Catholic Information Center

This is just for the store; I haven’t been to any of their events or to Mass in their chapel.
I went in looking for little kids’ books; my 14-​mo old daughter loves for me to read to her and I’d like her to have a book about going to church, or just something to introduce her to our faith in an age-​appropriate way. The kids’ section is kind of a disaster, there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to why anything is where it is. There are a fair number of books for older kids, and first communion items, but it could be a little nicer. I ended up finding a book on Jesus that was ok. It’s still a little wordy for her at this point, so she’s not super-​interested, but I didn’t find anything else age-​appropriate, and no one offered assistance. Kind of annoying that I’ll just have to give Jeff Bezos some more money.
While I was there, I also wanted to see about a new rosary since mine seem to disappear, and I tried asking the shop assistant pretty basic questions about the rosaries in the case, such as, is that genuine [gemstone], is that sterling silver, and I just gave up because I was obviously causing him to be flustered and he didn’t know (and it appeared that they were simulated stones on closer inspection anyhow). Then I asked him who supplied their icons (because there’s a local icon writer that I’d heard about and I was wondering if it was his work), and that was just stupid of me.
Anyhow, in terms of layout, tidiness, and helpfulness, I think the Pauline store down in Old Town is better, though neither is really the Catholic store I’d like it to be.

A welcome Oasis in the desolation that is federal government deathstar. Great resources on the Catholic Faith, good camaraderie, but most of all Mass, confession, and Eucharistic Adoration. Semper Fi, Patrick McLain

I’m surprised no one has reviewed this place yet. For those not in the know, the Catholic Information Center is a small-​ish bookstore/​other located on 15^th and K Street NW, by the park.
It’s no ordinary bookstore. There are two conference rooms on one side, confessionals on the other and a chapel in the back center of the store. They hold daily mass and are prone to hosting other events like the ever-​educational St. Thomas More lecture series.
It’s got a bit of seating scatter around the bookstore itself, perfect for curling up for a read during one’s lunch break. As you might expect, CIC only really caters to the Catholic demographic (catholic-​centric books, rosaries, etc) but if that’s what you go for then it’s the perfect place to be.
The staff are friendly too! Go check this place out, you’ll be glad you did.