"Before all else, the Gospel invites us to respond to the God of love who saves us, to see God in others and to go forth from ourselves to seek the good of others."

(Pope Francis, Joy of the Gospel)

• Are you curious about what the Catholic Church teaches?

• Want to explore becoming Catholic?

• Are you an adult Catholic, but need First Communion and Confirmation?

OCIA meets on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30,  in the Parish Hall from September to May. We will answer your questions and help you discover what God’s will is for your life. Questions? Contact Hope Benson, Director of Faith Formation at 301.490.5116 X109. 

What is OCIA?

OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. OCIA is the process through which a person joins the Catholic Church or completes his or her initiation into the Catholic Church. Initiation is the proper term for receiving the sacraments of baptism, reconciliation, first communion and confirmation.

OCIA is for those who are not baptized, those who were baptized into another Christian denomination and wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, and baptized Catholics who were not instructed in the Catholic faith and/or need to receive the sacraments of eucharist, confession and/or confirmation. Call ahead, or just come to the left-side entrance of the church on Monday evenings from 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. from September to May.

The OCIA is a no-pressure, friendly, open process that will answer your questions and help you discover what God’s will is for your life. Questions? Contact Hope Benson at 301.490.5116 X109

What if I am already Catholic but need some sacraments?

If you were baptized Catholic but were not instructed in the Catholic faith and/or need to receive the sacraments of confession, eucharist or confirmation, we can help you. Contact Hope Benson at 301.490.5116 X109

In January each year, those adults who need only the sacrament of Confirmation are invited to attend a six-week preparation course. Watch the bulletin for more information or contact Hope Benson at the number listed above.