Catholic Diocese of Arlington
Encourage and teach with patience

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) educates parishioners about the work of CRS and how it relates to our faith. We assist local parishes in connecting to programs offered by the national office, including Fair Trade and Operation Rice Bowl. Rice Bowl donations fund both international relief efforts and a local grant program that supports rural food programs.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) coordinates a local grant program that funds projects that tackle the root causes of poverty and that are run by low-income people themselves. The staff and volunteer committee members also look for opportunities to educate about poverty in the United States and the call of the Gospel to give the needs of the poor priority.

JustFaith is a thirty-week education program for adults seeking to further their spiritual journey following Jesus Christ into compassion toward justice. The weekly format includes books, videos, guest speakers, discussion, prayer, retreats and hands-on experiences. JustFaith has been offered in at least a dozen parishes in the Diocese of Arlington since 2003. More than 400 people have participated in the program locally, and nationwide, JustFaith graduates number more than 12,000.

Parish Social Ministry supports and cultivates parish-based social ministry, social justice, and community development activities in partnership with parishes and other community organizations. Working with parish staff and lay leaders, the outreach program serves as a resource for ideas, information, and services to help needy persons.

Peace and Justice Commission has a mission, rooted in Christ, to advise and collaborate with the Bishop of Arlington in promoting evangelization, formation and advocacy in the Diocese for true justice and peace by fostering resolute dedication to the sanctity of life and the dignity of every human person, as expounded by the principles of Catholic social teaching.

Respect Life Office embraces the task of restoring respect for all human life from the moment of conception until natural death. Envisioning four foundational aspects of the pro-life movement, Bishop Paul S. Loverde focuses our mission on prayer, education, action and sacrifice.

Virginia Catholic Conference engages in advocacy on respect-life, social justice, and education issues through contacts with state and federal lawmakers, grassroots advocates, and media outlets. The Conference acts on behalf of Bishop Francis DiLorenzo (Diocese of Richmond) and Bishop Paul Loverde (Diocese of Arlington) and has established an active legislative network of Catholics across the state.  Visit the web page and use the convenient “Join the Network” feature to receive regular alerts and updates.