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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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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Diocesan Press Releases

Bishop Burbidge Appoints New Head of School for Bishop Ireton Catholic High School

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

I am pleased to announce that Bishop Burbidge has appointed Mrs. Kathleen McNutt as Head of School for Bishop Ireton Catholic High School, effective July 1, 2019...

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USCCB: U.S. Bishops’ Chairmen Respond to U.S. House Vote on Equality Act

Friday, May 17, 2019

Rather than offering meaningful protections for individuals, the Equality Act would impose sweeping new norms that negatively impact the unborn, health care, charitable services, schools, personal privacy, athletics, free speech, religious liberties, and parental rights...

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Arlington Catholic Herald

Prayers for Hispanics to shepherd growing flock

May 13, 2019

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated Mass to pray for Hispanic vocations there May 12 — the World Day of prayer for Vocations Father Juan A. Puigbó, parochial vicar with special care of St. Gabriel Mission in Manassas Park, gave the homily...

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The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act: Clearly and critically needed

March 1, 2019

Sen. Kaine’s comments serve as a distraction to what the bill provides: concrete protections for extremely vulnerable infants who survive an abortion. If we cannot all agree that these most vulnerable children deserve specific protections under the law, then who does deserve such protections? In their joint statement after the vote, Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and Richmond Bishop Barry C. Knestout stated they were “dismayed and outraged that Virginia’s U.S. Senators Warner and Kaine voted against this critical lifesaving legislation."