St. Theresa (Diocese of Arlington)
| Saint Theresa Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint Thérèse of Lisieux |
| Venerated Saints: | Saint Francis de Sales, Saint Agnes, Saint Augustine, Saint Mary Magdalene, Saint Théophane Vénard, Saint Joan of Arc |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Arlington |
| Deanery: | Deanery 3 |
| Address: | 21370 St. Theresa Lane, Ashburn, VA 20147 |
| Coordinates: | 39.0278, -77.4692 |
| City: | Ashburn, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Loudoun County |
| Website: | https://sainttheresaparish.com/ |
| Founded: | 1991 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | office@sainttheresaparish.com |
Saint Theresa Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Ashburn, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the nineteenth-century French Carmelite nun known as "The Little Flower" for her "Little Way" of spiritual childhood and trust in God, the parish embodies a spirit of joy, simplicity, and devotion inspired by its patroness. It operates Saint Theresa Catholic School (K-8), the first Catholic school in Loudoun County, and maintains an adoration chapel.
Founded in 1991 amid rapid growth in Loudoun County, the parish initially held Masses in local high schools before constructing a multi-purpose building in 1994 that housed both school and worship space. The current church was dedicated in 2009, with subsequent additions including offices, rectory, and chapel. As of December 14, 2025, Saint Theresa serves nearly 5,000 registered families, offering vibrant liturgies, extensive religious education, and community outreach.
The parish community, reflecting its patron's emphasis on small acts of love, fosters faith formation through education, prayer, and service in a growing suburban setting.
History
Saint Theresa Parish was established in 1991 by Msgr. James W. McMurtrie to serve the burgeoning Catholic population in Ashburn and western Loudoun County.[1][2] Initial Masses were celebrated at Broad Run High School and other local venues.
In 1993, ground was broken for a multi-purpose building; Saint Theresa Catholic School opened in 1994 with 150 students in grades K-6.[1] Fr. Richard M. Guest became pastor in 2002, overseeing construction of the current church (groundbreaking 2007, building began 2008, dedicated November 11, 2009).[2][3]
Subsequent projects included parish offices, an adoration chapel, and a new rectory. Fr. James C. Hudgins has served as pastor since 2020.[2] The parish continues to expand ministries amid ongoing regional growth.
Special features
- Dedicated adoration chapel promoting perpetual Eucharistic devotion
- Saint Theresa Catholic School (K-8), emphasizing faith-integrated academics
- Extensive religious education program serving over 1,700 students
- Commitment to joyful evangelization inspired by the "Little Way" of Saint Thérèse
- Large campus with facilities supporting community events and youth activities
Relics
According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar, dedicated in 2009, 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, dedicated in 2009, features a design reminiscent of European cathedrals, with a bright sanctuary and spacious layout accommodating large congregations.[3] Associated buildings include the school (opened 1994), offices, rectory, and adoration chapel.
Art and devotional features
The sanctuary includes a reredos behind the altar depicting six saints favored by Saint Thérèse: Saint Francis de Sales, Saint Agnes, Saint Augustine, Saint Mary Magdalene, Saint Théophane Vénard, and Saint Joan of Arc.[3]
An outdoor statue of the patroness, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, welcomes visitors. The pipe organ, previously installed at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. (the "Church of the Presidents"), enhances liturgical music.[3]
A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Sacred Art is available on the parish website, detailing additional devotional elements.
Related parishes
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Saint Theresa". Catholic Diocese of Arlington. https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/jubilee/our-diocese/our-history/parish-history-profiles/saint-theresa/.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "About". Saint Theresa Parish. https://sainttheresaparish.com/about/.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "St. Theresa Church". Arlington Catholic Herald. https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/parishes/st-theresa-church/.