Although they have been working there for three years, last Friday marked a new beginning for the Catholic Charities office at Christ the Redeemer Parish in Sterling.

Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde officially blessed the office last week. And thanked the Catholic Charities staff for making Christ’s love visible in the world through their work.

By allowing Christ to "borrow our lips, our hands, our eyes, our hearts" the staff of Catholic Charities is revealing to the community "a love that heals, reconciles, builds up and strengthens," the bishop said.

"It means a lot to have the recognition of the bishop and have him welcome us," said Frances Bell, who works in children and family services at the office.

"This blessing signifies the official beginning of our work and our commitment to (the) Loudoun County (community)," said Steve Luteran, executive director of diocesan Catholic Charities. "This speaks that (the diocese is) committed to be here for the long term and (is committed) to the work that others do here in Loudoun County.

With the assistance of Atonement Father Donald Howard, pastor of Christ the Redeemer Parish, Catholic Charities has had free office space at Christ the Redeemer since the fall of 2002. Initially the office was open only part time, but now it is fully staffed and open at least 40 hours a week.

Counselors from Catholic Charities work with the local department of Social Services to meet all the needs of their clients.

"We will address ourselves to every need they have," said Bell. "We take a look at the whole person. We help them put together everything."

While Catholic Charities serves people of all faiths, clients value "the spiritual aspect and focus on God, and we can bring that directly into our work," Bell said.

The office at Christ the Redeemer Parish serves Loudoun County and the western part of the diocese. It is open five days a week, including scheduled appointments in the evenings. The office offers immigration assistance — including English as a second language classes — through Hogar Hispano; and family and children’s services — including adoption services, crisis pregnancy counseling and therapeutic counseling.

Catholic Charities also has offices in Arlington, Burke and Fredericksburg.

The Loudoun office is located at 46833 Harry Byrd Hwy., Sterling. To contact the Loudoun office call 703/421-2317. For more information on Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Arlington, call 703/841-3830 or go to www.ccda.net.