The Archdiocese of Washington has a long and faith-filled history of passing on Christ’s Gospel from generation to generation through Catholic education, which has brought hope to tens of thousands of lives. Our Catholic schools and parish religious education programs instill Catholic values that will stay with our young people throughout their entire lives.
Nearly 100 Catholic schools across the archdiocese bring Christ’s love, alongside an academically excellent education, to thousands of young people every day. Students learn to respect others, develop a sense of community, and carry out the mission of care and service, just as Jesus did.
Catholic ministry at nine colleges and universities located within the archdiocese helps higher education students in nurture their faith through liturgies, service and social justice projects, sacramental preparation and prayer, among many other activities.
Religious education programs in parishes and schools are a central aspect of the Church’s responsibility to teach the faith. In 2010, nearly 30,000 young people received religious education from almost 4,000 parish catechists.
Ongoing faith formation is an essential component of membership in the Church, supporting adults in their search to become more faith filled disciples and full participants in the life of the Church. More than 46,000 adults received religious formation in the archdiocese in 2010.
Sacraments are celebrations of our faith life. Preparation programs for sacraments in parishes across the archdiocese are designed to help people focus on the meaning of the sacrament and their readiness for celebration.
The Office of Missions of the Archdiocese of Washington carries out the activities of the Pontifical Mission Societies and assists Catholics at home in deepening their baptismal commitment in fulfilling their missionary responsibility.