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

Statement by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge on Former Archbishop McCarrick in Response to Decree by the Holy See

The dismissal of former Archbishop Theodore McCarrick from the clerical state represents a most appropriate response to the serious accusations against him that were investigated and found to be credible....

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Bishop Michael F. Burbidge responds to photos from Governor Northam’s yearbook

Now, with the extremely disturbing photos in Governor Northam’s medical school yearbook, we see another offense against the dignity of human life – the sin of racism...

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Bishop Burbidge responds to Governor Northam’s extreme abortion comments (English and Spanish)

Abortion of a baby in the final stage of pregnancy borders on infanticide. Our governor, however, may be willing to cross that border and go even farther...

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Statement by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge on Black History Month 2019

Each year, during the month of February we celebrate Black History Month as a time to remember the important contributions and achievements of African Americans to our nation's history...

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Diocesan Press Releases

UPDATE: Priest placed on administrative leave.

January 17, 2019

The Diocese of Arlington has received the news that the Stafford County Commonwealth Attorney will not press criminal charges against Fr. Duesterhaus. This follows previous news that Fairfax County Police Department will not pursue criminal charges against Fr. Duesterhaus either.

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Diocesan Social Coverage

PHOTO ALBUM - Bishop Burbidge celebrates closing Mass for "Mount 2000"

February 10, 2019

On Sunday, Bishop Burbidge was the principal celebrant and homilist at the Mass to close "Mount 2000", a Eucharistic retreat for high school students sponsored by the Mount St. Mary Catholic Seminary and University in Emmitsburg, MD. Over 1,000 people attended the Mass on the MSM campus.

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Please take action!

Virginia Catholic Conference | February 6, 2019

Your voice is needed to protect babies who are born alive after an abortion. The U.S. Senate could vote as soon as this week on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (S. 311). Please contact your Senators immediately and urge them to co-sponsor and vote for S. 311 and to ask Senate leadership to schedule a floor vote on the bill this week.

Today, states are not just expanding abortion but allowing infanticide as well. New York passed a drastic law that eliminated protections for babies who survive an abortion attempt. And here in Virginia, a similarly extreme bill was introduced and defeated, followed by deeply disturbing comments made by the Governor. Please read bishops’ statements on the Virginia legislation and the Governor’s comments here.

Take action now