When Bishop Michael F. Burbidge was installed as the fourth bishop of Arlington, “I asked to visit some of the ‘treasures’ in my new diocese. The second place I visited was Christ House,” he said. “It only took me a few moments to realize that Christ House is a safe place, and indeed, a treasure in the Diocese of Arlington.”
With more than 200 in attendance, Bishop Burbidge celebrated Mass in honor of the charity’s 50th anniversary at the Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria. Father Edward C. Hathaway, Basilica rector; Father Peter J. Clem, parochial vicar; Father Joseph B. Townsend, parochial vicar; Father Robert C. Cilinski, pastor of Nativity Catholic Church in Burke and episcopal vicar for charitable works; and Father Jamie R. Workman, vicar general, concelebrated.
Christ House serves a nightly dinner for those suffering from food insecurity. The charity provides transitional housing for homeless men, as well as workforce development and job training. With volunteers from more than 40 parishes and community groups, the work goes fast, but the number of clients only grows. From July 2022 to June 2023, Christ House saw more than a 40 percent increase in the number of meals provided, totaling more than 17,000 meals per year.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge compared the volunteers of Christ House to the day’s Gospel. Like the man served by a good Samaritan, “people who enter through the door of Christ House are not only served, but they are also welcomed, embraced, and treated with the respect and dignity that are theirs as children of God.”
But Christ House’s service should prompt us to reflect upon our own lives, Bishop Burbidge said. “If we wish to truly honor Christ House and its ministries, then we must renew our promise to be a good Samaritan and to imitate Jesus and his compassionate and healing love especially to those who require our assistance,” he said. “To do so, it might be helpful to reflect upon the Gospel parable and avoid the mistakes made by those who passed by the man on the road and did not help him.”
We can avoid these mistakes by refusing complacency or believing that our actions have no impact, Bishop Burbidge said. “Each day God gives us the wonderful opportunity to respond to the bodily and spiritual needs of God’s family and our brothers and sisters in Christ. The good Samaritan offers a powerful example. He responded and reached out to his neighbor in mercy and love. And Jesus says to each one of us, ‘Go and do likewise.’ ”
Following the prayer after communion, diocesan Catholic Charities President and CEO Stephen Carattini thanked Bishop Burbidge for his support of Christ House. “We are grateful for your evident care and concern for the poor and vulnerable in our diocese at Catholic Charities Christ House.”
Carattini then addressed the faithful: “And to the parishioners of the Basilica of St. Mary, thank you. Thank you for your prayers and your support of Christ House for 50 years. On behalf of Catholic Charities and the thousands of people we have served in this community and beyond, thank you.”
After Mass, volunteers and parishioners gathered at the Basilica School of St. Mary for a reception. Longtime Christ House volunteers and staff were honored, including staff member and case manager Ruth Guillen, who celebrated 30 years of service, and volunteers Edwin and Daisy Finney. Daisy has served the evening meal at Christ House for the past 40 years.
