Catholic Diocese of Arlington
Encourage and teach with patience

December 4^th- 5^th: Bishop Loverde to Attend LARCUM Conference

The annual LARCUM Leadership Convocation and Statewide Conference will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia. This year’s theme is “Ecumenical Advance: From Convergence to Consensus...Whither Communion?” This annual conference consists of ecumenical dialogue and discussion between Lutherans, Anglicans, Roman Catholics and United Methodists. Four hundred years after the foundation of Jamestown, the conference will reflect on the commonly lived Christian experience.

December 9^th: Honoring the Life of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Bishop Paul S. Loverde will offer a Mass commemorating the 30^th anniversary of the death of Servant of God, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More, Arlington. Sheen was an American Catholic evangelist, well known for his written work as well as his appearances on television and radio. He is most famous for his television show, “Life is Worth Living,” which had an audience of over 30 million people.  Catholic churches across the world will offer Masses in prayer for the canonization of Archbishop Sheen. For more information on Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, visit here.

December 15th-23rd: Virginia Filipinos Celebrate Simbang Gabi

Catholic Filipino Americans throughout Northern Virginia will commence their celebration of Simbang Gabi on December 15^th.  This year’s theme is “Open your heart to Jesus, through Mary and Joseph.” This traditional ritual of the Philippines consists of nine days of Masses, celebrated at various churches around the diocese. Bishop Paul S. Loverde will preside over Mass for hundreds of participants on December 20^th at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More, Arlington, at 7 p.m.  For more information on the Filipino Catholic community in the diocese and on Multicultural Masses, visit here.

Bishop Loverde visits Christ House on Christmas Day

Bishop Paul S. Loverde, who has come to Christ House for the past ten years to assist with Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for the needy, will bless and serve the over 100 people that arrive for Christmas dinner at Christ House, Alexandria. The shelter has been providing meals and emergency assistance since 1973. Each year, Christ House provides over 18,000 meals, operates a thrift shop and gives emergency assistance. More than sixteen hundred volunteers contribute their time and talent annually to the important work of Christ House. For more information, visit here.