St. Dominic Church

Very calm and peaceful place and is a quiet getaway from the noise and busyness in D.C.

Been trying to get assistance from them for about a week or so explaining that I’ve falling behind because family situation came up beyond control ! I have explained that I have had difficulty in receiving assistance but I never get an answer from them ! I done contacted 4 different places and never get an answer back from none of them ! Causing major doubt in dc programs and who will really help who ! Programs make you feel doubt lost and more

I've driven by for years, I had a chance to enter. Very reverent and peaceful. Inspiring architecture.

I've been to this parish a couple times -- once to the 5:00 p.m. Saturday vigil Mass and once to the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass. The parish is located about a 4-minute walk from L'Enfant Plaza Metro station, which is convenient if you're coming by public transportation. If you're car dependent, then getting to the parish could be more challenging. Like many older churches in DC, there is no parking lot so you have to find a metered spot on the street or park in a public garage. The parish is gorgeous on the inside! Even though the building is older, the interior looks spotlessly clean and well-maintained. Sadly, the Masses were a bit disappointing. I am a former Episcopalian and the Mass felt very much like a Rite II Episcopal service rather than a solemn, orthodox Dominican liturgy. During the 10:30 a.m. Mass, a female altar server played a deacon-like role -- including incensing the altar, which is not allowed for lay people according to the GIRM. There were three priests present at that Mass so there was no reason the altar server needed to do the censing. Also, laypeople brought up the gifts, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion held chalices at side stations, Latin and Marian hymns were absent, and a lay MC made announcements throughout the Mass. Overall, it seemed like the liturgy was watered down rather than highlighting the awe-inspiring sacredness that Catholic worship can offer. If you are looking for a Mass that is solemn, traditional, and distinctly Dominican in style, this parish may not be what you expect. I would recommend going to the Priory of the Dominican House of Studies in DC instead. On the other hand, if you are open to an English-language, highly participatory liturgy with a welcoming community, you may find it enjoyable.

Magnificent little spot to check out if you have some time. Clearly get your eyes above this earthly plane, that is pretty magnificent architecture in history to boot.