Mission

Catholic Charities Serves All, Regardless of Their Faith

Since 1947, when it first opened its doors as an adoption and children’s services agency, Catholic Charities has served the needs of the vulnerable, regardless of their faith, on behalf of the Catholic Church on the northern part of Virginia.

Today, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Arlington, serving as the charitable arm of the Diocese, feeds the hungry, heals the sick, cares for the elderly and houses the homeless through 21 programs within 21 counties and seven cities. Its work depends on a dedicated staff and collaboration with partner parishes and parishioners, a broad volunteer network, and generous donors who support the mission.

Our Bishop

Catholic Charities serves as the charitable arm of our Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and the Catholic Diocese of Arlington

About Bishop Michael F. Burbidge

On October 4, 2016, Pope Francis named Bishop Burbidge, then serving as Bishop of Raleigh, as the fourth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. He was installed on December 6, 2016 at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More.

Catholic Charities’ mission of serving the poor and vulnerable flows from the evangelizing mission of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington: to spread the love of Jesus Christ throughout the 21 counties and seven cities of the Diocese.

As our Shepherd, Bishop Burbidge appoints the members of the Catholic Charities Board of Directors and ensures Catholic Charities’ programs serve the charitable mission of the local Church.

Our Mission & Vision

Catholic Charities strengthens individuals, families, and communities based on Catholic principles.

Each of us has God-given dignity

Catholic Charities fulfills the Church and Diocese of Arlington’s mission of charity to anyone in need by providing compassionate, competent and professional services to strengthen and support individuals, families and communities based on the recognition of the value added dignity of human life.

Mission Statement

The mission of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the official teachings of the Roman Catholic Faith.

The Gospel proclaims and the Church teaches respect for the dignity and sanctity of human life, from the moment of conception through natural death, and the duty to serve the most vulnerable of God’s people.

Therefore, Catholic Charities seeks to implement the Church’s mission of social justice in the Diocese of Arlington in ways that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

Catholic Charities extends its services and resources to all in need; convenes the Catholic community to fulfill the Church’s mission of social justice; and advocates for social justice and seeks to empower others to do the same.

Vision Statement

Effective fulfillment of the mission of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington requires a vision based on ways the Agency can respond effectively to the challenges of ever-changing economic, demographic, and social trends.

As the designated arm of the Arlington Diocese in fulfilling the Church’s social mission, Catholic Charities serves as the diocesan resource center. It fulfills this role by facilitating the response of the Catholic community to basic human needs, regardless of religious affiliation, and by collaborating with other agencies and organizations that share our goals. We strive to:

Integrate the Agency’s activities with the mission of the Diocese, collaborate effectively with diocesan offices, and serve as a resource to parishes

Provide caring, professional, and quality services, including those that require specialized training, to families, individuals, and communities with needs not being met by the local community.

Extend ministries and services throughout the Diocese and increase collaboration with other agencies and organizations that share our mission and goals in order to better address unmet needs while avoiding duplication of services.

Our Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Arlington, is a governing body comprised of lay persons and clergy appointed by the Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington. The Board is responsible for managing all Catholic Charities programs in harmony with Canon Law and with the policies and guidance put forth by the Diocese of Arlington.

The Board exercises general management and control of the agency’s affairs, implements policies, safeguards the agency’s assets, and performs other tasks outlined in the Catholic Charities by-laws in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities.