RCIA welcomes everyone who seeks the Lord, including those who were raised in a non-Christian faith tradition, those who were raised in no faith tradition, those who have been baptized or raised in another Chrisitan faith tradition, and those raised as Catholics who have not yet received Confirmation and/or first Holy Communion.    

The main book used is the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults.

For more information, call Fr. Mark Smith at the rectory (301-229-7933) and he will be happy to answer any questions.

“Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of the forgiveness of sins: it unites us to Christ, who died and rose, and gives us the Holy Spirit.” -Catechism of the Catholic Church 985

Through Baptism, the human person is washed clean of original sin and restored to the image and likeness of God. At St. Bart's, baptisms are arranged through an appointment with a priest. Call the Parish Office at 301-229-7933, or email [email protected] for more information. 

"Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiations, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith accompanied by deeds. -Catechism of the Catholic Church 1316

The Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred on candidates from our parish in the eighth grade by a Bishop of the Archdiocese in the Spring of the year. In the fall, there is a meeting for parents of Confirmation candidates, as well as retreat for candidates.  A second meeting is held in February for parents and candidates, followed by the Confirmation Rite of Blessing at Mass.  To register click here. For more information, contact Cathy Mills, Director of Religious Education, at 301-229-3431 or [email protected] or [email protected].  Adults seeking Confirmation will be able to do so through RCIA.  

"In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist 'the body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ and , therefore the whole Christ is truly, really and substantially contained.'  This presence is called 'real' - by which is not intended to exclude other types of presence as if they could not be 'real' too, but because it is the presence in the fullest sense: that is to say, it is a substantial presence by which Christ, God and Man, makes himself wholly and entirely present."  -Catechism of the Catholic Church 1374

First Communion is received the first Sunday of May each year after a two-year preparation period.  The usual age of the first reception of the sacrament is seven-years-old.  To register click here. For more information on preparation for First Communion, contact Cathy Mills, Director of Religious Education, at 301-229-3431 or [email protected] or [email protected].

"The marriage covenant, by which a man and a woman form with each other an intimate communion of life and love, has been founded and endowed with its own special laws by the Creator.  By its very nature it is ordered to the good of the couple, as well as to the generation and education of children.  Christ the Lord raised marriage between the baptized to the dignity of a sacrament." -Catechism of the Catholic Church 1660

St Bartholomew's parish community rejoices with couples called to the vocation of Marriage and Family. Preparation includes classes and sessions with a priest. To schedule a date for your marriage, kindly call the Rectory office at least six months in advance, 301-229-7933.