Holy Redeemer focuses on the spiritual and developmental needs of our children and provides the appropriate resources and programs to ensure our children are versed in and receive the Sacraments, are taught the spiritual and moral tenets of our faith, and have the opportunity to gather with their peers in learning skills that will assist them to grow as integral members of our society.
Altar server positions are open to all parishioners beginning in 6th grade. Servers assist the priest during Mass by holding the Sacramentary, carrying the cross and candles when needed, and helping at the preparation of the Gifts and Consecration. Training for altar serving takes place once a year, typically in March. Children with special needs are welcome to participate in this ministry. For more information please contact Mrs. Caren Garayta at Caren Garayta cmgarayta10@gmail.com
The Parish CCD Program is available for Kindergarten through 8th grade. This is an excellent program for our parish children who are not receiving religious instruction and preparation for reception of the sacraments in a Catholic school environment. It is important that new parishioners whose children are not in a Catholic school contact Mrs. Marylou McDonald, Director of Religious Education to ensure their children are registered in the CCD program. Marylou can be reached at mmcdonald@hrs-ken.org or 301-946-9484.
All parish employees, volunteers and coaches who deal with children in the many activities of the parish are required to be VIRTUS certified before any work with children can begin. The VIRTUS Program was created by the National Catholic Risk Retention group to identify best practices programs to help prevent wrongdoings and promote "right doing" within religious organizations. There is a mandatory process that involves creating a VIRTUS account and registering for Protecting God's Children, submitting a Volunteer Application in person along with two forms of government identification (one with photo), receiving a Pre-Authorization for LiveScan Fingerprinting upon submission of Volunteer Applicaton. To schedule an appointment or receive more information, please contact Ann Enkiri, our parish coordinator for Child Safety Compliance, at a.enkiri@hrs-ken.org.
The goal of Children's Liturgy is to lead young church members into the ways of listening carefully to Christ's message and giving Him the adoration He is due. Volunteers help the children to experience the Word of God during the 9:30 Mass. Two groups are formed, younger children who are in Kindergarten through 2nd grades, and the older group, 3rd through 5th grades. Those interested should contact the Rectory at 301-942-2333 . New volunteers are always welcome.