Sacramental Preparation

FIRST RECONCILIATION AND FIRST COMMUNION

Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion consists of a two-year program.  Participation in Religious Education classes in first and second grades is required.  Children receive the Sacraments in the spring of their second grade year.  The program also requires family participation in Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation, parent attendance at scheduled meetings, participation in a Parish Out-Reach event at St. Mary’s, and a log of Good-Deeds performed at home.  More information will be available at the first parents’ meeting.  Contact Aida Willis if you have questions.

CONFIRMATION

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation consists of a two-year program, usually beginning in 7^thgrade, with the following requirements: weekly attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, no more than three unexcused class absences per year, performance of 20 Christian service hours in the two year period, all of them at the Church, completion of an interview during the second year, attendance at an overnight retreat during the second year, submission of a written letter to the Pastor, as well as a written saint report.  Students are asked to spend two hours in Eucharistic Adoration and to demonstrate a sound knowledge and the embracing of the teachings of the Church by passing two exams, one each year. Family participation in four First Friday Family Nights allows the whole family to come alongside their young person and accompany them on their journey of faith. The program is designed to help the students develop a more intimate relationship with Christ and to help them understand the unique and continual mission to which they are called in His Church.  “Catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community” (CCC 1309).  Please contact Erin Johnson, 703-978-4141, ext. 108, for more information.

An RCIC class for students in grades 7-12 who have not yet received Baptism, First Penance, First Communion and/or Confirmation who want to enter the Church is also offered. Contact us for more information.

LATE SACRAMENTS AND BECOMING CATHOLIC

RCIC (The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) is available for children who are third grade or older and have not made their First Penance, received their First Communion, or been Baptized and for children who would like to be received into the Catholic Church. Please contact Aida Willis.

An RCIC class for students in grades 7 – 12 who have not yet received Baptism, First Penance, First Communion, and/or Confirmation who want to enter the Church is also offered.

RCIA 2023-2024 RCIA Classes Starting this Fall. Our RCIA Inquiry classes will begin on September 13, 2023, and will continue weekly on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 – 9:00 pm in Farrell Hall at the Parish Center.

 The St. Mary of Sorrows RCIA Team is ready to warmly welcome any & all who may be interested in exploring & learning about the Catholic Faith. We will assist & guide all inquirers on their journey to a deeper faith & hopefully coming into full communion in the Catholic Church at the 2024 Easter Vigil.

For more information, to register as an interested inquirer, or to assist an interested individual, please contact any one of the following:  

Fr. Barkett at 703-978-4141 Ext 103
RCIA Team Administrator, Ann Hartmann, at amhartmann74@gmail.com.
Deacon Dave Maurer at deacondave@stmaryofsorrows.org.

RCIA Registration forms are available in the Narthex (foyer) of St. Mary of Sorrows Church & at the Parish Center. Completed forms may be left with the office staff at the front window in the Parish Center.

An RCIA team member will promptly contact anyone with an interest.