Religious Education

Faith formation is a responsibility shared by the entire parish community and the support of many volunteers makes our Religious Education program a success. The list below describes some of the many ways to serve.

If you would like to help support faith formation for children from Kindergarten through Grade 8, contact  Susan Anderson, Director of Religious Education, at 301-258-9193. All parish volunteers who work with children are expected to comply with the Child Protection Policy of the Archdiocese of Washington. Our staff will guide you to ensure compliance. 

Catechists are people of faith who respond to a call to teach the faith and lead others to a deeper relationship with Christ. Catechists give witness to the faith by their word and example of their lives. Their faith is expressed in a commitment to prayer and Sunday worship, and a willingness to continue their own formation in the faith. Catechists are expected to participate in the catechist certification classes offered through the Archdiocese of Washington. 

Classroom Aides are adults or teens who work cooperatively with catechists to plan and lead sessions. Aides are encouraged to participate in the catechist certification classes offered through the archdiocese. 

Art catechists are adults and teens who work with the Director of Religious Education and catechists to plan and lead art projects for Kindergarten through Grade 5 religious education classes following the schedule prepared at the beginning of the year. 

Other Ways to Volunteer: 

• Gathering Team (musicians, prayer leader, etc.) - plan and lead 15-minute gatherings for Elementary Religious Education sessions. 
• Religious Education Service Team - work with the Director of Religious Education to plan and implement service projects for the Religious Education program. 
• Confirmation Team catechists  - lead monthly Confirmation preparation sessions.
• Special Needs Catechesis - help with catechetical sessions for children and youth with special needs.
• Children's Initiation - help lead family sessions to prepare children and youth for Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) in an adapted Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). 
• Vacation Bible Camp-serve as an adult or teen leader for this week-long program offered in late June.
• Help with receptions for sacramental celebrations, volunteer for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Preparation Days and provide administrative support for special projects. 

Youth Ministry is responsible for providing the youth of the parish, who are in grades six through twelve, and young adults with retreats, renewals, min-renewals, social events, athletic programs, liturgies, prayer experiences, service projects and parent-youth programs. This Ministry gives overall direction to the youth ministry programs of the parish, assists in recruiting and continuing the development of youth ministers, and assists in the planning and evaluation of youth ministry programs.

Adult Faith Formation is responsible for promoting activities, opportunities, and environments in the parish community that provide for spiritual enrichment and growth. This Ministry functions specifically to enable spiritual renewals and vocations awareness. The Chair of the Ministry coordinates closely with all other Ministries, particularly the Liturgical Ministry and Parish Liturgist, to ensure the congruency between the liturgical focus and the efforts in Spiritual Growth.
Contact: Tony Bosnick,  301-840-1407