Diocese of Arlington Youth Ministry

06/02/2026

Last Thursday, more than 100 volunteers serving as contractors for the Diocese of Arlington WorkCamp gathered at Nativity Parish Burke to meet their fellow contractors, build community, and learn about the work they'll be accomplishing this summer in the service of our fellow Virginians. From all corners of the diocese, first-time WorkCamp contractors along with those who have served for many years met together in the name of God to ensure a safe and impactful week of ministry and service. Some lucky attendees also went home with prizes donated by Lowe's and Hilti!

05/19/2026

Record Participation at NVJCYO Spring Track & Field Meet! More than 1,200 runners from 26 Diocese of Arlington parishes competed this weekend in 365+ heats and assorted field events during the NVJCYO Spring Track & Field Meet. Special thanks to volunteers extraordinaire: Commissioner Bill Pemberton, timer Jude Prabaharan, and all the coaches! Thanks also to Bishop O'Connell High School for hosting the meet and to its generous staff for their assistance. More pictures and final team results will be posted as they become available.

05/15/2026

Forty-five youth, campus, and young adult ministry leaders from across the Diocese of Arlington returned home yesterday from three days of prayer, formation, and fellowship at this year’s Annual Meeting. This time away, set at Loyola on the Potomac, offered several opportunities for spiritual and professional enrichment as well as forming and strengthening community bonds. Personal and communal prayer took place at Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic Adoration, and personal reflection. Formation was offered through talks, presentations, and homilies. Fellowship was experienced during conversations over meals (especially our delicious crab feast) and good-natured competition during our time-honored favorite, “Salad Bowl,” and a team scavenger hunt. Dr. James Pauley, Theology and Catechetics professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville, served as the retreat director and encouraged the group to reflect upon their personal relationship with Christ, how silence can deepen that relationship, and how to nourish that relationship to be able to serve as the Lord wishes. Special thanks to: Stephen Carattini, President and CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Arlington, who provided insight on what Catholic Charities offers and how we can help our young people and their families; Father John Heisler, Father Jack Peterson, Y.A. and Father Andrew Haissig for providing the Sacrament of Reconciliation; Father Rich Miserendino who served as our spiritual director and offered the sacraments; and Marie Miller who provided beautiful music to guide us deeper into prayer.

04/28/2026

Evangelization is not simply one thing that the Church does. Everything she does should be with a focus on evangelization. Discover how God is using your unique gifts to accomplish His mission!

Hear from Kevin Bohli, Executive Director of the Office of Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries, in the latest course on Porta Fidei. In this free 1-hour course, you will learn what evangelization is and the means with which it is carried out among the baptized faithful today.

Now available exclusively on Porta Fidei: https://www.portafidei.com/evangelization

04/27/2026

The young Church in the Diocese of Arlington gathered for an incredible day of faith and fun with 1400 youth and adult leaders on Saturday at BASH 2026! Many thanks to the group leaders from 49 parishes whose work promoting the event and coordinating participation made it possible for so many middle school students to be part of this event! The highlight of the day was Mass with Bishop Burbidge; very fittingly the vigil Mass for Good Shepherd Sunday. So many young people were eager to meet and speak with Bishop Burbidge that a line formed (and continued to grow!) after Mass in the lobby, where he remained through the entire ninety-minute dinner break to greet every person in line. The day also included a keynote from Rachel Leininger and the mind-blowing illusions of Giancarlo Bernini, vocations breakout sessions, and opportunities for amusement and good-natured competition. The goal of BASH is to help young people discover the joy of a life with Jesus when we are rooted in his Church. Whether you are a parent of a middle school student or a potential volunteer, please get next year’s BASH on your calendar now: Saturday, April 24, 2027. Many thanks Bishop O'Connell High School for their continued generous hospitality in hosting both BASH and RALLY on their campus each year!

📷: Bernadette Rohan Artistry

04/27/2026

04/23/2026

We need YOU! There is still a great need for at least five more volunteers to assist at BASH from 2:30–4:30 p.m. or 5:30–7:30 p.m.! Please consider giving your time to fill this important need! Sign up here to let us know when you can serve: https://forms.office.com/r/f9pBeRHFgp

Do you have time on Saturday the 25th to be part of something incredible? By volunteering at BASH, you will play a direct and meaningful role in creating an environment where young people can encounter Christ and experience the beauty of our diocesan community. We are expecting to welcome more than 1,400 Diocese of Arlington middle school youth and adult leaders to BASH this year and have a critical need for at least twelve more volunteers to assist in making the day possible.

Volunteers are needed throughout the day from 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. – but please do not think that you need to be there for that entire time in order for your presence to be valuable! A four-hour shift is ideal, but if you only have two hours to give (2:30–4:30 p.m. or 5:30–7:30 p.m.), your help would make a big difference! Please fill out our volunteer form to share your availability:
https://forms.office.com/r/f9pBeRHFgp Share with anyone you think may be interested in being part of this incredible event!

04/20/2026

Can you spare two hours to volunteer this Saturday? We are still in need of volunteers to assist at BASH, most especially from 2:30–4:30 p.m. or 5:30–7:30 p.m.! Sign up here to let us know when you can serve: https://forms.office.com/r/f9pBeRHFgp

Do you have time on Saturday the 25th to be part of something incredible? By volunteering at BASH, you will play a direct and meaningful role in creating an environment where young people can encounter Christ and experience the beauty of our diocesan community. We are expecting to welcome more than 1,400 Diocese of Arlington middle school youth and adult leaders to BASH this year and have a critical need for at least twelve more volunteers to assist in making the day possible.

Volunteers are needed throughout the day from 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. – but please do not think that you need to be there for that entire time in order for your presence to be valuable! A four-hour shift is ideal, but if you only have two hours to give (2:30–4:30 p.m. or 5:30–7:30 p.m.), your help would make a big difference! Please fill out our volunteer form to share your availability:
https://forms.office.com/r/f9pBeRHFgp Share with anyone you think may be interested in being part of this incredible event!

04/16/2026

Youth ministry leaders from across the Diocese of Arlington gathered on Tuesday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church for the Spring Certificate in Youth Ministry Training Day. This all-day training included presentations from Dr. James Pauley, Catechetics and Theology professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville. The topics covered in this training were: The Mission of the Church, Liturgical Nature and Sacramental Life of the Church, The Deposit of Faith: Scripture and the CCC, and Effective Catechesis in Youth Ministry.

These sessions are part of our Certificate in Youth Ministry program; to learn more please visit: https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/youth-ministry/certificate-training/.

04/14/2026

Do you have time on Saturday the 25th to be part of something incredible? By volunteering at BASH, you will play a direct and meaningful role in creating an environment where young people can encounter Christ and experience the beauty of our diocesan community. We are expecting to welcome more than 1,400 Diocese of Arlington middle school youth and adult leaders to BASH this year and have a critical need for at least twelve more volunteers to assist in making the day possible.

Volunteers are needed throughout the day from 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. – but please do not think that you need to be there for that entire time in order for your presence to be valuable! A four-hour shift is ideal, but if you only have two hours to give (2:30–4:30 p.m. or 5:30–7:30 p.m.), your help would make a big difference! Please fill out our volunteer form to share your availability:
https://forms.office.com/r/f9pBeRHFgp Share with anyone you think may be interested in being part of this incredible event!