Catholic Diocese of Arlington
Encourage and teach with patience

October 2^nd - Bishop Loverde Celebrates 6^th Annual Blue Mass for Local Police

Area police officers, firefighters and emergency personnel will gather together for a Mass to honor the public safety officers who have fallen in the line of duty and to pray for the safety of all who serve.  Bishop Paul S. Loverde will celebrate the Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More, Arlington. Uniformed police officers from around Northern Virginia will participate in the entrance procession.

October 10^th -Diocesan Pilgrimage to the National Shrine

Bishop Paul S. Loverde will lead a diocesan pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington D.C. Parishioners will celebrate the theme “Mary, Cause of our Joy & Mother of Priests,” which recognizes the Year for Priests, designated by Pope Benedict XVI, as well as the 35^th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Arlington. The pilgrimage will consist of a Mass celebrated by Bishop Loverde, tours of the Shrine, a group Rosary and a keynote address by Rev. David Thayer S.S., S.T.L., Ph.D., from the Theological College. For more information, please visit here.

October 18^th - Hundreds of Students to Attend Youth RALLY

Hundreds of high school students will gather for over eight hours of music, inspirational speakers and Mass with Bishop Paul S. Loverde during the annual youth RALLY. This event is the largest gathering of Catholic youth in the area; 50 of 68 parishes attended in 2008. The RALLY, held at Bishop O’Connell High School, Arlington, will host speakers such as Fr. Stan Fortuna C.F.R, an internationally known inspirational speaker and rap artist, as well as musicians including Barlow Girl, Superchick and Vota. RALLY will begin at 11:30 a.m. and focus on the theme “Hope in Him.” For more information, please visit here.

October 25^th - Couples Celebrate 25 or 50 Years of Marriage

Bishop Paul S. Loverde will honor the many couples celebrating their 25^th and 50^th wedding anniversaries at the annual Diocesan Marriage Jubilee Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More, Arlington.  Mass begins at 3 p.m. and 218 couples are expected to attend – that is 7,725 years of marriage represented.  Couples will have an opportunity to renew their vows during the Mass. Sixteen of the golden jubilee couples registered to attend also attended in 1984 for their 25^th anniversary. For more information, please visit here.