Sacraments

Parents who want baptism for a child under the age of 7 are asked to participate in a preparation (baptismal class) designed to prepare them for their child's reception of the sacrament. Parents are asked to contact the baptismal preparation coordinator to initiate the formation process, to obtain further information about the commitment that is involved when requesting baptism, and to set a date for the baptism of their child.

For infant baptism in English, please contact Deacon Michael Crowe at 240-542-8369 or deaconmike@ihmrcc.org.
For infant baptism in Spanish, please contact Deacon Juan Ortiz at 857-342-5826 or deaconjuan@ihmrcc.org.

If you are interested in baptism for a child aged 7 or older, please contact the Religious Education Office, Damaritza Ortiz at 301-863-8793 or cff@ihmrcc.org for information about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC).

For adults wishing to be baptized, please see the information under RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).

In the Archdiocese of Washington, young people receive the Sacrament of Confirmation while in 8th grade. Any youth who wishes to receive this sacrament is asked to register for classes through the Religious Education Program (Children's Faith Formation).

Candidates for the sacrament who do not attend a Catholic school are expected to participate in both the Level 7 and the Level 8 religious education programs. Candidates attending a Catholic School for 7th and 8th grade need to attend the parish Confirmation Preparation program while in 8th grade or later (this is different from the Level 8 class).

Part of our confirmation preparation process involves spiritual direction, which are  regular one-on-one meetings with trained laypeople to discuss their spiritual and human growth.

Candidates need to have been baptized and willing to follow the guidelines our parish requires.

Older youth who seek Confirmation are encouraged to make an appointment with the pastor to evaluate their current religious formation and practice and to determine the best process for further formation in the faith.

Adults seeking Confirmation (as well as those interested in becoming Catholic) should contact the relevant Director of RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).

For RCIA in English, please contact Damaritza Ortiz at 301-863-8793 or rcia@ihmrcc.org.
For RCIA in Spanish, please contact Damaritza Ortiz at 301-863-8793 or rica@ihmrcc.org.

At Immaculate Heart of Mary the Sacrament of Penance (Confession) is available every Saturday from 2:30 - 3:45 pm and Thursdays after the 5:30 pm Mass. There are also opportunities for confessions on the first Fridays of the month after the 9 am and 5:30 pm Masses and the first Saturdays after the 9 am Mass.

Confessions are also available by appointment. Please contact the parish office at 301-863-8144 to set up an appointment.

Children preparing for the Sacrament of First Communion need to participate in religious education through the parish’s Religious Education program or by attending a Catholic school. Reception of First Communion usually takes place in the second grade. However, preparation for the sacrament begins with participation in a religious education program one year prior to the sacramental year. In other words, two years of religious education are required for a child to receive this sacrament. Please contact the Religious Education office at 301-863-8793 or cff@ihmrcc.org if you have a child who wishes to receive First Communnion.

Adults seeking First Communion (as well as those interested in becoming Catholic) should contact the relevant Director of RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).

For RCIA in English, please contact Damaritza Ortiz at 301-863-8793 or rica@ihmrcc.org.
For RCIA in Spanish, please contact Damaritza Ortiz at 301-863-8793 or rica@ihmrcc.org.

Catholic couples are encouraged to participate in the sacramental life of the Church so that they are continually enriched by the graces which flow from the sacraments. The bond between husband and wife is immeasurably strengthened by a life of shared faith in the heart of the Church. Once you have made the decision to marry in the Church, please contact the parish office at 301-863-8144. Arrangements must be made at least 6 months in advance of the ceremony. Couples prepare for the sacrament through initial preparation with the coordinator, meetings with the pastor, and completing a marriage preparation option accepted by the Archdiocese of Washington.

Some men are called to be priest and deacons. If you think that you may be called to the priesthood or diaconate, pray about it! Then call the office 301-863-8144 to set up an appointment to talk to the pastor.

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is for the spiritual comfort, strength and healing of the ill. Please notify the church office at 301-863-8144 when you or another parishioner would like to receive this Sacrament. Be sure to let them know the name of the person wanting to receive, a phone number where he/she can be reached, and where the sacrament is to be received. The Sacrament can be performed in the church, at the sick person's home, at the hospital, or any other appropriate place.