Parishioners of OLPH are actively involved in many forms of ministry.

Below is a brief description of each of the ministries available. If you are interested in participating in any of these ministries and would like more information, please contact the individuals noted below or call the rectory for further assistance.

Altar Guild – This group of parishioners takes care of cleaning the Church, laundering the linens and beautifying the Church with flowers and other adornment.   Included in this ministry is the Decorating Committee which has the responsibility of decorating OLPH for Christmas and Easter. If interested in participating in this important ministry, contact Crissy Reid at 410-465-5450 or by e-mail at Crissy.reid@comcast.net. For information about the Decorating Committee, contact Barb Smith at 410-799-8511 or by e-mail at smithjac@comcast.net.

Altar Servers – All girls and boys in the fourth grade and older are invited to serve at the altar in this ministry.  New servers are trained in October of each year. If interested, call the rectory at 410-747-4334.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) - This important ministry provides ministers of the Eucharist at the weekend Masses.  You must be 16 years of age and have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.  For more information, contact the rectory at 410-747-4334.

Greeters – This group of parishioners welcome those joining in celebration. For more information, contact Tim Trask at 410-461-1582 or tgtrask@comcast.net.

Liturgy Committee - The Liturgy Committee seeks to express in liturgy the life and ministry of our community.  Our responsibilities include planning, implementing and evaluating our parish’s public worship.  The committee meets monthly in the Church.  For information, contact Donna Weaver at 410-696-2026 or weavhoopben@verizon.net.

Ministers of the Word (Lectors) - A rewarding way to participate in our Sunday worship is to proclaim God’s Word as a lector.  Contact Donna Weaver at 410-696.2026 or weavhoopben@verizon.net.

Music Ministry - Music ministers include choir members, cantors, organists and instrumentalists, as well as the children’s choir, the youth ensemble and the contemporary choir.  For information, contact our parish music director, Dana La Rosa at the parish office at 410-747-4334 or dlarosa@archbalt.org.

Ushers – This group of parishioners attend to the safety and comfort of the congregation. If interested in participating in this ministry, contact Jim Higgins at 410-461-8133 or jrheagle@aol.com.

Facilities Committee – The Parish Facilities Committee consists of two sub-committees which are the Grounds Committee and the Maintenance Committee.

Grounds Committee - The Grounds Committee is responsible for arranging for the cutting of the lawn areas, trimming of shrubs, brush removal and planting of flowers on the parish grounds. This work is accomplished through the use of a mowing contract with a landscaping company and by the use of volunteers for other activities such as Spring and Fall campus cleanups. The chair of the Committee is Susanne Steele who welcomes all volunteers. She can be contacted at 410-730-3521 or by email at srsteele@comcast.net.

Maintenance Committee – The Maintenance Committee serves the needs of the Parish by helping to maintain, renovate and beautify our Parish campus. While specific God-given talents are needed, service from the heart is the common thread which binds us together. From pulling weeds to changing filters; from painting railings to rebuilding decks; from cleaning windows to organizing closets, we could use your talents! For those of you who are searching for your talents, let this committee help you find them! Contact either Tom Gregorini at tom@gregorinicontracting.com.

Finance Committee – The Parish Finance Committee, an advisory body required by Canon Law, is made up of at least three members of the parish selected by the Pastor. The members are selected because of their expertise in general business management, banking, insurance and/or law. 

Their responsibilities include oversight of the parish accounting system and the development of the annual budget which is submitted to the Pastoral Council and then to the Pastor for his review and approval. For more information, contact Chuck Steele at srsteele@comcast.net.

Money Counters – This group of parishioners count the weekly offertory collections. An individual serves on a team that counts on a specific Sunday of the month. For more information, contact Art Minadeo at 410-730-2670 or minadeo@verizon.net.

Parish Office Volunteers/Assistance--This group assists the parish office with various office tasks, as needed.  Please contact Parish Secretary, Melissa Stevens at 410-747-4334. 

