St. Ann (Diocese of Arlington)

Saint Ann Catholic Church
Dedication:	Saint Ann
Type/Classification:	Territorial Parish
Non-Parochial:	No
Operated By:	Diocesan clergy
Venerated Saints:	Saint Joachim
Diocese:	Diocese of Arlington
Deanery:	Deanery 1
Address:	5300 North 10th Street, Arlington, VA 22205
Location:	[{"name":38.8875,"title":null,"lat":38.8875,"lon":-77.0992,"otherValues":[]}]
City:	Arlington, VA
Subdivision:	Virginia
Country:	United States
County:	Arlington County
Website:	Website
Founded:	1947
School:	Yes
Email:	ppp@stann.org

Saint Ann Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Arlington, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint Ann, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and wife of Saint Joachim according to longstanding Catholic tradition, the parish serves a diverse, multicultural community in northern Arlington. It operates Saint Ann Catholic School (pre-K through grade 8) and is staffed by priests of the Missionhurst Congregation (CICM).

Established on September 25, 1947, amid postwar population growth in Arlington, the parish grew from farmland purchased in 1941 by the Diocese of Richmond. The original church was dedicated in 1948; the current church was constructed in 2004. As of December 20, 2025, Saint Ann continues to offer multilingual Masses and extensive outreach ministries, reflecting its global perspective under Missionhurst priests.

The parish community fosters faith through education, service, and devotion, welcoming a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

History

Saint Ann Parish was established on September 25, 1947, by the Diocese of Richmond to serve Catholics amid booming wartime and postwar expansion in Arlington.

The original brick church was dedicated on June 27, 1948; it was demolished for the new church constructed in 2004.

The parish transitioned to the newly erected Diocese of Arlington in 1974. Under various pastors, including Missionhurst priests, it has welcomed refugees (e.g., Vietnamese in the 1970s) and grown in cultural diversity. Ministries include Meals on Wheels, support for migrants, and ecumenical cooperation.

School

Saint Ann Catholic School serves pre-K through grade 8, providing integrated Catholic education.

The school has a long history tied to the parish and emphasizes academic and spiritual formation.

Special features

• Staffed by Missionhurst (CICM) priests, bringing a global perspective to ministry
• Strong social outreach, including support for migrants, food programs, and hospital visitation
• Multicultural community with diverse backgrounds feeling welcomed

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, constructed in 2004, features modern design with elements enhancing communal worship.

Unique objects include a statue of Saint Ann in the courtyard, an icon of Saint Ann and Saint Joachim (commissioned 2004), a suspended crucifix (installed 2019), pelican stained-glass window, and Saint Cosmas and Damian chapel.

Art and devotional features

Notable features include the courtyard statue of Saint Ann, the commissioned icon of Saint Ann and Saint Joachim, the suspended crucifix over the altar, and stained glass depicting a pelican (symbol of Christ's sacrifice).

The Saint Cosmas and Damian chapel includes related stained glass.