About Holy Redeemer · College Park, Maryland
Holy Redeemer is a Catholic parish in College Park, Maryland, belonging to the Archdiocese of Washington. Founded in 1910 as a mission of St. Jerome's Parish in Hyattsville, it became the spiritual home of generations of families in the Berwyn Heights and College Park area. Today the parish runs an active K-8 school, a year-round School of Religion, daily Mass with extended Eucharistic Adoration, a Knights of Columbus council, scouting, and a wide array of lay-led ministries.
- Established
- 1910
- Patron
- The Most Holy Redeemer (Jesus Christ)
- Rector
- Rev. Michael E. Tietjen
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Washington
Why belong here
Holy Redeemer offers a rich liturgical life centered on the Eucharist: daily Mass, weekday Eucharistic Adoration, and regular confession make the sacraments easy to encounter. The parish is anchored by Holy Redeemer School (PK-8) and a robust School of Religion, so families can walk their children through every sacramental milestone right on campus. Add to that active scouting, a Knights of Columbus council, Pro-Life, music, altar service, and outreach — a multi-generational community that has welcomed College Park families for more than a century.
Mass times at Holy Redeemer
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Wednesday 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Saturday 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
- Most weekdays during Morning Adoration and after Morning Mass (look for the light over the confessional)
- By appointment — call the Parish Office at 301-474-3920
Adoration times
- Monday – Saturday 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM (precedes Morning Mass)
- Wednesday 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM (Men's Eucharistic Adoration)
- Wednesday 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
History of Holy Redeemer Parish
Holy Redeemer was founded in 1910 as a mission of St. Jerome's Parish in Hyattsville to serve Catholics in the College Park area. The first church on Berwyn Road was built in 1912 — that original structure still stands and is now Fealy Hall, the parish's social hall. In 1922 the mission was canonically erected as an independent parish and Fr. Leo Fealy was named its first resident pastor. Father Fealy led the parish for 36 years, founding Holy Redeemer School in 1931 (originally staffed by the Sisters of Providence) and shaping the parish's identity for generations. The current sanctuary was built in 1952. In 2012 the parish marked its centennial with a year of celebrations capped by a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Donald Wuerl on June 17.
- 1910 — founded as a mission of St. Jerome's, Hyattsville
- 1912 — first church built on Berwyn Road (now Fealy Hall)
- 1922 — canonically established as a parish; Fr. Leo Fealy becomes first resident pastor
- 1931 — Holy Redeemer School opens (staffed by the Sisters of Providence)
- 1952 — current church building constructed
- 2005 — Fr. George Wilkinson appointed Parochial Administrator; Pastor 2006
- 2012 — parish celebrates its 100th anniversary; Fr. Wilkinson retires
Clergy & Staff
Holy Redeemer is currently served by two priests. Fr. Michael Tietjen is the pastor and Fr. Vincent Vu serves as Parochial Vicar and Director of Religious Education. Lay staff includes school principal Dianne Kestler, parish secretary and Safe Environment Coordinator Marie Winterson (O.C.D.S.), Director of Music Dr. Elliott Hayes, and bookkeeper/Human Resources lead Kathie Bernitt. The parish website publishes a full directory of ministry heads so that newcomers can find the right contact for each program.
- Rev. Michael Tietjen — Pastor
- Rev. Vincent Vu — Parochial Vicar & Director of Religious Education
- Ms. Dianne Kestler — Holy Redeemer School Principal
- Mrs. Marie Winterson, O.C.D.S. — Parish Secretary & Safe Environment Coordinator
- Dr. Elliott Hayes — Director of Music
- Mrs. Kathie Bernitt — Bookkeeper & Human Resources
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Faith formation at Holy Redeemer runs through both the parish school and the Sunday School of Religion, directed by Fr. Vincent Vu. The School of Religion is a catechetical program for children in preschool (ages 3–4) through 8th grade whose families belong to the parish, whether their children attend Holy Redeemer School, public school, or another private school. Sacramental preparation for Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation is integrated into the curriculum.
