Sacraments
Christian activity finds its nourishment in the liturgy and the celebration of the sacraments.
 "Catechism of the Catholic Church", 2047

Visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops webpage for more information on the Sacraments.  Click here

Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism joyfully celebrates the entrance of new members into our Catholic Christian Community. Parents who wish to have their infant baptized are required to meet with clergy and staff and may be required to take a baptismal preparation class. If a child did not receive baptism as an infant, information may be provided on our Christian Initiation of Children Program. Adults wishing to be baptized will be provided information on our Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Program. Please download our Baptism Forms Click here, complete and email to Rev. Mark Cusick at [email protected] or drop off at the Parish Office.

CIC (Christian Initiation of Children) Program
This program is for children 8 years and older, whether baptized or un-baptized to become members of the Catholic Church. Through CIC classes children will develop a relationship with God and learn their identity as Children of God as they prepare to receive the Sacraments they have missed since Baptism or to join the Catholic Church through Baptism. Contact Matt Curley at or [email protected].

OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) Program
Adults interested in joining the Catholic Church or wanting to learn more about the Catholic Faith are invited to participate in a faith-sharing process designed to acquaint them with our Catholic tradition, introduce them to our community, and help them discern the Lord's call in their lives. Contact Matt Curley at 301-253-2027 or [email protected].

Reconciliation
Reconciliation is available in the church every Saturday at 3:30 PM, during Lent on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, or call the Rectory at 301-253-2027 for an appointment with the pastor. For a guide to Reconciliation Click here.

Eucharist
We are a Eucharistic community, and as such we encourage full and active participation at Sunday Liturgy, where we remember the death and resurrection of Christ with thankfulness and hope. Please notify the Rectory at 301-253-2027 or [email protected] when a member of the Parish is sick, homebound, or in the hospital; is unable to attend Church; and wishes to receive Holy Communion.

First Reconciliation / First Eucharist
Children grade two and above who have not yet received the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are invited to register for these sacramental preparation programs. This sacramental preparation requires parent participation. Some meetings will be for parents alone and others will be for parents and their sons and daughters together. Registration in a religious education program (Classroom, Atrium, Home Study, or Catholic School) is required for all children in this sacramental preparation. Contact Matt Curley at 301-253-2027 or [email protected]. 

Confirmation
There are two primary effects from the sacrament of Confirmation: strengthening of one's bond with the Church, and reception of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Youth grades eight and above who have not yet been confirmed are invited to register for preparation. Confirmation preparation at Saint Paul is a two year instructional program. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "The reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace" (no. 1285). Contact Matt Curley at 301-253-2027 or [email protected]. 

Marriage
In the sacrament of marriage, a man and a woman pledge their love and commitment to one another in the presence of God and the Church. It is a policy of the Archdiocese of Washington that requests for weddings must be made at least six months prior to the date of the ceremony. It is a policy of Saint Paul Parish that most couples have "pre-cana" formation prior to the wedding. Because of this, we suggest couples contact the parish a year in advance. Please download our Wedding Inquiry Form Click here, complete and email to Rev. Mark Cusick at [email protected] or drop off at the Parish Office.

Anointing of the Sick
The anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness or near the time of death. In emergency situations notify the Rectory at 301-253-2027, follow the prompts and leave a message if after office hours. For non-emergency situations, such as prior to surgery, chronic or long-term illness, make an appointment with the pastor or make a request on Sunday after Mass.

Holy Orders/Religious Vocations 
Those interested in knowing more about vocations are encouraged to contact our Pastor or one of our Deacons. The Office of Priest Vocations in the Archdiocese of Washington promotes awareness of and assists men discerning priestly vocations, screens applicants for diocesan seminary formation, and oversees formation and evaluation of seminarians for the Archdiocese of Washington. For more information contact the ADW, Director of Vocations by email to [email protected]. Visit adw.org/vocations/ and www.dcpriest.org or speak with our Pastor or a Deacon after Mass.



Funerals
Though not a sacrament, funeral preparations can be made by calling the Rectory at 301-253-2027. Christians celebrate the funeral rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which has now been returned to God, the author of life and the hope of the just.