St. Mary's offers the sacrament of Reconciliation (also called Confession or Penance) on Saturdays from 1 to 2 pm and Wednesdays from 5 to 6 pm or by appointment. To schedule an appointment with a priest, call the rectory at 301-424-5550.
For a guide on how to go to Confession, see HERE and HERE.
Receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the First Time
People receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time after a period of education and preparation and before receiving their first Communion.
Children prepare through in our parish program, a Catholic school, or an appropriate home school program. Catholic adults who would like to receive this sacrament for the first time or adults who would like to become Catholic should contact the rectory. For more information, see First Reconciliation and First Communion.
About this Sacrament
Why we go to Confession Frequently asked Questions
"The whole power of the sacrament consists in restoring us to God's grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship...The sacrament [also] reconciles us with the Church.
"On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, Jesus showed himself to his apostles. "He breathed on them, and said to them: 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained"' (Jn 20:19-23) (Catechism of the Catholic Church)