- PreK (ages 3–4) through 8th grade
- Grades 1–8 meet Sundays 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Attendance at 10:00 AM Sunday Mass (or another) is an integral part of instruction
- Registration fees: $70 / $60 / $50 for first / second / third child; $10 Early Bird discount if paid by Sept 9; late fee after Aug 25
- Director: Rev. Vincent Vu; Assistant: Tim McGrath
Holy Redeemer School (PK-8)
Holy Redeemer School is the parish's Catholic elementary school, serving pre-kindergarten through 8th grade on the parish campus at 4902 Berwyn Road. The school describes itself as a PK-8 Catholic parish school rooted in Gospel values, committed to academic excellence and the power of faith. A 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio, before- and after-care, and elementary sports are available.
- Grades: PreK-8 (co-ed)
- Principal: Ms. Dianne Kestler
- Main phone: 301-474-3993
- Programs: math enrichment, science labs (grades 4-8), special education/resource, after-school clubs, NJHS, service projects, visual & performing arts
- Sports offered at elementary level
- Before- and after-care available
Parish Ministries & Organizations
A long list of lay-led ministries gives newcomers many ways to get involved at Holy Redeemer. Liturgical roles include the Altar Society, altar server training, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Service and community groups include the Knights of Columbus Council 2809, a Pro-Life group, and the Harvest Bazaar Quilters. The parish also sponsors active scouting — Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts — and a Disabilities Ministry. Music Ministry under Director of Music Dr. Elliott Hayes supports the parish's liturgical life.
- Altar Society (Wendy Pavlat)
- Altar Server Training (Carol Savard)
- Baptism Preparation (Rev. Vincent Vu)
- Disabilities Ministries (Demetria McAndrew)
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
- Knights of Columbus Council 2809 — Grand Knight SK Mike Smith
- Pro-Life Group (Katherine Hunter)
- Harvest Bazaar Quilters (Kate Deery)
- Kitchen Crew (Carole Wilkinson; John Mudd)
- Scouting: Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts
- Music Ministry / Choir (Dr. Elliott Hayes)
Facilities: Fealy Hall & Parish Campus
The parish campus centers on the 1952 church and Holy Redeemer School at 4902 Berwyn Road. Across Berwyn Road, the original 1912 church still stands and is now Fealy Hall, a recently renovated event space for parish and private events. Fealy Hall seats about 60 and includes a small kitchen with refrigerator, men's and women's restrooms, and parking lot access for drop-off and pick-up (the lot primarily serves the Rectory next door).
- Fealy Hall capacity: 60
- Recently renovated
- Small kitchen with refrigerator; men's and women's restrooms
- Parishioner event, no alcohol: $250 rental
- Non-parishioner event, no alcohol: $800 rental
- Refundable security deposit: $300
- Floor cleaning fee: $30
- Fealy Hall parking lot is for the Rectory; renters may use for drop-off and pick-up only
Plan a Visit
Mass-goers will find a busy but welcoming parish campus. The church and school share the address 4902 Berwyn Road, College Park, MD 20740. The parish office can be reached at 301-474-3920 or [email protected]. The Archdiocese of Washington notes that the church is wheelchair accessible. To arrange a baptism, marriage, anointing of the sick, or to enroll children in the School of Religion, contact the parish office during regular hours.
- Address: 4902 Berwyn Road, College Park, MD 20740
- Phone: 301-474-3920
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://parish.holy-redeemer.org/
- Wheelchair accessible (per Archdiocese of Washington listing)
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Leo Fealy1922–c.1958
First resident pastor; led the parish for 36 years. Holy Redeemer School (1931) was founded on his watch. The original 1912 church was later renamed Fealy Hall in his honor.
- Rev. George A. Wilkinson Jr.2005–2012
Appointed Parochial Administrator in 2005 and Pastor in 2006. Served during the parish's 2012 centennial. Retired July 6, 2012; died April 16, 2023.
- Rev. Michael E. Tietjen
Current pastor.