Blessed Sacrament (Diocese of Arlington)

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Dedication:	Blessed Sacrament
Venerated Saints:	Holy Family
Diocese:	Diocese of Arlington
Deanery:	Deanery 2
Address:	1427 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22302
Coordinates:	38.8480, -77.1010
City:	Alexandria, VA
Subdivision:	Virginia
Country:	United States
County:	Alexandria City
Website:	https://blessedsacramentcc.org/
Founded:	1945
School:	Yes
Email:	parish_office@blessedsacramentcc.org

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Alexandria, Virginia, adjacent to Arlington County. Dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament—the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist—the parish emphasizes Eucharistic devotion, community service, and Catholic education through its associated parochial school. Known for its outreach to those in need, parishioners played a key role in founding local organizations aiding the food-insecure and homeless.

Established during World War II to serve Catholic families in new housing developments near the Pentagon, the parish grew rapidly in the postwar era. A school was founded in 1949 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, earning multiple Blue Ribbon awards. The current church building was constructed in the 1980s, featuring hand-carved Italian artwork. As of December 14, 2025, Blessed Sacrament maintains a vibrant music ministry and supports various charitable initiatives.

The parish community fosters faith formation through liturgy, education, and service, welcoming families in a modern yet traditionally appointed worship space.

History

Blessed Sacrament Parish originated amid wartime housing expansions in the Washington metropolitan area, particularly in developments like Fairlington and Parkfairfax built to accommodate workers near the Pentagon. In the early 1940s, Catholic families in these areas attended Masses at nearby missions or parishes.

The parish was formally established around 1945–1946 under Msgr. Martin T. Quinn as founding pastor. Groundbreaking for the new church occurred in 1986, coinciding with celebrations of Fr. Quinn's priestly anniversary, and the current building was completed thereafter.

Blessed Sacrament School opened in 1949, initially staffed by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, who served until 1992. The school has twice received Blue Ribbon recognition from the U.S. Department of Education.

Parishioners have long been active in social outreach, instrumental in establishing ALIVE Inc. and Carpenter’s Shelter for food and housing assistance. The parish joined the Diocese of Arlington upon its erection in 1974.

Special features

• Strong emphasis on service to the less fortunate, including support for ALIVE Inc., Carpenter’s Shelter, Catholic Charities, and the Mother of Light Center
• Dynamic music ministry enhancing liturgical celebrations
• Ornamental cherry trees surrounding the front entrance, adding seasonal beauty
• Commitment to individual financial assistance for those in need

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 current church, built following groundbreaking in 1986, features a modern design with spacious sanctuary incorporating traditional elements. The entrance is framed by ornamental cherry trees.

Associated buildings include the parochial school (pre-K through grade 8) and facilities supporting parish ministries.

Art and devotional features

The sanctuary integrates traditional Catholic artwork despite its modern structure. Notable features include hand-carved Stations of the Cross, tabernacle, crucifix, and a statue of the Holy Family, crafted by artisans in Ortisei, Italy.

These elements are designed to enhance prayer and reflection for worshippers.