Sacraments

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Faith Formation Director:
Alex Hernández, 703-979-5580, ahernandez@olqpva.org
(Please contact in all instances unless otherwise noted.)

Baptism Preparation
Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation. Parents seeking the sacrament begin by contacting the coordinator, Mrs. Lopez Oetgen, to initiate the process (offered in both English and Spanish). Once parents review the requirements, choose date options for both preparation class and the baptism ceremony, they then contact the coordinator for scheduling. Preparation class, offered in both English and Spanish, is a lesson in the blessings and ritual elements of the sacrament. Attendance is required.
Contact: Cecilia Lopez Oetgen, 703-979-5580, clopez@olqpva.org

First Communion
Our First Communion program has been developed to facilitate and support our parents as "first and best teachers of the faith", enabling them to prepare their children at home for the sacrament of First Holy Communion. This program is part of our family-based model of religious education. Each family receives family friendly textbooks, clearly defined and detailed learning objectives, and actual teaching guides to help prepare their child. The material includes vocabulary, prayers, home activities and even time management charts to keep on schedule. Children also attend a series of eight, on campus Saturday Workshops, to review, reinforce, and evaluate student understanding. The First Communion program begins in October and concludes with the celebration of the sacrament in May. First Reconciliation is celebrated in November.

Confirmation
The Confirmation program of Our Lady Queen of Peace is a one year course of study, with student registration taking place in October, and concluding with the celebration of the sacrament the following fall. The program is open to any student in grade 7, 12 years of age or older. Students meet every other week during the school year, and commit to on and off campus events, service opportunities and workshops over the summer months. Our program is an authentic experience of discipleship, as young men and woman discern a decision to follow Jesus. 

Marriage Preparation
Congratulations! Please contact Fr. Tim, Fr. Martin, or Deacon Tony at least six months before wedding date to complete requirements. To help you get ready for this sacrament, OLQP offers Water into Wine, a marriage preparation program that is given for engaged couples three weekends per year. The program consists of talks and workshops presented over a day and a half by a team of married couples on such topics as Children, Daily Living, Life Challenges, and more. In addition, meals and snacks are provided during the weekends by a team of hospitality couples. Engaged couples are typically referred to this program by the priest who is preparing them for the sacrament of marriage. Additional information, program dates, and registration form are available in the Water into Wine brochure, which will be given to you by the clergy person who is preparing you for marriage.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a process for welcoming new members into the Roman Catholic Church. The RCIA is a community journey leading to a transformation of mind and spirit as well as a personal journey in which participants reflect on their relationship with God. Guided by the Gospel and encouraged by the welcome of church members (opportunities exist for serving as a sponsor or Companion on the Journey), newcomers find their place in the community of believers. Meetings are held once per week beginning in September, and the RCIA process continues through the celebration of the sacraments of initiation during the Easter Vigil Mass or at Pentecost for some confirmation candidates. 
Contact: Alice and Kevin Curtin - 703-461-3082, acurtin947@aol.com
RCIA en español – Contact: Cecilia Lopez Oetgen, clopez@olqpva.org, 703-979-5580

Reconciliation
Reconciliation is offered each week on Saturdays from 4:45-5:15 pm, and by appointment. As part of the Diocese’s Lenten initiative, “The Light is on for You,” we are making a commitment to pray in a special way for family members, friends, colleagues and neighbors who are alienated from the Church or who are inactive in the practice of their faith. Join us during Lent in praying at the church on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm to ask that the grace of reconciliation can bring lasting peace to our hearts,  homes and communities. During Lent, on alternating Wednesdays, OLQP offers a Reconciliation Service or Sung Stations of the Cross. During Advent, a Reconciliation Service is offered on the Monday following the Second Sunday of Advent.