St. Thomas a Becket (Diocese of Arlington)
| Saint Thomas Becket Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint Thomas Becket |
| Type/Classification: | Territorial Parish |
| Non-Parochial: | No |
| Operated By: | Diocesan clergy |
| Venerated Saints: | Our Lady of Fatima |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Arlington |
| Deanery: | Deanery 1 |
| Address: | 1421 Wiehle Avenue, Reston, VA 20190 |
| City: | Reston, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Fairfax County |
| Website: | Website |
| Founded: | 1970 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | office@stbchurch.com |
| AI Confidence: | Not rated |
| Review Level: | 0/5 (unreviewed) |
Saint Thomas Becket Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Reston, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint Thomas Becket, the twelfth-century Archbishop of Canterbury martyred in his cathedral for defending Church liberties against royal encroachment—canonized in 1173 and venerated as a defender of ecclesiastical rights—the parish serves a suburban community in planned Reston, known for its diversity and proximity to technology corridors.
Established in 1970 amid the development of Reston as a new town, the parish initially celebrated Masses in local facilities before dedicating its current church building in 1985. Saint Thomas Becket offers daily Masses, strong faith formation programs, and ministries emphasizing social justice and community service.
The parish community honors its patron through reflection on fidelity to conscience and Church teaching.
History
Saint Thomas Becket Parish was established in 1970 by Bishop John J. Russell of the Diocese of Richmond to serve Catholics in the newly developing planned community of Reston.[1]
Initial liturgies were held in public schools and community centers. The current church was dedicated in 1985.[2]
The parish became part of the newly erected Diocese of Arlington in 1974. Growth has led to expansions in ministries and facilities.
Special features
- Strong emphasis on social justice ministries and community outreach
- Active faith formation for all ages
- Devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, with related prayer groups
Relics
According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar, dedicated in 1985, 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 1985, features contemporary design suited to suburban communal worship.
Art and devotional features
The parish includes devotional elements honoring Our Lady of Fatima.
Specific details on stained glass windows, statues, or other interior artwork are limited in publicly available sources.
Related parishes
References
- ↑ "Parish History". Saint Thomas Becket Catholic Church. https://stbchurch.com/parish-history.
- ↑ "Parish History". Saint Thomas Becket Catholic Church. https://stbchurch.com/parish-history.