healing. The prayer ser ... read more
Baby Found a Reminder of Resources Available2010-11-14
The following is an excerpt from the Diocesan Blog, Encourage and Teach:   I am going to share an event with you that occurred at one of our parishes this morning in the hope that we can partne ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2010-11-08
Nov. 14-20: Discover Catholic Schools Week Schools across the Diocese of Arlington are gearing up to welcome prospective students and parents to open houses and other special events during Discover C ... read more
Bishop Loverde on Cardinal-designate Wuerl2010-10-20
     I rejoice that among the new members of the College of Cardinals appointed earlier today by Pope Benedict XVI, we find two from these United States: His Eminence Raymond C ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2010-10-14
Oct. 2 -- Celebrating Diversity and Unity at the Catholic Heritage Festival Parishioners from 68 Catholic parishes throughout Northern Virginia will gather on Oct. 2 at Bull Run Park, Manassas, ... read more
Two Schools Honored by Department of Education2010-09-09
Two Diocese of Arlington schools received Blue Ribbon School of Excellence awards from the U.S. Department of Education. They were the only two non-public schools in the State of Virginia to rece ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2010-09-02
Sept. 11: Peace and Justice Conference on “Immigration Reform: A Catholic Perspective”   The Catholic Diocese of Arlington’s Peace and Justice Commission will present the 7th ... read more
Statement on the Death of Sister Denise Mosier2010-08-02
Statement from Bishop Paul S. Loverde on the Death of Sister Denise Mosier August 2, 2010   It is with unimaginable sadness that I received the telephone call yesterday notifying me of a tragi ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2010-08-01
August 1st: Young Adults Celebrate Faith at Fourth Annual Mass  Young adults from across Northern Virginia will gather at Saint Mary Parish, Alexandria, for the Fourth Annual Young Adult Mass ce ... read more
First President of Catholic Charities Named2010-06-28
Art Bennett, founder and director of the Alpha Omega Clinic, has been appointed by Bishop Paul S. Loverde as the first-ever president and chief executive officer of Catholic Charities of the Diocese o ... read more
2010 Clergy Appointments2010-06-18
The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, has announced the following clergy appointments effective on Wednesday, July 7, 2010, except where noted differently. Pastors Reverend Ger ... read more
President Named for Bishop O'Connell High School2010-06-04
Bishop Paul S. Loverde has named Kathleen Ryan Prebble as the new president of Bishop O’Connell High School, Arlington. “A model of scholastic achievement and Catholic identity, Bishop O ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2010-06-01
June 26 – July 2: Work Camp Week I (Winchester)July 24 – July 30: Work Camp Week II (Dumfries)Teens to Gather in Winchester, Dumfries, to Give Needy Homes a Facelift   Due t ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2010-05-04
May 15th:  8th Annual BASH Over 500 junior high students from the Diocese of Arlington will gather at Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School, Dumfries, for the 8th Annual BASH. This yea ... read more
Bishop Loverde Calls for Prayers for Injured Man2010-04-23
It is with great sadness, but trust in the Lord, that I ask that we join together in prayer for Otoniel Lopez, a construction worker who was seriously injured on the morning of Friday, April 23, 2010. ... read more
German Bishops Remove Priest who Served in VA2010-04-21
The German Bishops’ Conference has received allegations of misconduct that date from the 1980s to the early 1990s involving Reverend Michael Schapfel, who, along with his primary work in Washing ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2010-04-09
  April 12th - May 17th: Young Adults Explore the Diversity of the Church at Theology on Tap Hundreds of young adults from across Northern Virginia will gather for Theology on Tap on Monday ev ... read more
Bishop Loverde Declares Day of Prayer and Fasting2010-03-11
Late last year, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed differing versions of legislation intended to reform our nation’s health care system. The U.S. Conference of Catholic ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2010-03-02
March 7th: New Retreat Center Welcomes Parishioners at Open House   The San Damiano Spiritual Life Center in White Post, Virginia, is holding its first open house from 1-3 p.m. Purchased in 200 ... read more
Churches Welcome Catholics Back to Confession2010-02-24
  For the first time, the Archdiocese of Washington and the Diocese of Arlington are partnering in "The Light is On for You," which will bring the Sacrament of Confession to Catholics in ove ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2010-01-08
January 10-16th: National Vocations Awareness Week National Vocations Awareness Week takes on particular significance this year in the midst of what Pope Benedict XVI has declared the “Year ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2009-12-04
December 4th- 5th: Bishop Loverde to Attend LARCUM Conference The annual LARCUM Leadership Convocation and Statewide Conference will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Charlottesville, ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2009-11-04
