Diocesan Week of Service
Love in Action – Service in Community
November 9-15, 2026
The Diocese of Arlington invites you to take part in a powerful witness of our faith this November through the Diocesan Week of Service, a time dedicated to putting Love in Action through Service in Community.
Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy, our parishes and ministries are joining together to bring Christ to our neighbors by serving individuals and families who are most in need—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. From feeding the hungry and visiting the sick, to comforting the sorrowful and praying for the living and the dead, this week calls each of us to live our faith in concrete and compassionate ways.
Together, we are building a faith-filled culture of generosity and solidarity—not only within our parish communities but throughout this diocesan region we call home. Join us in being the hands and heart of Christ to others. Let’s serve with purpose, pray with hope, and grow together in the love of God.
Watch a video message from Bishop Burbidge below on the inaugural Week of Service 2025.
Six Ways to Serve
Parish and School Resources
Square Images
- Backpack Drive
- Backpack Drive (Logo)
- Clothing Drive
- Clothing Drive (Logo)
- Food Drive
- Food Drive (Logo)
- Homebound Visits
- Homebound Visits (Logo)
- Pro-Life Ministry
- Pro-Life Ministry (Logo)
- Tree Planting
- Tree Planting (Logo)
Facebook Posts
Instagram Posts
Email Marketing
Website Posts
FAQ
In exploring ways of fulfilling diocesan strategic plan initiative #7, the Diocesan Week of Service Committee identified the advantage of giving parishes a full week to complete their projects, so more parishioners have an opportunity to participate and serve.
The Week of Service is timed to conclude on November 15, 2026, the 10th World Day of the Poor.
"Love in Action - Service in Community"
A prayer to the Holy Spirit and some questions to help you choose are below.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.
Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray. O God, Who didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise, and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
- Which project would strengthen the bonds of your parishioners to the parish, and to one another?
- Where is there already existing momentum, curiosity, or talent within your parish or school?
- What will draw your parishioners or school students closer to the Heart of Christ and to His Church?
- Are there known needs in your local community? Does the parish already have connections with a local non-profit or other ministry, or the desire to develop those connections?
- Which project would stretch, but not tax, the capacity of the parish?
- Consider the timing and how the project will fit into the cadence of your parish or school (e.g., Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11, Discover Catholic Schools Week from Nov. 15–21, Thanksgiving on Nov. 26).
The diocese will ask for the following metrics on each project via a survey to parishes and schools after the Week of Service. Click here to view.
You! Any participating parish welcomes you, your family, and friends of all ages to participate.
Please inquire with your parish to find out what project your parish has adopted, and to learn more about how you can get involved.
