St. Louis (Diocese of Arlington)

Saint Louis Catholic Church
Dedication:	Saint Louis
Venerated Saints:	None specified
Diocese:	Diocese of Arlington
Deanery:	Deanery 8
Address:	2907 Popkins Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306
Coordinates:	38.7650, -77.0783
City:	Alexandria, VA
Subdivision:	Virginia
Country:	United States
County:	Fairfax County
Website:	https://www.saintlouisparish.org/
Founded:	1949
School:	Yes
Email:

Saint Louis Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Alexandria, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint Louis, the thirteenth-century King of France renowned for his piety, justice, care for the poor, and leadership in the Crusades—a canonized saint and patron of the Third Order of St. Francis—the parish emphasizes service to the needy, particularly along the Route 1 corridor. It operates Saint Louis Catholic School (K-8) and a preschool.

Originating as Sacred Heart Mission Chapel in 1925, the community was elevated to parish status in 1949 amid postwar growth. A larger church was dedicated in 1962, with subsequent expansions including a school (1956) and preschool (2012). Renovations in the 2010s introduced marble furnishings. As of December 14, 2025, Saint Louis serves a diverse community with active charitable ministries, including food drives and support through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

The parish fosters faith through education, outreach, and devotion, reflecting its patron's commitment to loving the poor.

History

Saint Louis Parish traces its beginnings to 1925, when Rev. Edward L. Stephens of St. Mary's in Alexandria established Sacred Heart Mission Chapel in Groveton by purchasing and relocating a one-room schoolhouse.

In 1949, the mission was elevated to full parish status and renamed Saint Louis, with Fr. Albert P. Campbell as founding pastor. Saint Louis Catholic School was dedicated in 1956.

Postwar growth necessitated a new church seating over 1,000, dedicated on May 5, 1962, under Msgr. Walsh; the original chapel became Msgr. Walsh Hall. The parish joined the newly erected Diocese of Arlington in 1974.

Further developments included a preschool wing dedicated in 2012 and interior renovations around 2015 featuring new marble altars and furnishings from Italy.

A notable parishioner, Bishop Ned Shlesinger (auxiliary bishop of Atlanta), grew up in the parish.

Special features

• Active Society of St. Vincent de Paul, providing personal assistance and spiritual support to the needy along Route 1
• Monthly food drives collecting thousands of pounds for local food banks
• Little Way Café, a parish-based coffee shop and eatery fostering community
• Proximity to Poor Clare Monastery (half-mile away), enhancing contemplative opportunities
• Special needs religious education programs

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, dedicated in 1962, accommodates large congregations with vibrant interior colors complementing woodwork and marble elements added in renovations around 2015.

Associated buildings include the school (1956), preschool wing (2012), and Msgr. Walsh Hall (original chapel).

Art and devotional features

The sanctuary features vibrant colors enhancing the woodwork and renovated marble altar.

A prominent statue of the patron, Saint Louis, adorns a wall.

Specific details on additional stained glass windows, sculptures, or artwork are limited in publicly available sources.