Dear Pope Francis,
Why do children need to go to catechism classes?

– To know your friend Jesus better
and know his big family, the Church.

(Pope Francis, Dear Pope Francis, 39)

FOR CHILDREN 

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OF OUR YOUTH (CCD):

• Elementary school students in 1^st - 6^th grades attend Saturday sessions from 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., including a session for children who have not received their First Holy Communion and First Penance.

• On Mondays from 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., we have religious education classes for 7^th graders and Confirmation prep for 8^th graders.

• Inclement Weather Policy: It is our policy to follow the guidelines of the Prince George’s County School system. On Monday evenings: If schools are closed, have an early dismissal or after school activities are cancelled due to inclement weather, religious education classes will be cancelled that evening. If in doubt, please call the office at (301) 725-9622 and listen carefully to the message. I will do my best to leave a message on the answering machine as early as possible on Monday afternoon.

  On Saturday mornings: If Prince George’s County Public Schools cancel weekend activities, if snow has fallen the night before to a depth of 3 inches, or if we’ve had an ice storm, we will NOT have religious education classes Saturday morning. You may call the office at (301) 725.9622 and listen carefully to the message if in doubt. I will try to post a message by 7:00 a.m. on the Saturday in question. 

• Any changes due to weather will be put on the front page of the Church website as soon as possible. 

Teachers and aides (high school students and young adults are especially welcome) are needed for classes on Saturday mornings and Monday evenings, September - mid-May, and must complete Child Protection training as required by the Archdiocese of Washington. Contact: Hope Benson, Director of Religious Education – (301) 490-5116 X109 or  [email protected]

YOUTH GROUP: Youth group is open to teenagers in high school and consists of service programs, educational opportunities, and recreational activities. Contact: Hope Benson, Director of Religious Education – (301) 725-9622;  [email protected]

“Nourished by word, sacrament, and communal life, they will witness and share the Gospel in their homes, neighborhoods, places of work and centers of culture.”

(Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, 17)

FOR ADULTS

ADULT EDUCATION: Special programs are offered in Advent, Lent and other times to enrich the spiritual life of our parish. Contact: Kathy Schmitt – (301) 325-3119; [email protected]

BIBLE STUDIES: Occasional Bible studies are held throughout the year. If you are interested in participating or in leading a Bible study, contact Kathy Schmitt – (301) 325-3119;  [email protected]

CONFIRMATION FOR ADULTS: For adults who only need the sacrament of confirmation, we offer a six-week preparation course starting in January each year. Watch the bulletin for more information, or contact Kathy Schmitt – (301) 325-3119;  [email protected]

RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults: RCIA is a weekly gathering of people interested in learning about and possibly becoming Catholic. There are presentations and discussions on Catholic beliefs and teachings. RCIA also helps Catholics who have not received First Communion and/or Confirmation. RCIA meets Tuesdays from 7:00p.m. - 8:30 p.m. from September to May. Contact: Kathy Schmitt – (301) 325-3119;  [email protected]

YOUNG ADULTS: Young adults (18 to 35) are invited to participate in various gatherings throughout the year. Contact: the Pastor – (301) 490-5116 or Elveda Doe [email protected]