St. Andrew the Apostle (Diocese of Arlington)
| Saint Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint Andrew the Apostle |
| Type/Classification: | Territorial Parish |
| Non-Parochial: | No |
| Operated By: | Diocesan clergy |
| Venerated Saints: | Our Lady of Fatima, Saint Joseph |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Arlington |
| Deanery: | Deanery 4 |
| Address: | 6720 Union Mill Road, Clifton, VA 20124 |
| City: | Clifton, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Fairfax County |
| Website: | Website |
| Founded: | 1982 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | office@standrew.org |
| AI Confidence: | Not rated |
| Review Level: | 0/5 (unreviewed) |
Saint Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Clifton, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint Andrew the Apostle, the first-called disciple and brother of Saint Peter, martyred on an X-shaped cross, the parish serves a growing suburban community in western Fairfax County. It emphasizes Eucharistic devotion, faith formation, and charitable outreach.
Established in 1982 to accommodate population growth in the Clifton and Centreville areas, the parish initially celebrated Masses in local schools before dedicating its current church building in 1991. Saint Andrew the Apostle continues to offer daily Masses, perpetual adoration opportunities, and a range of ministries supporting families and spiritual growth.
The parish community fosters devotion to its patron through annual celebrations on November 30 and promotes missionary discipleship in a modern setting.
History
Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish was canonically erected in 1982 by Bishop Thomas J. Welsh of the Diocese of Arlington to serve Catholics in the rapidly developing Clifton, Centreville, and surrounding areas.[1]
Initial liturgies were held in public schools until the current church was dedicated in 1991.[2]
Growth milestones include expansions to facilities for education and adoration. The parish has long supported strong youth programs and charitable initiatives.
Special features
- Perpetual Eucharistic adoration in the chapel
- Active faith formation and youth ministries
- Commitment to charitable outreach through partnerships with local organizations
Relics
According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar, dedicated in 1991, 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 1991, features contemporary design with spacious interiors suited to communal worship in a suburban setting.
Associated facilities support adoration, education, and parish activities.
Art and devotional features
The parish includes devotional areas honoring Our Lady of Fatima and Saint Joseph, reflecting popular piety among parishioners.
Specific details on stained glass windows, statues, or other interior artwork are limited in publicly available sources.
Related parishes
References
- ↑ "Parish History". Saint Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church. https://www.st-andrew.org/parish-history.
- ↑ "Parish History". Saint Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church. https://www.st-andrew.org/parish-history.