Frequently Asked Questions

Learn how the Diocese of Arlington protects children, reports abuse and assists victims of sexual abuse

View our question and answer resource that answers many of the questions parishioners have asked over the past several weeks.

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Diocesan Press Releases

USCCB: U.S. Bishops Vote in Favor of Three Additional Bishop Accountability Measures During Baltimore General Assembly

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Today, U.S. Catholic Bishops have approved three additional measures to address abuse and bishop accountability during their annual Spring General Assembly in Baltimore. The measures expand upon the Pope Francis’s Motu proprio and the U.S. Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People...

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USCCB: U.S. Bishops’ Vote in Favor of Moving Forward on Third-Party System for Reporting Abuse Allegations Against Bishops

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Public Messages

Bishop Burbidge welcomes new universal norms issued by Pope Francis

With gratitude, I welcome Pope Francis’ Motu Proprio, Vos estis lux mundi (“You are the light of the world”), which demonstrates the pastoral concern of the entire Catholic Church for victims of sexual abuse and their families...

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Virginia Bishops’ Statement on Federal District Court Decision

In Falls Church Medical Center v. Oliver, U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson’s decision now allows non-physicians to perform first trimester abortions in Virginia. Judge Hudson’s May 6, 2019 summary judgment opinion goes beyond Roe v. Wade and reveals the extreme measures that are being taken by pro-abortion groups to eliminate even common-sense restrictions on abortion....

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Arlington Catholic Herald

Seminarians take a step forward with Mass of Admission for Candidacy

June 24, 2019

"Candidacy is the formal recognition by the church that you have reached a maturity, joy and serenity in your discernment that coincides with the beginning of the study of theology," said Fr. Michael C. Isenberg, director of the Office of Vocations. "Candidacy is also the deepening of your configuration to Christ the Shepherd as you begin the next stage of formation."...

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Bishop urges newly confirmed to follow Christ, no matter the cost

Arlington Catholic Herald | June 10, 2019

On the Solemnity of Pentecost — the birthday of the church — Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop Emeritus Paul S. Loverde and a standing-room only crowd at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington welcomed more than 190 newly confirmed Catholics from throughout the diocese into the church.