Adults interested in becoming Catholic are invited to enroll in the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA).

OCIA 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.

Baptize My Child

​Godparent Letter​​​

"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.

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 OCIA.  

What do I do when a family member is dying?

Parishioners are encouraged to call a parish priest first when a family member has died, even before the funeral director or cemetery manager.

The priests can offer the consolation of the Church, and guidance on the Funeral Mass and burial in the sacred grounds of a cemetery.

Visitations in the Church are welcome at St. Bartholomew. The Rectory staff can help you coordinate the Funeral readings, music, and hospitality.

Resources

End of Life Care Resources

Prayers for the Dying

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON