St. Timothy Catholic Church (Diocese of Arlington)
| Saint Timothy Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint Timothy |
| Type/Classification: | Territorial Parish |
| Non-Parochial: | No |
| Operated By: | Diocesan clergy |
| Venerated Saints: | None specified |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Arlington |
| Deanery: | Deanery 3 |
| Address: | 13807 Poplar Tree Road, Chantilly, VA 20151 |
| City: | Chantilly, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Fairfax County |
| Website: | Website |
| Founded: | 1969 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | None specified |
| AI Confidence: | Not rated |
| Review Level: | 0/5 (unreviewed) |
Saint Timothy Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Chantilly, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint Timothy, the first-century disciple of Saint Paul, bishop of Ephesus, and recipient of two Pauline epistles—venerated for his faithfulness, pastoral care, and missionary companionship—the parish serves a large suburban community in western Fairfax County. It operates Saint Timothy Catholic School (K-8), noted as one of the largest Catholic elementary schools in Virginia.
Established in June 1969 amid rapid growth in the Chantilly area, the parish traces roots to earlier missions, with land acquired on Poplar Tree Road after initial sites proved unsuitable. The current church was dedicated in 1975, with subsequent expansions including school facilities. As of December 19, 2025, Saint Timothy fosters diverse ministries, faith formation, and community service.
The parish community reflects its patron's legacy through emphasis on discipleship, education, and outreach.
History
Saint Timothy Parish was established in June 1969 by Bishop John J. Russell of the Diocese of Richmond, with Fr. Robert E. Nudd appointed as founding pastor.[1]
Initial Masses were held in public schools and firehouses due to growth. Land was purchased on Poplar Tree Road in Chantilly after earlier sites failed percolation tests. The church was dedicated in 1975 by Bishop Thomas J. Welsh of the newly erected Diocese of Arlington (1974).[2]
The school opened in 1981 with a multi-purpose building. Growth led to further facilities and ministries.
School
Saint Timothy Catholic School serves kindergarten through grade 8, recognized as one of the largest Catholic elementary schools in Virginia.[3]
It integrates faith formation with academics, supporting the parish's mission of education and discipleship.
Special features
- Large and diverse community with multicultural ministries
- Extensive religious education and youth programs
- Commitment to community service and family support
Relics
According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar, dedicated in 1975, 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 1975, reflects mid-twentieth-century design suited to growing suburban congregations.
Associated facilities include the school and expanded education spaces.
Art and devotional features
Specific details on stained glass windows, statues, sculptures, or other interior artwork are limited in publicly available sources. The devotional focus centers on Saint Timothy as patron.
Related parishes
References
- ↑ "Saint Timothy". Catholic Diocese of Arlington. https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/jubilee/our-diocese/our-history/parish-history-profiles/saint-timothy/.
- ↑ "Saint Timothy". Catholic Diocese of Arlington. https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/jubilee/our-diocese/our-history/parish-history-profiles/saint-timothy/.
- ↑ "St. Timothy Church". Arlington Catholic Herald. https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/parishes/st-timothy-church/.