St. John the Beloved (Diocese of Arlington)
| Saint John the Beloved Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint John the Beloved Disciple |
| Venerated Saints: | None specified |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Arlington |
| Deanery: | Deanery 1 |
| Address: | 6422 Linway Terrace, McLean, VA 22101 |
| Coordinates: | 38.9350, -77.1767 |
| City: | McLean, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Fairfax County |
| Website: | https://stjohncatholicmclean.org |
| Founded: | 1954 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | |
Saint John the Beloved Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in McLean, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint John the Beloved Disciple—the Apostle and Evangelist who rested on Christ's breast at the Last Supper (John 13:23–25), stood at the foot of the Cross (John 19:26–27), and is traditionally regarded as the author of the Fourth Gospel, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation—the parish operates Saint John the Beloved Academy (pre-K through grade 8) and emphasizes reverent liturgy, Eucharistic devotion, and classical Catholic education.
Established in 1954 amid postwar suburban growth, the parish grew from a mission served by Jesuit priests. As of December 19, 2025, Saint John the Beloved serves a community noted for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, with a focus on sacred music and traditional elements in worship.
The parish community draws inspiration from Saint John's intimate friendship with Christ and his guardianship of Mary.
History
Saint John the Beloved began as a mission in the early 1950s, with formal establishment in 1954 under Rev. Edward T. Daly as founding pastor.[1]
Saint John the Beloved Academy was founded in 1954. Over the decades, renovations included Carlin Hall conversion to parish office, gymnasium construction, and sanctuary improvements. A Rodgers hybrid three-manual organ was installed.
The parish has produced several priestly and religious vocations.
School
Saint John the Beloved Academy (pre-K through grade 8) was founded in 1954, offering a classical Catholic liberal arts education rooted in faith.[2]
The academy follows a curriculum emphasizing intellectual and spiritual growth, with the motto "Fides, Scientia, et Gaudium" (Faith, Knowledge, and Joy).
Special features
- Emphasis on reverent liturgy, including weekly Latin Mass (Ordinary Form)
- History of fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life
- Classical education through the parish academy
Architecture
The church has undergone renovations focusing on sanctuary enhancement and liturgical space, including installation of a Rodgers hybrid organ.
Art and devotional features
Specific details on stained glass windows, statues, sculptures, or other interior artwork are limited in publicly available sources as of December 19, 2025. Devotional elements typically include representations of Saint John the Beloved Disciple, often portraying him as the young apostle at the Last Supper or with the Virgin Mary.
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.