RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Sacramental Information

First Penance, First Eucharist, and Confirmation for grades K-8
Contact Janet Harmon (301-863-8793)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) assists Catholics and others who wish to learn more about the Catholic faith.
Contact Father Andrew Morkunas (301-863-8144)

Parents wishing to have their children baptized must be practicing Catholics and registered members of the parish. A Baptismal Preparation Class for parents and godparents is held on the second Saturday of the month BY APPOINTMENT.
Contact Ed & Gail Stapanon (301-863-0426) 

Hispanic Baptismal Preparation classes are offered every third Monday evening of the month BY APPOINTMENT.  Contact Father Dave Wells (301-863-8149)

Engaged couples wishing to be married must contact Father Andrew Morkunas at least six-months prior to their proposed wedding date.

Hispanic Marriage Preparation is provided by Father Dave Wells  Please contact him at least six months prior to the wedding (301-863-8149).

English Marriage Preparation classes are offered at various times throughout the year.
Contact Ed & Anne Steiner (301-994-1323)

Adult Education Programs

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults: 
Contact Grace Miedzinski (301-863-8619)

Children's Religious Instruction

Penance (Reconciliation) is the Sacrament of God’s loving mercy by which all the sins, which we commit after Baptism, can be forgiven us if we are truly sorry for them. Holy Eucharist is the Sacrament of the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ.  In order for a child to receive First Penance (confession), and First Eucharist (communion) he/she must be in the Religious Education Program for two consecutive years.  (Children who transfer from another program are given credit for that program).  Children must attend Mass regularly (weekly).  Children in grades 3 through 7 who have not received First Penance and First Eucharist can be part of a special sacramental preparation program.  Please contact Janet Harmon at 301-863-8793 or janet@ihmrcc.org.

Confirmation:  Confirmation is the Sacrament that gives us the special gift of the Holy Spirit to strengthen our Baptismal commitments and help us to live a good, holy Christian life.  Preparation for this sacrament is two consecutive years.

Admission Policies

New Students transferring from another parish’s Religious Education Program or Catholic school must supply the following information when registering:
·      A copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate
·      Dates and places of all sacraments received
·      A letter of prior Religious education or Catholic school completion (report card, or letter from prior parish)   
All students must re-register each year. After August 15^th, there will be a late charge for returning students.  Please note: All families who register in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Religious Education Program must be registered members of this parish community.