Bartholomew House, located at the entry to the church grounds, is part of Victory Housing, the non-profit development arm of the Archdiocese of Washington which has been deeply committed to providing quality housing and services for more than two decades. Bartholomew House opens its doors to all qualified seniors without limitation or discrimination. Staff encourages the residents to enjoy an independent lifestyle while receiving all the conveniences of home, from delicious homemade meals to housekeeping services. Thus, the residents have more time to socialize, participate in recreational activities, or just read a favorite novel. The residents also enjoy peace of mind, knowing that when supportive services are needed, the caring staff members are there to assist them. You may reach Yenny Dawson, Director, at 301-320-6151 or additional information is available at Victory Housing.

The Arimatheans are a group of caring parishioners who volunteer their time to serve Mass at a Funeral or Memorial Service of a deceased parishioner. Currently there are about six participants and training is available. Why are these volunteers called Arimatheans? According to the Gospels, Joseph of Arimathea was the man who donated his own prepared tomb for the burial of Jesus after the Crucifixion.  For more information contact Bill Ayers, 301-469-8023 or [email protected]

When someone in your family, a close friend, or a neighbor is no longer able to come to Mass, a St. Bart's volunteer is available to bring the Holy Eucharist to a parishioner's home; and priests are ready to come to hear confessions and give the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. To make the necessary arrangements, please contact the Parish Office at 301-229-7933. An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion will then schedule a convenient day and time to administer to needs of the infirm. If you have a special calling to offer pastoral care to the sick and homebound, this ministry is a way to respond. Currently, we have several Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who participate in this ministry. Please call the office at 301-229-7933.

The Gabriel Project is national network of churches, including St. Bartholomew, that assists women and families who are challenged with unexpected pregnancies. Many pregnant women feel forced into obtaining an abortion by their life circumstances or influential loved ones. Many are made to believe that parenting their children or giving them up for adoption is irresponsible.  The Gabriel Project seeks to help these women make the choice for life by providing practical, emotional, and spiritual mentoring and assistance both during and after their pregnancies.  Expectant mothers are connected with Gabriel Project volunteers in one of two ways -- occassionally, a mother will call the parish directly after she has seen the Gabriel Project sign near the entrance of the church, but most often, we the Gabriel Network receives a call from an expectant mother via their 24-hour hotline, 1800-ANGEL-OK, and passes on her information to our Gabriel Project coorinator. The coordinator asks one of our volunteers to be the mother's "Angel Friend". This volunteer mentors the expectant mother and visits her to see what she might need and to offer emotional, moral, and spiritual support.  If you would like to know more about our response at St Bart’s, contact Selma DeLeon at [email protected] or 240-372-5915.  For more information about the Angel Friend program, contact Jacqueline Johnson at 1800-ANGEL-OK or [email protected]. For more information about Gabriel Network, visit here.

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) is a national organization that allows mature adults to use their skills, talents, and life-experiencs in ways that materially benefit the poor or address issues related to poverty.  Currently, the IVC's DC/Metro MD Region partners with multiple agencies that directly serve the poor or advocate for them, such as local community agencies or programs that provide housing/shelter, meals, emergency assistance, education, job training, child care, immigrant/refugee services, health care, hospice care, counseling, and  personal support for children, families, and adults who are poor or marginalized. The IVC meets locally the 1st Thursday of the month. Several parishioners are active in the IVC at various sites in the DC metro area: Julie Panaro, Annie Hisle, and Chris Cahn. Our weekend associate, Fr. Jerry Hayes, serves IVC as a spiritual reflector.  If you are interested in learning more about the IVC, contact the IVC's Regional Director, Mike Goggin, at 202-277-4447 or [email protected]ivcusa.org.

St. Bartholomew Parish is committed to respecting human life at all its stages, from conception to natural death. The Respect for Life ministry is forming and would welcome your contribution. Please contact the rectory at 301-229-7933 if you are interested in working on this important ministry.