Parish Roundtable--The Parish Roundtable allows our parish groups to communicate effectively with one another, the parish office, and parishioners by coordinating calendars, facilities usage and keeping track of parish events.  For more information, contact Art Minadeo at 410-730-2670. 

Pastoral Council - The primary purpose of the Council is to accept responsibility, as a collaborative and consultative body, with the pastor for the life and mission of the Church in the parish. Areas that are addressed are education, evangelization, finance, liturgy, maintenance, pastoral care, outreach planning. For information contact Chuck Steele at srsteele@comcast.net.

Web Ministry – The Web Ministry focuses on providing effective and efficient communication about parish and school life to the OLPH community. The parish’s website receives over 20,000 visits per year and provides a unique doorway to connect people of all ages with the activities of our parish. For more information, contact Bill Glover at 410-750-7761 or williamglover@verizon.net.

Catholic Daughters – This organization of women in the parish meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm in the John Neumann Room. The group is active in many charitable projects. All women 18 years and over are invited. For more information, call Jackie Crizer at 410-465-0758 or Jack.crizer@verizon.net.

Dinner Tree - The Dinner Tree parish volunteers prepare and deliver meals to families who, because of illness or other crisis situations, would welcome this assistance. If you are able to participate in this ministry, or if you know of individuals or families in need of this service, please call Sr. Lorraine McGraw at 410-747-4334 (ext. 314) or lmcgraw@archbalt.org.

Gabriel Network - The Gabriel Network (formerly the Gabriel Project) is a rapidly expanding network of Christian churches advertising and offering immediate and practical help to mothers facing crisis pregnancies. Linked with pregnancy centers through a state-wide crisis hotline, more than 200 volunteers provide hands-on assistance rooted in love with both mother and child. For more information, contact Sue Smith at 410-750-7577 or by e-mail at suzi58@comcast.net.

Haiti Ministry - OLPH is very fortunate to have a parish partnership with Our Lady of the Nativity in Verettes, Haiti.  Thanks to our generous parishioners, we have been able to sponsor a feeding program for the 1,600 children who attend the six schools at our sister parish.  The feeding program helps these Haitian families on so many levels.  Many of the children walk up to two hours to get to school and, prior to our breakfast initiative, they would have had a difficult time learning as it was a struggle to simply stay awake with empty stomachs.  For the parents, knowing that one of their children has been fed provides a huge relief and allows them to focus on feeding the others. For more information, please call Maura McGuire at 410-796-8897.

Knights of Columbus -The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Family, Fraternal and Service Organization open to practicing Catholic gentlemen who are 18 years of age and older. The Knights of Father Joseph J. Comyns Council/9638 extend a warm invitation to all men of the parish to come join us in our work. Get involved and make a difference in your Church, your community, and your family. The first and foremost principle of our order is Charity, and we believe Charity begins at home. Please ask any Knight of the parish for more information, or call Scott O’Leary at 410-465-7604 or send an e-mail to O_learyscott@hotmail.com. 

Our Daily Bread - OLPH is committed to providing food for Our Daily Bread soup kitchen on the first Monday of each month. Parish members bake casseroles and desserts, drop them off in Harrison Hall, and deliver them downtown on the Sunday prior to the first Monday of the month. For more information, call Susie Rector at 410-379-5467 or srector@stagnesschool.net.

St. Vincent de Paul Society - St. Vincent de Paul is an International Society engaged in helping the poor, both spiritually and physically.  This group participates in many projects designed to assist and lift up our fellow man.  If you would like to join us or would like more information, call Tony Mello at 443-296-7119.

Legion of Mary – The Legion of Mary encourages spiritual growth for members through its weekly meeting and outreach work to those bound in homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living and correctional institutions. Members also serve as religious instructors for several parish programs. The Legion evangelizes within the parish and aids other parishes upon request. Mary Queen of All Angels Praesidium meets Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the OLPH Parish Office. Father McLean Cummings is the Spiritual Director. For information, contact Erika Lucas at 410-381-1466 or bcuda66@verizon.net, the parish office at 410-747-4334, or just show up at a meeting.

