Good Shepherd (Diocese of Arlington)
| Good Shepherd Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Good Shepherd |
| Venerated Saints: | Our Lady |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Arlington |
| Deanery: | Deanery 8 |
| Address: | 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309 |
| Coordinates: | 38.7170, -77.0925 |
| City: | Alexandria, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Fairfax County |
| Website: | https://www.gs-cc.org/ |
| Founded: | 1965 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | office@gs-cc.org |
Good Shepherd Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located along the Mount Vernon corridor in Alexandria, Virginia. Dedicated to Christ under the title "Good Shepherd" (from John 10:11–18, where Jesus describes Himself as the one who lays down His life for the sheep), the parish is renowned for its spirit of hospitality, extensive social justice ministries, and outreach to the poor and marginalized. With a diverse, multicultural community reflecting cultures from all continents, it emphasizes welcoming newcomers and serving those in need.
Established in 1965 amid rapid growth in southern Fairfax County, Good Shepherd initially operated from a multi-purpose building before dedicating its current church in 1984. A community center followed in 1991. The parish has no associated school but supports robust youth programs, including diocesan WorkCamp participation and local home repair initiatives. As of December 14, 2025, construction is ongoing for a new chapel and multi-use facilities to accommodate growth, with over 10,000 registered parishioners.
The parish offers Masses in English and Spanish, reflecting its inclusive mission of loving and serving as Christ does.
History
Good Shepherd Parish was established in May 1965 by Bishop John J. Russell of the Diocese of Richmond to serve the expanding Catholic population in southern Fairfax County during the 1960s.[1] Rev. Joseph F. Schwartz was appointed as the founding pastor.
Initial liturgies and activities took place in a multi-purpose building. The current church was dedicated on October 21, 1984, by Bishop John R. Keating.[1] A community center, incorporating the original structure with additions for offices, kitchen, nursery, youth center, and classrooms, was approved in 1987 and dedicated in January 1991.[1]
The parish transferred to the newly erected Diocese of Arlington in 1974. Under various pastors, including Fr. Creedon, it developed a strong reputation for outreach to the underprivileged locally, nationally, and internationally.[1] Recent milestones include groundbreaking in 2023 for a new chapel and facilities to serve the growing community.[2]
Special features
- Extensive social justice and outreach ministries, including support for affordable housing, food donations, and assistance to the homeless
- Annual participation in diocesan and parish WorkCamp for youth, focusing on home repairs for community members
- Multicultural community with Masses in English and Spanish
- Strong emphasis on hospitality, welcoming visitors and newcomers at every liturgy
- Ongoing capital project for a new chapel and multi-use spaces
Relics
According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar, dedicated in 1984, contains deposited relics as is customary in consecrated 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 1984, reflects late twentieth-century design suited to communal worship. Associated facilities include the community center (1991) serving multiple parish activities.
Construction of a new chapel and additional multi-use facilities, begun after groundbreaking in 2023, aims to enhance visibility and capacity along the Mount Vernon corridor.[3]
Art and devotional features
Specific details on interior artwork are limited in publicly available sources. Notable exterior features include statues of the Good Shepherd and the Blessed Virgin Mary, donated by the local Knights of Columbus, promoting prayer for respect for human life.[4]
Boards displaying the Mysteries of the Rosary are placed outside during May and October to encourage devotion.[4]
Related parishes
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Good Shepherd Catholic Church". Catholic Diocese of Arlington. https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/jubilee/our-diocese/our-history/parish-history-profiles/good-shepherd-catholic-church/.
- ↑ "Bishop Burbidge to break ground for new chapel at Good Shepherd Catholic Church". Catholic Diocese of Arlington. https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/2023/04/21/bishop-burbidge-to-break-ground-for-new-chapel-at-good-shepherd-catholic-church/.
- ↑ "Good Shepherd Church breaks ground on a new chapel and meeting spaces". Arlington Catholic Herald. https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/good-shepherd-church-breaks-ground-on-a-new-chapel-and-meeting-spaces/.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Good Shepherd Church". Arlington Catholic Herald. https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/parishes/good-shepherd-church/.