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Welcome to St. Mark Religious Education

Inquiry & OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)

  • INQUIRY: For anyone curious about the Catholic Church
Adults who are interested in becoming Catholic, completing their sacraments, or learning more about the Church are invited to attend Inquiry. The sessions are an introduction to what it means to be Catholic, an opportunity to ask questions, and a chance to explore the possibility of joining the Church.

You can attend any session you are interested in without committing to the whole series. Inquiry meets on Mondays from 8:00-9:15pm in the Faith Formation Office.

Upcoming Topics:

  • Jan 5: How do we know God exists?
  • Jan 12: What is our place in God’s plan?
  • Jan 26: Was Jesus really God?
  • Feb 2: Do we need a Church?
  • Feb 9: How to read the Bible
  • Feb 23: How do I pray?


Email Tiffany Lambert (tlambert@stmark.org) or use this link to set up an initial meeting to get started: https://calendly.com/tlambert-stmark/30min

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a gradual process which allows adults who have either not been raised in any formal faith or are from other faith traditions, as well as those who have been baptized Catholic who have never been Confirmed or received Eucharist, to seek and encounter a deeper relationship with Jesus within the Catholic Church.

Through participation in OCIA each person receives formation on how to live as a disciple of Jesus through a Catholic way of life within a specific faith community. The process includes exploring the Bible as well as Church teachings and traditions, participating in the prayer, rituals, and liturgies of the Catholic Church, forming relationships within the community, and developing an ever-deepening personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Each person expresses a willingness and desire to become Catholic differently. Your journey may take you to the initial inquiry stage or all the way through the formal stages involved in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, including reception of the Sacraments and integration in the life of the community. To begin your journey, contact the DRE, Tiffany Lambert, at tlambert@stmark.org.

Thank you for building that relationship of trust with someone who has expressed an interest in wanting to know more about Catholicism or becoming Catholic! Simply put them in touch with the DRE, Tiffany Lambert, at tlambert@stmark.org.

Each person’s journey is unique. Therefore, reception of the Sacraments is determined on an individual basis beginning with an informal meeting with the Director of Religious Education (DRE). This initial meeting allows the DRE to get to know you by listening to your story to assess your needs. You will be able to ask questions too! To begin sharing your story, contact the DRE, Tiffany Lambert, at tlambert@stmark.org.

The Office of Religious Education will be happy to assist you in reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. In your initial conversation with the Director of Religious Education, Tiffany Lambert, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and have your concerns addressed.

Children's Faith Formation

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR IS NOW OPEN.

Please read on for more information and see the Online Enrollment section at the bottom when you are ready to begin.

Please note:

  • A minimum of one adult volunteer catechist and five students must be met in order for a given in-person class to proceed. Our Religious Education program cannot happen without volunteers. Please review the options for volunteers here.
  • You may choose to have all your children attend the same section (be it morning or evening), or you may split them. The pricing structure will remain the same regardless.
  • In-person classes are highly preferred, especially for Grades 1-2 and 7-8, as students in these grades are preparing for a Sacrament.
  • Sunday morning in-person classes from 9:20-10:45am (note earlier start time) – 21 classes (reduced from 24)

Must be potty trained and have completed at least one year of school.

  • Sunday morning in-person classes from 9:20-10:45am (note earlier start time) – 21 classes (reduced from 24)

    OR

  • Sunday evening in-person classes from 6:00-7:30pm – 21 classes (reduced from 24)
  • Sunday morning in-person classes from 9:20-10:45am (note earlier start time) – 21 classes (reduced from 24)

    OR

  • Sunday evening in-person classes from 6:00-7:30pm – 21 classes (reduced from 24)

    OR

  • A self-paced online curriculum using the “My Catholic Faith Delivered” program

With some assistance from parents, a child will work through the lessons using an online platform. The RE Office will set benchmarks and follow your child’s progress. This is not the preferred option for children in Grades 1-2 and 7-8 who are preparing for a Sacrament. If your child is in one of these Sacrament preparation grades and cannot do in-person classes at the times offered, please contact the Director of Religious Education, Tiffany Lambert, at tlambert@stmark.org to discuss options.

  • Sunday evening in-person classes from 6:00-7:30pm – 21 classes (reduced from 24)
  • Sunday afternoon in-person classes to prepare for High School Confirmation – 1-2 classes per month over the course of one school year

If you seek to have your high schooler confirmed, please contact Chris Roy at croy@stmark.org.

  • Sunday evening in-person classes from 6:00-7:30pm – 12 classes + snow date: September 21, October 5, November 9, November 16, December 7, December 14, January 11, January 25, February 8, February 22, March 8, March 15, April 12

Special Religious Development (SPRED) is a program designed to support and serve children with developmental disabilities. Generally, if students learn in a mainstream setting with some modifications in school, they can be enrolled in our traditional RE program. However, if they learn in an accommodated setting, they may be better suited to a new program called SPRED, which is fully endorsed and supported by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Children beyond 5th grade will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For questions about the SPRED program, please contact Ellen Woods at elw335@gmail.com.

Registration Information

The early registration rates for registered parishioners are as follows:

  • One child $135
  • Two children $215
  • Three children $275
  • Four+ children $350

For those not registered as St. Mark parishioners, the fee is $300 per child; $450 for two or more children.

The late fee is $100 per family (starting August 18).

Additionally, there are administrative fees for those receiving the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation. These cover workshop material fees, retreats, robe rental, etc.

  • First Penance/First Eucharist $35
  • Confirmation $270

Be sure to read our Policies and Procedures document here and print it for your reference. You will be asked to acknowledge reading this during the registration process and must abide by these policies during the course of the school year.

