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Are You Interested in the Catholic Church?

The Baptism of Infants

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

Confirmation

Faith Formation Classes

Other Sacraments

Are You Interested in the Catholic Church? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a unique faith formation process/journey for adults of varying faith levels. It is a process by which those seeking admission into the Catholic Church come together to study, pray and examine the Spirit's call for conversion. RCIA is also another avenue for adult baptized Catholics who are searching for a deeper understanding of the faith and those who are seeking full and complete reception into the Catholic Church. This faith journey, whether it is an initial inquiry or an in depth examination of the tenets of faith, covers a wide spectrum of topics. RCIA is a journey of faith concerned with the total formation of the person as he or she comes to believe, pray, live and serve with the church community.

Are you fully conversant with the Catholic faith? Do you have questions regarding certain tenets of the faith? Are you a baptized Catholic who still needs to prepare for the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation? Do you know of a family member or friend who is seeking to know more of the Catholic faith or simply has questions about Catholicism? Were you baptized in another faith and are now interested in the Catholic faith? Have you been accompanying your spouse to church and would like to know more of your spouse's faith? There are varied reasons for joining the RCIA process. Please direct all inquiries to Dorothy Aggrey at 301-459-4814 x205.

Beginning September 26, 2007, our parish community will once again embark on this exciting journey of faith, which will culminate in the celebration of the Easter sacraments, Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. We will meet on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Faculty Lounge.

The Baptism of Infants

Baptism is the first of the sacraments of Initiation. Parents interested in preparing themselves and their infants for Baptism must contact the Office for Faith Formation at 301-459-4814 x205 to schedule an interview with the Director. Preparatory seminars are held prior to the celebration of the sacrament. This usually takes place in the evening of the first Wednesday during the month of a scheduled Baptism in the School Library from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

Instruction for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist is family based. Although support is given in the classroom during the regularly scheduled Faith Formation classes and in the school setting, parents are the primary teachers for these sacraments. This is in keeping with the Code of Canon Law #914, which states:
 

It is the responsibility, in the first place, of parents and those who take the place of parents as well as of the pastor to see that children who have reached the age of reason are correctly prepared and are nourished by the divine food as early as possible, preceded by sacramental confession.

A two year preparation program for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist begins in the first grade. In accordance with canon law, the Archdiocese of Washington states that the reception of First Reconciliation must precede the reception of First Eucharist. Neither the pastor nor the director of Faith Formation has any vested powers to change Archdiocesan policies.
 

Parents are expected to attend all sacramental meetings. The Faith Formation Office will give out textbooks to parents only at the sacramental meetings. Prior to the celebration of each sacrament, students will be evaluated during their regularly scheduled classes.

A copy (not original) of the student’s Baptismal Certificate is required for all other sacraments. Please make sure the issuing parish address is visible on the certificate; this is critical for the notification process.

 

Confirmation

Confirmation preparation is a two year program which begins in seventh grade. Parents of 7th and 8th grade students are expected to attend the parent meeting at the beginning of each year during which time requirements will be explained. The following are the basic requirements for Confirmation. Further explanation is provided in the Confirmation packet:

  • Attendance at class and evidence of satisfactory progress and participation in program. Progress will be evaluated by periodic testing.
  • Approved community service program and reflection paper based on service.
  • Participation in Mass each Sunday and holy days of obligation.
  • Participation in Confirmation retreat once a year.
  • Selection of Sponsor.
  • Reflection paper (1-2 pages) on saint chosen for Confirmation.
  • Letter to the Bishop requesting Confirmation.
  • Attendance at interview and rehearsal for Confirmation Liturgy.

Faith Formation Attendance

Each year of catechesis builds on the previous year’s knowledge. Attendance each year, beginning with first grade is required. No child will be permitted to drop in and out of the program attending only in the year in which a sacrament is celebrated or conferred. Children transferring here from another program must provide a letter from the director of their previous religious education (Faith Formation) program citing the years attended and the textbook series used. Families unable to provide proof of prior instruction will be placed in the appropriate class after the child has been evaluated.

Faith Formation Classes

Classes for kindergarten through eighth grade will be held on Monday evening from 6:30 - 7:45 pm, beginning on September 17, 2007, and ending on May 19, 2008.

Children must be registered prior to attending classes. Registration is held during the months of May and June. Late fees will apply if registration is not completed on time. Information will be sent home to parents/guardians and will also be published in the bulletin.

Bible Study

We would very much like to revive the Bible Study group we started last year; however, we will need at least two (2) committed facilitators. If you are interested in facilitating a group please call Dorothy Aggrey at 301-459-4814 x205.

We can only schedule a day and time after we have committed facilitators in place.

Other Sacraments

Confessions

Anointing of the Sick

Marriage