HERNDON — Birds were singing and a breeze was blowing across the field, the future site of St. Veronica Parish Church and School in Herndon, as Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde blessed it on the balmy first of May. Attendees included clergy, diocesan officials and supporters, and about a dozen St. Veronica parishioners and their extended families, from infants to senior citizens.

Pointing out that the approximately 25 people at the location was "a microcosm of the diocese," the bishop publicly announced the Capital Campaign, "Rooted in Faith — Forward in Hope," and highlighted some of its important points. St. Veronica is one of the most rapidly growing new diocesan parishes as well as one of the six campaign pilot parishes that have collectively exceeded their combined goal.

"I’ve been here three years and people across the diocese have spoken to me of the needs we have and will have in an even greater way as the years move forward," said Bishop Loverde. He referenced the elements encompassed in the campaign: Catholic high schools; grants for needy Catholic school students, youth ministry and catechetics; a priest retirement facility, Catholic Charities, a Spirituality Center and parish needs. One-third of the $75 million goal has already been pledged.

"It’s a great privilege to serve as your shepherd. It’s also a challenge — a joyful challenge." He referenced the unprecedented population increase in our diocese since its founding. During the last 10 years eight new parishes and eight new schools have been established. The bishop said diocesan Catholics have been incredibly generous. Even so, he said that, currently, thousands of children a year must be turned away because of lack of space in existing schools.

"One of the greatest needs is Catholic education. We hope to — not hope to but we will build these Catholic schools," he said to laughter from the crowd. "Maybe not tomorrow, but we will, if we all pull together." A scholarship program is planned for low and middle-income families, which will also help preserve the diversity in diocesan schools, he said.

"Our youth is the young Church," the bishop said of youth ministry and catechetics. "Our most precious gift is that of our Faith that we pass on to future generations." A priest’s retirement facility would offer clergy "both privacy and community," he said. Diocesan Catholic Charities, which served nearly 40,000 in 2000, operates Christ House shelter in Alexandria for homeless men. The campaign funds would provide for an additional much-needed new emergency shelter for an estimated five to seven families, to accommodate the special needs of homeless children, and related resources.

The diocese has not had its own retreat center for more than 12 years, the bishop pointed out. The planned spirituality center would be more than a retreat house, and serve for diocesan and parish functions.

"Each parish will benefit from this" campaign, because a portion of the funds they raise will be returned to them, the bishop said. "Those parishes can in turn continue to build up the Kingdom of God.

"It’s a magnificent day," said Bishop Loverde, citing the first day of one of Our Lady’s months, the feast day of St. Joseph the Worker, and the diocesan patron, St. Thomas More. From visiting 16 families during the campaign’s quiet phase, the bishop has received $20 million. Donors may designate the area that they wish their money to support. The additional $5 million was raised by the pilot parishes.

The bishop believes he has been called to this diocese to help the local Church grow. Generations of Catholic families will benefit from our work, he said.