Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The RCIA is an opportunity to journey into our Catholic faith, as well as prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. This journey is marked by four distinct periods:
Inquiry – It is a time to ask questions about the ultimate meaning of life and about the Catholic Church.
Catechumenate – One is welcomed to a deeper discovery and understanding of the teachings and doctrines of the Church. This is the period of preparation for reception into the full life of the Church. This is usually a period of six to nine months prior to Lent when the catechumens prepare to receive Baptism, Confirmation and Communion. For those who already baptized Christians, the second period is the time of Candidacy.
Election – This is the time when the Catechumens are called to a personal and interior commitment. They have made a long journey and are called to declare their readiness and desire to enter into full union with the Church. Those unbaptized are no longer Catechumens but are called the Elect.
Mystagogia – The final period is one of deepening in the faith. They have experienced the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Communion and Confirmation. They are neophytes or the newly enlightened.
RCIA is open to those who have never been baptized (Catechumens) and those who were baptized in a non-Catholic Church (Candidates for Full Communion). RCIA is also an opportunity for adult Catholics who would like to re-acquaint themselves with what we believe as Catholic Christians.
Sessions are held on Monday evenings from 6:15-7:15 PM from September to May. Interested individuals can contact the rectory at 301-249-2266. If you need child care, please indicate that as well.
Teen Faith Formation (High School)
“Jesus let me come to know you!”
Ours is a weekly lectionary based program that helps teens to understand and live the Gospel more fully. Classes are held on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays of each month from 10:40 to 11:50 AM. All materials are provided.
Children/Youth Faith Formation (preschool-8th grade)
The Religious Education and Formation of all people is the paramount mission of Holy Family Parish. As catechists of Holy Family our mission is to promote the faith, teaching the Word of God in our parish and community. We strive to help our young people to explore their Catholic faith and to develop morally correct attitudes towards God, self and others. Our goal is that everyone will grow in religious understanding and practice. Specifically, by our own example and commitment to our own formation, we will assist parents in their roles as the primary educators of their children. Our classes meet on Sundays from 10:40 to 11:50 AM. Classes are available for children in preschool through 8th grade.
The Archdiocese of Washington has information posted about the archdiocese-wide curriculum. There are also curriculum guides for parents to assist their children:
Holy Family Parish Religious Education programs for youth comply with the Archdiocese standards and incorporate materials recommended by the standard curriculum. In addition, you can view the Policies for Parish Catechesis to find out more about what the religious education teachers will be using.
Children with Special Needs or Developmental Delays – By right of baptism, all Catholics should receive the benefit of appropriate sacraments. The Archdiocese of Washington offers families and persons with special needs the opportunity to receive these sacraments through the Department of Special Needs Ministries and the Office of Religious Education.
Here in our parish, we have a program to serve special needs children and their families. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to build a relationship with God at his/her level. Our catechists work one-on-one with each child in our program. For more information, please contact Pam Rozanski.
| PROGRAM Calendar 2018-2019 | ||
| Religious Education Handbook for 2018-2019 | ||
| Religious Education Registration – For new families please call 301-249-1167 to request a form. Re-registrations are mailed each year around mid-August. Summer Packets must be completed for all re-registering children in grades 1-8. | ||
Syllabi for PREP and HSPREP (coming soon)
|
|
||||||||||||||
| Summer Packets – for grades 1- 8 (revised packets have been posted)
Students should complete the packet for the grade completed during the current program year. Please return completed packets by August 1st.
Unit Tests for grades 3- 8
|
BLOG for HOLY FAMILY CHURCH 