November 11th –Dedication of Saint Theresa Church, Ashburn   Bishop Paul S. Loverde will dedicate a new church building at Saint Theresa Parish, Ashburn, during a celebration of the Mass ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2009-09-29
October 2nd - Bishop Loverde Celebrates 6th Annual Blue Mass for Local Police   Area police officers, firefighters and emergency personnel will gather together for a Mass to honor the public sa ... read more
Preparations for H1N1 Flu2009-09-22
The H1N1 flu virus continues to be a matter of great concern, and cases have been confirmed in all 50 states.  For the most up to date news regarding the flu, please review the information availa ... read more
Four Blue Ribbons Awarded to Diocesan Schools2009-09-15
Four Diocese of Arlington schools received Blue Ribbon School of Excellence awards from the U.S. Department of Education.  The following schools are four of the five Virginia private elementary s ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2009-09-07
September 19th: 6th Annual Peace and Justice Conference: "The Living Church: Engaging Parishes in Promoting Human Dignity" "The Living Church: Engaging Parishes in Promoting Human Dignity," is the th ... read more
First Annual Catholic Heritage Festival2009-08-19
The Catholic Diocese of Arlington will celebrate the first annual Catholic Heritage Festival on August 22, 2009.  Thirty-five years after the Diocese’s founding, parishioners will celebrate ... read more
Bishop Loverde on the Death of Msgr. John Cilinski2009-08-15
Our diocesan family, and especially my brother priests and I, are experiencing on the human level a profound loss in the death of Monsignor John T. Cilinski on August 14th. He served faithfully as a p ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2009-06-29
June 28th- July 2nd : 3rd Annual Quo Vadis Days Nearly 100 young men are expected to attend Quo Vadis Days, a camp for high school aged Catholic men to deepen their faith and to better discern God ... read more
2009 Clergy Appointments2009-06-13
The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, has announced the following clergy appointments effective on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, except where noted differently.   Pastor   R ... read more
Sunday TV Mass is Moving to a New Channel and Time2009-06-09
The Sunday TV Mass, on air for over 55 years in the Washington metropolitan area, is moving to a new channel and time starting July 5, 2009. The Mass, which has been airing on WHUT-32 at 8:30 a.m., is ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2009-06-02
June 6th - Three Men to be Ordained Transitional Deacons Bishop Paul S. Loverde will ordain Mr. Edward J. Bresnahan from Holy Family, Dale City, Mr. Michael J.R. Kelly from Saint Agnes, Arlington, ... read more
Down the Road @ The Catholic Diocese of Arlington2009-05-04
May 16th:  7th Annual BASH Over 500 junior high students from the Arlington Diocese will gather at Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School, Dumfries, for the 7th Annual BASH. Consistently ... read more
Swine Flu Precautions and Preparedness2009-04-30
As of this writing, no cases of H1N1 swine flu have been confirmed in the territory covered by the Diocese of Arlington.  Please review the information available at the Centers for Di ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2009-04-03
April 9th-12th – Bishop Paul S. Loverde’s Holy Week Schedule Bishop Paul S. Loverde will celebrate Holy Week, the days leading up to and including the celebration of the Resurrection of ... read more
Interim Superintendent Named to Permanent Position2009-04-01
Following a nationwide search, Sister Bernadette McManigal, B.V.M. has been named Superintendent of Schools for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.  “At a time when Catholic education seeks ... read more
Statement on the Conscience Clause2009-03-11
I urge all of our parishioners to make known their opposition to the proposal of the Obama administration to rescind the regulation in place whereby conscience rights in the health care professio ... read more
Statement on Embryonic Stem Cell Research2009-03-10
     It is with deepening distress that I learned of President Obama's decision to lift the current federal funding restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research.  We can ... read more
Down the Road @ the Catholic Diocese of Arlington2009-03-05
March 7:  Diocesan Spelling Bee Thirty-three schools will be represented at the Diocesan Spelling Bee at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More, Arlington. The top 4 winners will be awarded a moneta ... read more
Archbishop Dolan as head of New York Church2009-02-23
It is with great joy and personal delight that I received the news of the appointment of Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan as Archbishop of New York.   My cherished friendship with Archbis ... read more
Bishop Loverde on the Death of Bishop Thomas Welsh2009-02-19
It is with profound human sadness that our diocesan family of Arlington has received the announcement of the death of our beloved founding bishop, His Excellency the Most Reverend Thomas J. Welsh. Bis ... read more
Bishop Loverde on the death of Rev. John J. Hughes2009-02-17
  The death of Father John J. Hughes on February 13th marks the loss of yet one more priest who formed the original presbyterate when the Diocese of Arlington was founded in 1974.  A native ... read more