Together, Transforming Lives
Eucharistic/Sacramental Ministers
Diocese of Arlington parishes bring the sacraments and education about the presence of Christ to everyone in the community. Catholic Charities partners with these parishes to help them bring Christ’s transformative love to people in that same community or elsewhere in the Diocese – Catholic or not – who are suffering or experiencing homelessness, or financial, health, spiritual, or familial problems.
Counseling & Classes
Catholic Charities brings to parishes mental health counseling, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, immigration and legalization workshops to help fellow parishioners and community members become permanent residents or earn their American citizenship, and quarterly Parish Liaison Network meetings and training.
Volunteerism
Catholic Charities also collaborates with parishes to address needs in the community. Parishioners who are medical doctors, nurses, and other health professionals volunteer at the Mother of Mercy Free Health Clinic in Manassas. Parish volunteers serve meals to homeless individuals and families at Christ House in Old Town Alexandria or conduct food drives and distribute food for our St. Lucy Food Project. They welcome refugees new to the country.
Mentorship Programs
Parishioners mentor men and women leaving jail, refer mothers in crisis pregnancies or prospective parents to our pregnancy and adoption program, and much more.
Parish Liaison Network
Catholic Charities created the Parish Liaison Network (PLN) to encourage partnerships between those serving the poor in our communities. Pastors select volunteer parish representative(s) to serve as liaisons between Catholic Charities and parishes.
PLN representatives connect their parish with:
- Our services and programs for those in need
- The diocesan-wide effort to serve the poor
- Training for parish staff and volunteers who will support them in their outreach ministries
- Catholic Charities workshops and talks offered at parishes