Bereavement Ministry - A parish support group for those who have lost a loved one. The group gathers to engage in healing, prayer, and reflection, and to work through the grieving process with others on the same journey.  For more information call Sr. Lorraine McGraw at 410-747-4334 (ext. 314) or ltmcgraw1@hotmail.com.

Bible Study Groups - The Wednesday Evening Bible Study conducts a detailed examination and reflection of the scriptures that will be read in the upcoming Sunday Liturgies. Participants embark on a journey through Scripture that reinforces and enriches their participation in the Liturgy every Sunday. Participants emerge with a greater understanding of God’s plan for salvation, the traditions of the Church, their Catholic faith as well as their knowledge of Jesus. All these act as a catalyst to a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Lord.  This study takes place every Wednesday evening from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the Parish Center.  No registration is necessary, just come and bring your Bible. Everyone is welcome, even if you are not a member of the OLPH parish.  If Wednesday evening is not a convenient time for you, there are other Bible Studies facilitated by parish members at different times during the week. Please call Mairzie Mulholland at the Office of Faith Formation--410-747-0131 or mmulholland@archbalt.org, for more details.

Catholic Book Club – The Catholic Book Club meets once every six weeks or so to discuss a book of Catholic interest presents a brief book review and moderates an open discussion. After the discussion, a new book is chosen. Watch the weekly bulletin for the next meeting or contact

Grasshoppers - This group of senior citizens meets on the first, second and fourth Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. in the Ministry Center for conversation, friendship and sharing of common interests. On the third Thursday of each month, the group meets at a local restaurant for lunch. Come join us – you are most welcome! Call Sister Lorraine McGraw at 410-747-4334 (ext. 314) or ltmcgraw1@hotmail.com.

Health Ministry - The Health Ministry is largely comprised of parish health care professionals who carry out the mission of the church by promoting wellness through education and service. The group makes this commitment to express its gratitude to the church for the holistic, loving approach taught to us by Jesus Christ. For more information, call Lori Merl at 410-455-9440 or lmerl@comcast.net.

As of July 1, 2006, Fr. Edward Szymanski was appointed Health Care Chaplain for Howard County.  Fr. Ed will have primary responsibility for all Catholic patients at Howard County General Hospital and those who are in nursing homes or assisted living facilities in the region. Fr. Ed may be reached at 410-461-9111, x297.

The Pilgrim Virgin Statue Program – Presently, four statues of Our Lady of Fatima are circulated weekly to participating families. These visits encourage family recitation of the rosary. Instructions and informational videos accompany the statues, which are known to bring countless blessings to each home. For more information, call Mary Jo Guilioni at 410-461-9936. 

Catholic Formation Ministries– this ministry encompasses all phases and aspects of catechesis in our faith community. Faith formation is a life-long process, cradle to grave. Our task is to form, inform, and transform so that our lives model that of Christ. Additional information about any of our Catholic Formation Ministries programs can be obtained from the Office of Faith Formation or by calling 410-747-0131.

Children’s Nursery – Do you have toddlers who love to explore? Come check out our awesome nursery, located in the Kindergarten Room of the School. The nursery is open during the 9:00 and 10:30 am Masses on most Sundays during the school year. The nursery follows the same schedule as the Pre-K Program. Children are nurtured and entertained by our high school students, who are STAND certified. Judy Gruel, Director of Religious Education, supervises the operation of the nursery. Take advantage of this opportunity to relax and pray during Mass.  The nursery is free and available on a drop-in basis. 

Pre-K and Sunday Kindergarten Religious Education Program– This program is held during the 9:00 and 10:30 am Masses, except on holiday weekends and the second Sunday of each month, when a Children’s Liturgy is planned. Children ages 3, 4 and 5 have fun learning about God and developing their own spirituality at their cognitive levels. Class size is limited to 10 children with 2 adults. Registration forms are available in the vestibule of the Church or at the Ministry Center. We also welcome parents, seniors, and teens to volunteer with us. Contact Judy Gruel at 410-747-0131 for more information. 

