VOICE Ministry
Advocating for Justice in our Community
We focus on issues that highly impact people and families in everyday life
IMMIGRATION
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING – March 2026
Save the Date!
Beginning Monday, April 6th
Are you interested in learning more about the integration of faith and Catholic social teaching? A program on “Faith & Immigration Justice” will be offered at our parish on Monday evenings from 7:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m. beginning Monday, April 6th and running through June 1st . For more information and to register please contact Sheila Noble.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING – 101
Image credit: By Lula Oficial CC-BY-SA 4.0
The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated through a tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents.
Current VOICE Initiatives
HOMES FOR ALL VOICE ASSEMBLY
As a result of the partnership established this fall at the HOMES FOR ALL Assembly the following bills have been introduced in the 2026 session of the Commonwealth’s legislature:
* Faith in Housing (SB388/HB1279) which will add thousands of affordable homes on missional land during Virginia’s severe housing shortage.
* Affordable Dwelling Units (SB74) which would allow greater flexibility and options in implementing the county’s program.
* Accessory Living Units (SB 531) which will expand housing choice, support aging in place, and add gentle density in existing communities.
* Parking Mandate (HB 888) creates guidelines on local parking to ensuring that new homes are near transit or in dense walkable areas.
CRISIS RECEIVING CENTER DEDICATED
Image: Prince William County Commuications
We Accept Everyone
- Just walk in
- No exceptions
- No Judgments
- Whether you’re experiencing a crisis or simply need someone to talk to
- We are here to help right now.
We offer immediate, compassionate care for anyone who walks through our doors.
VA AFFORDABLE HOUSING – WHAT YOU CAN DO
Help advance a Pro-Homes agenda in Virgina by sending a letter to your legislators today! LEARN MORE
Why is there a shortfall of over 200,000 homes in Virginia which is driving up the cost of homes throughout the Commonwealth? Learn More
Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching
The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated through a tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents. Click the image above to learn more.
Photo courtesy of PWC
AFFORDABLE HOUSING PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) Information Session
On February 24th PWC held an information session to explain procedures for application for grants from the newly established AHF. Discussed was: funding requirements, program priorities, eligible loan uses, and application process and 2026 timeline.
FY 2027 Proposed Prince William County Budget
The proposed budget includes a $5.0 million contribution to the Affordable Housing reserve fund. If passed the total contributions to the Affordable Housing reserve will be increased from $15.5 to $21.0 million.
PWC Housing “Fast Track Measures”
The County Board of Supervisors has directed staff to prioritize development of an Accessory Living Unit (ALU) policy, residential development waiver reforms, and providing publicly-owned parcels for Affordable Housing Projects.
We are your VOICE
Who we are
VOICE is a ministry of the parish that advocates for social justice on issues important to Prince William County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VOICE ministry provides an avenue for parishioners to become involved in their local communities, be an agent for social justice/change, and present a Catholic voice in the public square about important public policy issues
Why it’s important
The majority of VOICE issues are family and human dignity issues. Other parish ministries also address these topics, the parish VOICE ministry focuses on issues that highly impact people and families in everyday life – especially those communities of the poor and minorities. “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” (Luke 12:48)
Go Deeper
VOICE is called to be ever faithful in our ministry. We celebrate accomplishments, renew our efforts on works-in-progress, and always work for the greater glory of God. Read about some of our past and on-going efforts of this ministry in the briefs below.
How we advocate
VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) is a non-partisan coalition of almost 50 faith communities and civic organizations in Northern Virginia working together to create justice in middle and low-income communities. We advocate in the Northern Virginia region as faithful Catholics following the spirit of Dialogue and Proclamation, the 1991 document which encourages the faithful to work in advocacy and action with other Christians and people of different faiths.
Read more about VOICE here.
Successful VOICE Initiatives
Prince William County Pre K
Eight years ago, the Prince William County Public School (PWCPS) system only had 8 Pre K classes. The St. Francis of Assisi VOICE ministry began an initiative, that with the help of many other groups, changed Pre K availability for all. Today there are 80 Pre K classes in PWCPS. Learn more.
Investing in Schools
Too often we hear about a school lockdown, sad but occasionally necessary. What is always necessary is to lift up our children not only in education but also in health and emotional wellbeing. Did you know that one in five children and adolescents experience a mental health problem during their school years, but 60% don’t receive the support and treatment they need? Of the remaining 40%, two-thirds of them receive the treatment they need in the school setting. Want to help? Contact us!
Laws that Burden the Poor
In 2018, Virginia’s threshold for felony theft was the lowest in the country at $250. For decades, thousands of Virginians have been saddled with felony convictions on their records for minor property crimes. Did you know that Virginia was one of the few states to suspend driver’s license for unpaid court debt. Both these unduly affect the poor, creating even more burdens in daily life. VOICE led campaigns that changed these laws. Learn more.
VOICE Ministry Contact Form
This contact form is for those who want to contact ministry leaders, ask questions, or find out to become involved in the Church’s outreach to the public square where we live.
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