Holy Spirit (Diocese of Arlington)
| Holy Spirit Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Holy Spirit |
| Venerated Saints: | None specified |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Arlington |
| Deanery: | Deanery 2 |
| Address: | 5121 Woodland Way, Annandale, VA 22003 |
| Coordinates: | 38.8336, -77.2087 |
| City: | Annandale, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Fairfax County |
| Website: | https://holyspiritchurch.us/ |
| Founded: | 1964 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | parish@holyspiritchurch.us |
Holy Spirit Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Annandale, Virginia. Dedicated to the Holy Spirit—the Third Person of the Most Holy Trinity, invoked as Paraclete, Sanctifier, and source of the Church's gifts—the parish serves a large, family-oriented community in central Fairfax County. It operates Holy Spirit Catholic School (Pre-K through grade 8) and emphasizes Eucharistic adoration, faith formation, and multicultural ministries.
Established on May 23, 1964, amid suburban growth beyond the Capital Beltway, the parish initially celebrated Masses at Woodson High School. The church on Braddock Road was dedicated in 1967, with the school opening that year. A major renovation added a new narthex in 2022. As of December 20, 2025, Holy Spirit fosters a dynamic community aligned with the spirit of Vatican II, supporting diverse liturgies and outreach.
The parish community seeks to live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer, education, and service.
History
Holy Spirit Parish was established on May 23, 1964, by Bishop John Russell of the Diocese of Richmond to serve Catholics in the expanding Annandale area.[1]
Father Paul Cauwe, CICM (Missionhurst), was founding pastor for about 500 families drawn from St. Leo and St. Michael parishes. Initial Masses were at Woodson High School. The church was dedicated in 1967; the school opened in September 1967 after construction in 1966.
Missionhurst priests served until 1981, followed by diocesan clergy beginning with Msgr. Richard Burke. Key developments include a rectory (1991), school expansions, and a 2022 sanctuary renovation with new narthex. The parish celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014.
School
Holy Spirit Catholic School serves Pre-K through grade 8, emphasizing academic excellence and Catholic identity.
Students attend weekly Mass and monthly Eucharistic adoration.
Special features
- Diverse Sunday Mass schedule with various musical ensembles
- Support for multicultural communities, including Eritrean Catholics
- New narthex (2022) with baptismal font under cupola featuring carved wooden Holy Spirit dove
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, dedicated in 1967, reflects mid-twentieth-century design, with a 2022 renovation adding a prominent narthex and symbolic elements.
Art and devotional features
The new narthex features a carved wooden dove representing the Holy Spirit above the baptismal font.
Specific details on additional artwork are limited in publicly available sources.
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Gallery
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Related parishes
- Saint Ambrose Catholic Church (Annandale, Virginia) (formed from Holy Spirit territory in 1966)
References
- ↑ "Holy Spirit". Catholic Diocese of Arlington. https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/jubilee/our-diocese/our-history/parish-history-profiles/holy-spirit/.