Diocesan Week of Service
Love in Action – Service in Community
November 9-16, 2025
The Diocese of Arlington invites you to take part in a powerful witness of our faith this November through the first 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.
Six Ways to Serve
Food Collection
Feed the Hungry
Each parish is invited to identify and carry out a dedicated service project that addresses the needs of the hungry and food-insecure within its own community. This initiative should be an opportunity for the entire parish to come together in a united act of compassion—ideally going beyond the parish’s usual efforts. The goal is to stretch and inspire parishioners, inviting them to step outside of routine and engage more deeply with those in need through direct service, generosity, and encounter. Whether it’s organizing a community meal, expanding food distribution efforts, or reaching out to isolated individuals and families, this act of solidarity reflects the Gospel call to “feed the hungry” and serves as a visible witness of the Church’s mission in action.
Homebound Visits
Comfort the Sorrowful
Identify parishioners within your community who are elderly, homebound, or veterans, and organize compassionate visits to their homes. These visits are an opportunity to extend the love of Christ by offering spiritual support through prayer, emotional support through meaningful conversation and companionship, and, where possible, physical assistance by helping with small, pre-arranged tasks or household projects. This ministry not only brings comfort and dignity to those who may feel isolated, but also strengthens the bonds of faith, belonging, and intergenerational care within the parish community.
Prison Ministry
“I was in prison and you visited me”
Support individuals transitioning from incarceration by assembling backpacks filled with essential supplies to help them begin their new journey with dignity and hope. Each backpack includes toiletries, basic survival items, handwritten notes of encouragement, religious materials, and a gift card to assist with immediate needs. These welcome packs offer not only practical support, but also a powerful reminder that they are seen, valued, and not alone as they reintegrate into the community. This act of mercy and compassion is a tangible way to share God’s love and affirm the human dignity of every person.
Pro-Life Ministry
Support Women & Families
Offer compassionate support to women and families by addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs— especially those residing in maternity homes, seeking care at pro-life centers, or navigating single parenthood within your parish community. This initiative is a meaningful way to walk alongside mothers and families in vulnerable situations, affirming the dignity of life and providing hope through prayer, presence, and practical assistance.
Tree Planting
Care for Creation
Protecting biodiversity is not only about preserving plants and animals—it’s about recognizing, as Laudato Si’ reminds us, the deep interconnectedness between all of creation, humanity, and God the Creator. By planting native species, we actively participate in the renewal of ecosystems that sustain life. Native plants restore natural habitats, support pollinators and wildlife, and help reestablish the delicate balance essential for a healthy, thriving planet. This act of care is both ecological and spiritual—an expression of our commitment to steward God’s creation with reverence and responsibility.
Clothing Drive
Clothe the Naked
As part of Diocesan Service Week, the clothing drive invites parishes to actively support individuals and families in need by collecting new and gently used clothing for local shelters and charitable organizations. This initiative not only meets essential physical needs, but also cultivates a spirit of generosity and solidarity within the parish community. By coming together to serve, parishioners are united with the broader mission of the Church-to uphold the dignity of every person and extend Christ’s love to the most vulnerable in our midst.
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.
"Love in Action - Service in Community"
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.
Parish Media Kit
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)
