St. Anthony of Padua (Diocese of Arlington)
| Saint Anthony Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint Anthony of Padua |
| Venerated Saints: | Our Lady of Fatima, Saint Joseph |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Arlington |
| Deanery: | Deanery 2 |
| Address: | 3301 Glen Carlyn Road, Falls Church, VA 22041 |
| Coordinates: | 38.9314, -77.1722 |
| City: | Falls Church, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Fairfax County |
| Website: | https://www.stanthonyparish.org/ |
| Founded: | 1947 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | office@stanthonyparish.org |
Saint Anthony Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Falls Church, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, the thirteenth-century Portuguese Franciscan priest and Doctor of the Church renowned for his eloquent preaching, miracles, and devotion to the poor—the parish serves a diverse urban-suburban community. It operates Saint Anthony Catholic School (pre-K through grade 8).
Established in 1947 amid postwar growth in Fairfax County, the parish initially celebrated Masses in local facilities before dedicating its current church in 1964. As of December 19, 2025, Saint Anthony continues to offer multilingual liturgies, strong faith formation, and ministries reflecting Franciscan charism, including outreach to the needy.
The parish community honors its patron through annual celebrations on June 13 and promotes evangelization through word and service.
History
Saint Anthony Parish was established in 1947 by Bishop Peter L. Ireton of the Diocese of Richmond to serve Catholics in the growing Falls Church area.[1]
Initial Masses were held in public buildings until the current church was dedicated in 1964.[2]
The parish joined the newly erected Diocese of Arlington in 1974. Growth has included school expansions and diverse ministries.
School
Saint Anthony Catholic School serves pre-K through grade 8, providing faith-integrated education.
The school supports the parish mission of forming young disciples.[3]
Special features
- Multilingual Masses reflecting community diversity
- Active outreach ministries inspired by Saint Anthony's care for the poor
- Devotions to Our Lady of Fatima and Saint Joseph
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, dedicated in 1964, reflects mid-twentieth-century design suited to suburban growth.
Art and devotional features
The parish includes devotional elements honoring Our Lady of Fatima and Saint Joseph.
Specific details on stained glass windows, statues, or other interior artwork are limited in publicly available sources.
Related parishes
References
- ↑ "Parish History". Saint Anthony Catholic Church. https://www.stanthonyparish.org/parish-history.
- ↑ "Parish History". Saint Anthony Catholic Church. https://www.stanthonyparish.org/parish-history.
- ↑ "School". Saint Anthony Catholic Church. https://www.stanthonyparish.org/school.