"With all my heart I thank you for all you are and all you do," Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde said to diocesan volunteers attending an appreciation Mass on Saturday at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington.

About 175 volunteers from boards and committees that assist the bishop were invited to the Mass and a reception that followed.

In his homily, the bishop thanked the volunteers "who have given so generously of their time and talent … in the service of our diocesan Church. I ask the Lord to bless you as He alone can."

As they arrived at the reception, each guest was given a prayer card from the bishop which read, "In prayer and gratitude I thank God always for all of you as I remember you in my prayers, ever mindful of the way you are proving your faith, laboring in love and showing constancy of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."

They were also given a diocesan medallion bearing the images of the patron saints of the diocese — St. Thomas More and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton — on one side, and the diocesan shield on the reverse side.

Carole and Everett Bergman traveled to the cathedral from Front Royal, where they attend St. John the Baptist Church. The couple serves on the diocesan board to the bishop.

"I was very honored" to be invited, Carole said.