St. Michael (Diocese of Arlington)
| Saint Michael Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint Michael the Archangel |
| Type/Classification: | Territorial Parish |
| Non-Parochial: | No |
| Operated By: | Diocesan clergy |
| Venerated Saints: | Our Lady, Our Lady of La Salette |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Arlington |
| Deanery: | Deanery 2 |
| Address: | 7401 Saint Michael's Lane, Annandale, VA 22003 |
| Location: | |
| City: | Annandale, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Fairfax County |
| Website: | Website |
| Founded: | 1953 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | info@stmikes22003.org |
Saint Michael Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Annandale, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, the leader of the heavenly armies and protector against evil—venerated in Catholic tradition for his role in spiritual warfare and defense of the Church—the parish emphasizes worship, service, lifelong faith formation, and academic excellence through its associated school.
Established in 1953 amid postwar suburban growth in Fairfax County, the parish initially celebrated Masses in a school cafeteria before constructing its church in 1960 on expansive 30-acre grounds. It operates Saint Michael Catholic School (preschool through grade 8) and maintains a convent and rectory. As of December 14, 2025, Saint Michael serves a vibrant community with weekly Bible studies, choirs, and ministries fostering spiritual growth across all ages.
The parish grounds, described as abounding in reverence, peace, and beauty, include outdoor statues inviting contemplation.
History
Saint Michael Parish was formally established in June 1953 by Bishop Peter L. Ireton of the Diocese of Richmond to serve the growing Catholic population in Annandale.[1][2] Prior to this, from 1951, Sunday Masses were held in the cafeteria of Annandale Elementary School for about 125 parishioners.[1]
The current church was built in 1960.[1] The parish became part of the newly erected Diocese of Arlington in 1974.
Saint Michael Catholic School has operated since the 1950s, staffed historically by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) until recent years.[1] The parish offers ongoing adult faith formation, including weekly Bible studies drawing from reputable sources such as Word on Fire and Ascension Press.[1]
Special features
- 24-hour Eucharistic adoration chapel, providing continuous opportunity for prayer
- Associated Saint Michael Catholic School (preschool through grade 8), emphasizing academic excellence and faith formation
- Weekly adult Bible studies throughout the year on topics deepening understanding of the Mass and Scripture
- Active choirs for adults and children enhancing liturgical celebrations
- Expansive 30-acre grounds promoting peace and reverence, with statues of Mary, Saint Michael, and Our Lady of La Salette
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.
Architecture
The church building, constructed in 1960, sits on 30-acre grounds that include the church, two school buildings, rectory, and convent, creating an environment of reverence and natural beauty.[1]
The layout supports communal worship and educational ministries.
Art and devotional features
The parish grounds feature prominent statues of the patron Saint Michael the Archangel, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Our Lady of La Salette, inviting visitors to prayer and reflection.[1]
Specific details on interior stained glass windows, sculptures, or additional artwork are limited in publicly available sources.
Related parishes
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "St. Michael Church". Arlington Catholic Herald. https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/parishes/st-michael-church/.
- ↑ "About". Saint Michael Catholic Church. https://stmichaelannandale.org/about/.