Catholic Diocese of Arlington
Encourage and teach with patience

January 11-17^th: National Vocations Week

To observe National Vocations Week, the Office of Vocations has launched the "Called by Name" program, which encourages parishioners not only to pray for vocations, but also to invite young men and women to consider the call to the priesthood or to consecrated life. There are currently 33 diocesan seminarians and 23 men and 30 women from the diocese in formation for religious life. For more information, visit here.

January 18^th:  Mass to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Bishop Paul S. Loverde will celebrate a commemorative Mass for the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Saint Joseph Church, Alexandria, at 11 a.m. Parishioners currently travel from as far away as Winchester, Va. and Fort Washington, Md. to attend Mass at this historically African-American parish. Saint Joseph Church was founded in 1915 by the Josephite Fathers - a religious community begun in 1892 to minister to African Americans. For more information, visit here.

January 22^nd:  March for Life

 Bishop Paul S. Loverde, diocesan youth and parishioners will join thousands of participants at the 36^th Annual March for Life, which raises awareness about the sanctity of life on the anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision. The day will begin with Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at 7:30 a.m., with Bishop Loverde as the principal celebrant.  Bishop Loverde will then concelebrate Mass at 10 a.m. for the attendees of the Youth Rally at the Verizon Center. The March for Life on the National Mall will begin shortly after the Youth Rally.  For more information, visit here.

January 26^th: Catholic Advocacy Day

The Virginia Catholic Conference will sponsor Catholic Advocacy Day on January 26^th, which provides an opportunity for parishioners to meet with their legislators in Richmond to discuss Catholic values in the public square. The day begins with a welcome from Richmond Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo and Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde, followed by issue briefings at Saint Peter Church and visits with legislators at the Virginia General Assembly. Concerns to be addressed include issues relating to the sanctity of life, health care and education. For more information, visit here.

January 26-30^th: Catholic Schools Week

Over 17,000 students will celebrate their Catholic identity during Catholic Schools Week. Bishop Paul S. Loverde will celebrate Mass for students at Saint Thomas More Cathedral School, Arlington on January 25^th at 9:30 a.m. Other celebrations include a Sock Hop at Saint Bernadette School, Springfield, a faculty vs. students basketball game at Saint Mark School, Vienna, and a visit with legislators on Capitol Hill from students at Saint Thomas More Cathedral School, Arlington.  For more information, visit here.