St. John the Baptist (Diocese of Arlington)
| Saint John the Beloved Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint John the Beloved |
| Venerated Saints: | None specified |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Arlington |
| Deanery: | Deanery 1 |
| Address: | 6420 Linway Terrace, McLean, VA 22101 |
| Coordinates: | 38.9350, -77.1150 |
| City: | McLean, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Fairfax County |
| Website: | https://www.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), traditionally identified as the author of the Fourth Gospel, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation—the parish emphasizes reverent liturgy, Eucharistic devotion, and formation in the faith.
Established in 1954 as a mission and elevated to parish status shortly thereafter, the parish grew rapidly in the postwar suburbs. Saint John the Beloved Academy opened in 1954. The church has undergone renovations, including sanctuary improvements and addition of a Rodgers hybrid organ. As of December 19, 2025, Saint John the Beloved serves a community noted for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, with reverent celebration of the Sacred Liturgy.
The parish community draws inspiration from Saint John's intimate friendship with Christ and his role as guardian of Mary (John 19:26–27).
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]
The parish became independent from surrounding communities. 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, providing Catholic liberal arts education.[2]
The academy follows a classical curriculum rooted in faith and academic excellence.
Special features
- Reverent liturgy with weekly Latin Mass (Ordinary Form)
- Active formation programs for adults and youth
- History of vocations to priesthood and religious life
Architecture
The church has undergone renovations focusing on sanctuary enhancement and liturgical space.
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.