About Saint John the Evangelist · Clinton, Maryland
Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church is a bilingual (English and Spanish) Roman Catholic parish in Clinton, Maryland, serving the Prince George's County community since its canonical establishment in 1875. The parish belongs to the Archdiocese of Washington and is led by Father Daniel P. Leary as pastor, with a permanent deacon, religious sisters, and parish staff supporting a robust sacramental and faith-formation life. The community gathers for Mass seven days a week in both English and Spanish, runs a parish school (opened 1961), and offers Adoration, Confession, religious education, youth ministry, and ongoing outreach.
- Established
- 1875
- Patron
- St. John the Evangelist
- Rector
- Father Daniel P. Leary
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Washington
Why belong here
St. John the Evangelist welcomes families and individuals into a bilingual Catholic community where daily and Sunday Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are regular rhythms of parish life. The parish supports the spiritual growth of children and teens through its parish school (founded 1961), a K-8 Faith Formation program, sacramental preparation for First Communion and Confirmation, and youth ministry, all rooted in helping parishioners encounter Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and in everyday life.
Mass times at Saint John the Evangelist
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Thursday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- After daily Mass (per parish notes)
Adoration times
- Thursdays 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, with 8:00 PM Spanish Mass to follow)
Our Story & Heritage
St. John the Evangelist was canonically established in 1875 in what was then a rural farming community in southern Prince George's County. From its founding, parishioners dreamed of building a Catholic school and a convent to house teaching sisters. That vision took nearly a century to be fulfilled, but in September 1961 the parish school opened its doors, and Archbishop O'Boyle formally dedicated the new buildings on November 16, 1961. The parish has grown into a bilingual community that continues to honor its 19th-century roots while serving a diverse, modern congregation.
- Established 1875
- Parish school opened September 7, 1961
- Formal school dedication: November 16, 1961, by Archbishop O'Boyle
- First graduating class honored June 4, 1966
- Originally staffed by Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Scranton, PA)
Parish Leadership
The parish is shepherded by Father Daniel P. Leary as Pastor (Párroco), supported by a weekend priest, a permanent deacon, and a religious sister who directs faith formation. A Parish Pastoral Council (Consejo Pastoral Parroquial) provides lay leadership in collaboration with the clergy and staff.
- Pastor: Father Daniel P. Leary
- Weekend Priest: Rev. Charles Ukwe
- Permanent Deacon: Rev. Mr. Darryl A. Kelley
- Director of Religious Education: Sister Leilani G. Dumaliang, MCST
- School Principal: Mrs. Sarah Bento
- Secretary: Mrs. Elsa Gomez
- Bookkeeper: Mrs. Renita McNack
Parish School
St. John the Evangelist School is a parish elementary school serving students through eighth grade, founded on the long-held dream of the original parishioners. Its mission is to be a respectful Catholic environment that forms 'citizen-disciples of Jesus Christ' through religious formation, academic achievement, and social development. Today the school is rooted in faith and offers programs in STEM, Robotics, service outreach, and the arts.
- Opened September 7, 1961 (Grades 1–4)
- Expanded one grade per year through Grade 8
- First graduation: June 4, 1966
- Principal: Mrs. Sarah Bento
- Programs include STEM, Robotics, arts, and service outreach
Faith Formation & Religious Education
The parish runs a K-8 Faith Formation program that meets on both Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings from September through May. Using the 'Family of Faith' model for Grades 1-6, the program partners parents in the catechetical mission of the parish and prepares students for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation.
- K-8 Faith Formation, September–May
- Wednesday sessions: 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM
- Sunday sessions: 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
- Family of Faith resources (Grades 1-6)
- Sacrament-specific preparation in addition to religion class
- 8th-grade Confirmation: retreat plus 15 hours of community service
Sacramental Preparation
Children preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation receive sacrament-specific preparation in addition to ongoing religion class. Parents are asked to support their children's spiritual growth by attending Sunday and Holy Day Mass together and signing a covenant to that effect.
- First Reconciliation & First Eucharist preparation
- Confirmation preparation (Grade 8)
- Required retreat for Confirmation candidates
- 15 hours of community service for Confirmation candidates
Youth & Community Life
Beyond the school and faith-formation classrooms, St. John the Evangelist fosters parish community through youth ministry events, a Parish Pastoral Council with both English and Spanish representation (Consejo Pastoral Parroquial), and ongoing communication via a weekly bulletin. The bilingual character of the parish is reflected throughout its ministries, signage, and published materials.
- Youth Ministry programs and events
- Parish Pastoral Council (English and Spanish)
- Weekly parish bulletin
- Bilingual Mass Aid
Visit & Contact
The parish is located on Old Branch Avenue in Clinton, Maryland, and is wheelchair accessible. Visitors are warmly welcomed at any Mass, and parishioners are encouraged to register with the parish office to receive ongoing communication and sacramental support.
- Address: 8908 Old Branch Avenue, Clinton, MD 20735-2527
- Phone: 301-868-1070
- Wheelchair accessible
- Website: sjeclinton.org