St. Rita (Diocese of Arlington)
| Saint Rita Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint Rita of Cascia |
| Type/Classification: | Territorial Parish |
| Non-Parochial: | No |
| Operated By: | Diocesan clergy |
| Venerated Saints: | Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Arlington |
| Deanery: | Deanery 2 |
| Address: | 3815 Russell Road, Alexandria, VA 22305 |
| City: | Alexandria, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Alexandria City |
| Website: | Website |
| Founded: | 1924 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | info@stritaalexandria.com |
| AI Confidence: | Not rated |
| Review Level: | 0/5 (unreviewed) |
Saint Rita Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Alexandria, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint Rita of Cascia, the fifteenth-century Augustinian nun venerated as patroness of impossible causes, abused wives, and those in difficult marriages—the parish serves a diverse urban community in the Del Ray neighborhood. It operates Saint Rita Catholic School (pre-K through grade 8) and maintains strong devotions to the Miraculous Medal and pro-life causes.
The parish originated as a mission in 1913, with the first Mass celebrated on July 16, 1913, by Fr. A. J. Van Ingelgem. A small church was built in 1914, and the parish was formally established in 1924. The current Gothic Revival church of Virginia fieldstone and Indiana limestone was dedicated on December 18, 1949. As of December 20, 2025, Saint Rita offers the Traditional Latin Mass, Spanish-language liturgies, and extensive outreach ministries.
The parish community honors its patroness through prayer for difficult situations and promotes family life and social justice.
History
The parish began as a mission for Catholic families in the Del Ray area, with the first Mass celebrated on July 16, 1913, by Fr. A. J. Van Ingelgem of St. Mary's Church in a cobbler's shop.[1]
A wooden church on Hickory Street was dedicated in 1914 to Saint Rita of Cascia. The parish was formally established in 1924. The current Gothic Revival church was dedicated on December 18, 1949.[2]
Saint Rita School opened in 1952. The parish joined the Diocese of Arlington in 1974. It celebrated its centennial in 2024.
School
Saint Rita Catholic School serves pre-K through grade 8, providing faith-based education integrated with academics.
The school has operated since 1952, supporting the parish's mission of formation.[3]
Special features
- Traditional Latin Mass offered regularly, including Missa Cantata on Sundays
- Monday evening Miraculous Medal novena, a tradition since the 1940s
- Spanish-language Masses and ministries serving the Hispanic community
- Active pro-life apostolate and social justice initiatives
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 1949, features Gothic Revival style constructed of Virginia fieldstone and Indiana limestone, with stone arches and oriental rugs in the sanctuary.
Art and devotional features
The interior includes devotional elements reflecting the parish's traditions, such as imagery for the Miraculous Medal novena.
Specific details on stained glass windows, statues, or other artwork are limited in publicly available sources.
Related parishes
References
- ↑ "History". Saint Rita Catholic Church. https://stritaalexandria.com/history/.
- ↑ "Saint Rita". Catholic Diocese of Arlington. https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/jubilee/our-diocese/our-history/parish-history-profiles/saint-rita/.
- ↑ "School". Saint Rita Catholic Church. https://stritaalexandria.com/school/.