St. Clare of Assisi (Diocese of Arlington)
| Saint Clare of Assisi Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint Clare of Assisi |
| Type/Classification: | Territorial Parish |
| Non-Parochial: | No |
| Operated By: | Diocesan clergy |
| Venerated Saints: | Our Lady, Saint Francis of Assisi |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Arlington |
| Deanery: | Deanery 4 |
| Address: | 12409 Henderson Road, Clifton, VA 20124 |
| Location: | |
| City: | Clifton, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Fairfax County |
| Website: | Website |
| Founded: | 1989 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | office@stclareclifton.org |
Saint Clare of Assisi Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Clifton, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint Clare of Assisi, the thirteenth-century foundress of the Poor Clares and close follower of Saint Francis of Assisi—venerated for her radical poverty, contemplative prayer, and Eucharistic devotion—the parish draws inspiration from Franciscan spirituality, emphasizing simplicity, service to the poor, and care for creation.
Established in 1989 to serve Catholics in the growing Clifton and Centreville areas, the parish initially celebrated Masses in local schools before dedicating its current church in 2001. It has developed active ministries focused on charity, faith formation, and environmental stewardship. As of December 14, 2025, Saint Clare continues to foster a welcoming community with perpetual Eucharistic adoration and outreach programs reflecting its patroness's legacy of poverty and prayer.
The parish community seeks to live the Gospel through Franciscan joy and commitment to those in need.
History
Saint Clare of Assisi Parish was established on July 1, 1989, by Bishop John R. Keating of the Diocese of Arlington to accommodate the expanding Catholic population in western Fairfax County.[1] Initial liturgies were held in local public schools.
The current church building was dedicated on September 30, 2001.[1] Growth has led to expansions in ministries, particularly those aligned with Franciscan values, including service to the marginalized and environmental care.[2]
Special features
- Perpetual Eucharistic adoration in the chapel, echoing Saint Clare's deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament
- Strong commitment to service for the poor through partnerships with local charities and food assistance programs
- Environmental stewardship initiatives, including care for parish grounds as reflection of Franciscan love for creation
- Active faith formation and youth ministries promoting Franciscan spirituality
Relics
According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar, dedicated in 2001, contains deposited relics as is customary in consecrated churches. Specific details regarding the saints associated with these relics are not publicly documented in available sources. This follows common practice where first-class relics, often of martyrs, are sealed within the altar.
Architecture
The church building, dedicated in 2001, features a contemporary design with natural elements and open spaces suited to contemplative worship.[2]
Associated facilities support adoration, education, and community gatherings.
Art and devotional features
The interior emphasizes Franciscan simplicity, with devotional elements highlighting the parish patroness and Saint Francis of Assisi.[2]
Specific details on stained glass windows, statues, or sculptures are limited in publicly available sources beyond this thematic focus.
Related parishes
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Saint Clare of Assisi". Catholic Diocese of Arlington. https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/jubilee/our-diocese/our-history/parish-history-profiles/saint-clare-of-assisi/.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "St. Clare of Assisi Church". Arlington Catholic Herald. https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/parishes/st-clare-of-assisi-church/.