RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It is a program the American Bishops composed to help people learn about the teachings, spirituality, and culture of the Catholic faith with the idea of looking into possibly joining the Church, though at no time is pressure placed on anyone.This program is also a good way for adult Catholics who want to learn more about the Catholic Church to continue growing in the faith. Classes meet Wednesday evenings from 7:30 pm -9:00 pm in the Church Community Room, from the third week of September until the Tuesday before Memorial Day. The teachings of the Catholic Church will be unfolded in a sequential manner by a variety of presenters, with questions and discussion every week. If one is interested in joining the Church there will be three "Gateways" of coming into the Catholic Church with full initiation taking place at the Easter Vigil Mass. The full program and calendar will be explained the third Tuesday of September at the "Come and See" evening with the Pastor and the RCIA team. If you are interested, please call the Rectory at 301-942-2333.
Enter, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the Lord who made us. Psalm 95:6.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is a devotion based on our belief that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. It serves as an extension of the adoration which occurs at Mass when the priest says “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb." Adoration deepens our faith and helps us to establish and maintain our relationship with the Lord. Adoration takes place in the main church 5-days a week, Monday through Friday. Exposition is at 4:00 pm; reposition, 8:30 pm. Please contact Barbara Smothers, (301) 897-8066, bsmothers4@me.com, for more information.
Are you interested in learning more about your faith and connecting with other women in the parish? In the Holy Redeemer Women’s Group, you will meet women of all ages and stages of life. We gather weekly in small groups to study scripture, to share and pray together; and to encourage each other through the joys and challenges of our lives. We offer multiple programs, different days/times and venues – some in person, some on Zoom. When conditions allow, we offer child care for the morning sessions held in the church. Information on upcoming programs is shared in late summer. We usually kickoff our program with a social event in September where you will hear more about the programs being offered. We also host special events throughout the year. All women are welcome – the Lord meets each of us where we are!
Update on 2021/2022 Program – we are offering the following courses and it’s never too late to join (in person courses are in the lower level of the church):
Mondays, 7 pm – The Better Part (Gospel study) – in person; Reclaiming Friendship (new Walking with Purpose course) – in person & zoom; 60 Days to Becoming a Missionary Disciple (Fr. Bartunek’s book) – in person & zoom
Mondays, 7:30 pm – 60 Days to Becoming a Missionary Disciple – zoom
Tuesdays, 9:30 am – The Better Part (Gospel Study) & Reclaiming Friendship – in person
Saturdays, 7:00 am – Reclaiming Friendship – in person
For additional information, contact Julie Liotta-jervin.liotta@gmail.com, or Janie Worch - janieworch@verizon.net
“…Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
The Holy Redeemer Men's Ministry brings together like minded men, who are seeking to be a better person, husband, and father while living their Catholic faith fully. The group meets on Saturday mornings from 7:00 am to 8 am in the school auditorium. The camaraderie this program has fostered among the men of Holy Redeemer has strengthened their faith and provided practical support as they live out their vocations as Catholic men. There is no cost for joining and guests are always welcomed. For more information, email Christopher Doerr or call him at 240-338-4381 (cell). Sign up for our email list by clicking here (http://eepurl.com/cGxZDP).
Exodus 90 is Back! Are you Ready?
Our HR Men's Group will be starting Exodus 90 on Monday January 17, 2022.
"Exodus 90" is a 90 day spiritual exercise for men. The program is based on 3 pillars: prayer, asceticism, and fraternity which are all important aspects of the Christian life. Men who join the program will commit and strive to take on the following spiritual exercises: Make a daily holy hour; Read each day's scripture and reflection; Take short, cold showers; Practice regular intense exercise; Get a full night's sleep (7 or more hours); Abstain from alcohol; Abstain from desserts and sweets; Abstain from eating between meals; Abstain from soda or sweet drinks (white milk, black coffee, and black tea are permissible); Abstain from television, movies, or televised sports; Abstain from video games; Abstain from non-essential material purchases; Only listen to music that lifts the soul to God; Only use the computer for work, school, or essential tasks; Only use mobile devices for essential communication (cut out non-essential texting and internet use); Take Wednesdays and Fridays as days of fasting; Attend weekly fraternity meetings (one hour in length); Check in with an Anchor (friend doing the program) daily.
Our Fraternity meets weekly on Wednesday mornings from 5:30-6:30 AM in the Church basement with the option to come early at 5:10 AM for the recitation of the Holy Rosary. A weekly evening meeting will also be available throughout the program from 8-9 PM in the Church basement on Thursdays starting January 20, 2022. Men will also have the opportunity to attend Adoration before the evening fraternity meetings. Adoration is also offered on Saturday mornings from 6:00-7:00 AM for all parishioners and family members to attend as well.
To sign up for the HR Men's Group and regular newsletters about our programs go to the following link:
http://eepurl.com/hJEj9P
The link to sign up for the Exodus 90 App that we use for our HR Exodus Fraternity is below:
https://app.exodus90.com/j/JZUJRW8
Men can also attend the fraternity meetings virtually at the following link:
https://usuhs.zoom.us/j/93722217462
If there are any further questions, you can contact Rob Liotta (Mobile: 240-350-4678; Email robert.liotta@usuhs.edu).