The Catholic Church’s foundational expectations for practicing Catholics are as follows:

  1. Attend Sunday Mass and rest from servile labor on Sunday and holy days of obligation.
  2. Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) at least once a year.
  3. Receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist at least once during the Easter Season.
  4. Observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.
  5. Help to provide for the needs of the Church.

Attending the 11am Mass will be a convenient option for families with children attending Sunday morning RE classes, and Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered at this Mass on days when RE classes take place.

Visit the online enrollment page here and pay by credit card. If you have questions about registration, fees, or your parish registration status, or if you need to pay by check, please contact Sarah Lundquist at slundquist@stmark.org or 703-938-1948 x2. Contact the Director of Religious Education, Tiffany Lambert, with any other questions or concerns at tlambert@stmark.org.

For inquiries and questions call 703-938-1948.

Tiffany Lambert, Director of Religious Education: tlambert@stmark.org

Chris Roy, Faith Formation Associate: croy@stmark.org

Sarah Lundquist, Office Administrator: slundquist@stmark.org

Adult Faith Formation

Adult Faith Formation Opportunities – join either a short-term or long-term group!

Alpha

Alpha is a gathering of folks in a small group setting, who are simply looking for Community and for ways to grow in their faith in Jesus Christ. Sessions are available both in person and online.

Contact Karen Asta, karenjasta@gmail.com, for information on the next Alpha session.

Meet at members’ homes or by Zoom most days of the week. Some are short-term groups formed for Advent and Lent. For more information contact Julie Scott at juliescott2010@gmail.com.

Introduction to the Theology of the Body

The St. Mark RE Office is offering “Introduction to the Theology of the Body” starting Tuesday, January 20 or Wednesday, January 21. This 8-week study for adults is based on St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body.” In it, he describes a beautiful Catholic view on the role our bodies and relationships play in God’s plan for us and our salvation.

 

The study will be held online via Zoom (choose from a Tuesday session or Wednesday session) from 7:30-9:00pm. Each week participants view a 30-minute video presentation by Christopher West on their own and then meet in the Zoom session to discuss what was presented.

 

The Group Order cost is $27 for the printed workbook and online materials (including videos). To be included in this discount group pricing, you must be registered by no later than Sunday, January 4. To register please contact Mark Morneau by Sunday, January 4 at mark.morneau@gmail.com or cell phone: 703-620-5101.

Meets the 2nd Thursday of the month, September through June, at 7:30 pm via Zoom. Contact Mark Morneau at Mark.Morneau@gmail.com or 703-620-5101 for more information.

Meets every Wednesday for prayer, teaching, small group discussion and fellowship from 7:00-8:00 am via Zoom. Please contact Bill Dalgetty at bdalgetty@cox.net for more information.

The Cursillo is an opportunity to examine and celebrate yourself, your relationship with Christ and your relationship with the Christian community. Please go to the Cursillo website to get up-to-date information about Cursillo dates. After the Cursillo weekend you meet with other Cursillistas for a weekly reunion. There are also all-community gatherings periodically throughout the year.

  • FORMED Catholic Media Streaming: Formed has Catholic movies, video series, books, audiobooks and more for both children and adults. This subscription service is provided by the parish at no cost to you.
    • Visit formed.org/signup
    • Enter our parish zip or name
    • Enter your name and email
    • Enjoy and share with others!
  • There are also very good online classes from Boston College called “Crossroads” which are inexpensive and excellent. Upcoming courses include: online book clubs, Spirituality and Prayer, Sacred Scripture, The Moral Life, and Themes from Our Christian Tradition. To register click here.

For more information contact Tiffany Lambert in the RE Office at tlambert@stmark.org. Let us know if you have other ideas!

Adult Confirmation

Are you an adult Baptized Catholic over the age of 18 who desires to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation or Eucharist? The Office of Religious Education will be happy to assist you. In your initial conversation with the Director of Religious Education (DRE), Tiffany Lambert, you will have the opportunity to express your questions and have your concerns addressed. Contact Tiffany at tlambert@stmark.org.

Each person’s faith journey is unique. Therefore, reception of the Sacraments is determined on an individual basis beginning with an informal meeting with the DRE. This initial meeting allows the DRE to get to know you by listening to your story to assess your needs. To begin, contact Tiffany at tlambert@stmark.org.

Confirmation of Baptized Catholics takes place at the Cathedral of Thomas More each year on Pentecost Sunday.

You will need a sponsor to journey with you toward reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist. Your sponsor will not only accompany you along the way but plays an integral part in the ceremony itself.

There is a close association between Baptism and Confirmation. Therefore, the Church encourages if at all possible that one’s Baptismal godparent also be one’s sponsor. The relationship between a godparent and their godchild, which began at Baptism, develops over the lifetimes of the godchild, which witnesses to a committed relationship with Jesus lived through prayer, sacramental participation, and service toward their neighbor.

If for some reason you want a different person other than your godparent to be your sponsor, the Church states that a Confirmation sponsor must meet the requirements below:

  • At least 16 years of age and sufficiently mature
  • Cannot be the parent of the one seeking Confirmation
  • Have received Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
  • If married, their marriage is recognized by the Church
  • Participate in the life of their parish community through frequent reception of the sacraments
  • Live a life of moral commitment in loving service to others

Being a Sponsor or Godparent provides a more in-depth historical context of the explanation of these requirements.

The community of St. Mark has many faithful Catholics who would be more than happy to accompany you. The DRE will be able to match you with a sponsor.

If you have youth in High School and desire to have your child Confirmed, please contact Tiffany Lambert at tlambert@stmark.org.

Calendar of Classes

RE Calendar for Traditional RE Classes

Resources

Catechist Resources