St. John's OCIA strives to educate the mind and heart through authentic instruction and lived experience. Find out more about on our OCIA page HERE.
If you have any questions about becoming a Catholic, contact one of the parish priests or call the parish office at 301-681-7663.
“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. The parish welcomes families into the St. John’s community with a preparation class prior to the Sacrament of Baptism of their child. For more information and to schedule a baptism, contact the Rectory office at 301-681-7663.
"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. Information on preparation for Adults or children can be had by contacting the parish office at 301-681-7663.
"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. For preparation for the Sacrament for Adults or children, please contact the parish office at 301-681-7663
"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 John’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 parish office at least six months in advance, 301-681-7663.