St. James (Diocese of Arlington)

Saint James Catholic Church
Dedication:	Saint James the Greater
Venerated Saints:	Our Lady
Diocese:	Diocese of Arlington
Deanery:	Deanery 1
Address:	905 Park Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046
Coordinates:	38.8167, -77.5667
City:	Falls Church, VA
Subdivision:	Virginia
Country:	United States
County:	Fairfax County
Website:	https://www.stjamescatholic.org/
Founded:	1942
School:	Yes
Email:	office@stjamescatholic.org, receptionist@stjamescatholic.org

Saint James Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Falls Church, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint James the Greater, one of the Twelve Apostles, brother of Saint John the Evangelist, and the first apostle martyred (Acts 12:1–2)—venerated in Catholic tradition as patron of Spain and pilgrims, particularly associated with the Camino de Santiago—the parish operates Saint James Catholic School (pre-K through grade 8) and emphasizes faith formation and community service.

Established in 1942 to serve Catholics in the Falls Church area, the parish initially held Masses in local facilities before dedicating its church in 1953. As of December 19, 2025, Saint James continues to offer extensive ministries, including religious education and outreach programs.

The parish community fosters devotion to its patron through celebration of his feast on July 25.

History

Saint James Parish was established in 1942 by the Diocese of Richmond (predecessor to the Diocese of Arlington for this area until 1974) to serve the growing Catholic population in Falls Church.

Initial Masses were celebrated in borrowed spaces. The church building was dedicated in 1953. Saint James Catholic School opened subsequently.

The parish has grown with the community, maintaining a focus on education and evangelization.

School

Saint James Catholic School (pre-K through grade 8) provides faith-integrated education within the parish community.

The school emphasizes academic excellence and spiritual formation.

Special features

• Active religious education and youth ministries
• Charitable outreach and community service programs

Architecture

The church building, dedicated in 1953, reflects mid-twentieth-century design with later expansions to accommodate growth.

Art and devotional features

Specific details on stained glass windows, statues, sculptures, or other interior artwork are limited in publicly available sources as of December 19, 2025. Devotional elements typically include representations of Saint James the Greater, often portraying him as a pilgrim with staff, scallop shell, and hat, or as an apostle.

Relics

According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar contains deposited relics, as is customary in dedicated 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.