Elementary Religious Education - Kindergarten to 5^th grade students who attend Howard County Public Schools or other non-Catholic, private schools, are strongly encouraged to participate in our Elementary Religious Formation program during the week. Classes are held on Mondays from 5:00 to 6:00 pm and from 6:30 to 7:30 pm and on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Classes are limited to 15 students, whenever possible. Volunteer teachers, aides and teen helpers are needed to operate this program. Experience is not needed and training is provided. The only necessary qualification is a love of the Catholic faith and a genuine love of children. A nursery is provided for young children of those parents who wish to teach during the Monday 5:00 – 6:00 pm session. For further information, contact Judy Gruel at 410-747-0131. 

Home Connection Program – this program is for those families whose schedule or life situation does not permit attendance at any of the above classes.   Enjoy quiet time with your child/children discussing the Word of God and important life applications of our faith, in the comfort of your home. This program is open to all families with children in grades K-8. Call the Office of Faith Formation at 410-747-0131 for more details or pick up a brochure in the vestibule of the church.

OLPH School - Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Ellicott City, Maryland, is a Catholic Elementary School of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and as such presents a Catholic Christian value-based curriculum, in accordance with Baltimore Archdiocesan guidelines. We are accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and are an integral component of the educational mission of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. OLPH promotes a positive learning environment with an emphasis on mastery of basic skills to assure competence in the fundamentals of each academic discipline. Our goal is to prepare our students to become active members of the global community in which they live. For more information, call OLPH School at 410-744-4251.

Youth Ministry - OLPH has a comprehensive ministry to, with, by, and for youth in sixth through twelfth grades. Youth Ministry includes catechetical programs such as Middle School IMPACT, High School Enrichment, and High School Faith Sharing. Community-building events, service opportunities, and worship experiences are held throughout the year. 

Middle School IMPACT - The Middle School IMPACT program is designed for public school, home school and private school students in sixth through eighth grades. IMPACT is a holistic faith formation program which combines scriptural and doctrinal religious education, prayer experiences, service, and community building activities.

High School Religious Education – This is a collection of faith formation programs for all youth ninth through twelfth grades, consisting of various mini-series, hot topic nights, and retreats during the school year. 

Revelations High School Youth Group – this social activity is open to all high school students from public and private schools. Join us on the second and fourth Sundays of every month from 6:30 to 8:30 pm to play crazy games, meet new friends, share fun snacks, and explore ways to open your life to God! A different theme is planned for each meeting and is presented by youth and for youth. All are welcome, including friends from other parishes. 

Youth Mass – A Youth Mass is held on the fourth Sunday of every month at 9:00 am. Youth are invited to minister at the Mass as Altar Servers, Readers, Gift Bearers, Greeters and choir members. Contact Kristen Fisher or Erin White at 410-747-0131 to sign up.

Marriage Preparation - Marriage is the sacrament of a Christian commitment to a life together according to gospel values. Couples planning marriage must contact the Pastor or Deacon at least six months prior to the wedding. Participation in Pre-Cana Classes, Sponsor Couple Program or Engaged Encounter is required.  Contact the parish office at 410-747-4334, at least six months prior to marriage date. 

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) - The RCIA is a formation process for unbaptized adults seeking baptism and full initiation into the Catholic Church; and for adults baptized in another Christian faith tradition seeking full communion with the Catholic Church; and baptized Catholic adults who were never catechized in their faith. For information contact Sr. Lorraine McGraw at 410-747-4334 (ext. 314) or ltmcgraw1@hotmail.com.

T.O.R.C.H. (Traditions of Roman Catholic Homes) - OLPH Chapter - A support group for Catholic home schooling families. The group provides opportunities for children to participate in monthly Masses, field trips, sports, Writing Club, service projects, Book Club, Field Day, and park days.  For information or to answer your questions about home schooling, contact Jennifer Schuberth at 410-750-7964 or praisegod8@verizon.net.

Vacation Bible School– This is a week long summer program for children in grades 5 and under. There are many volunteer opportunities for youth and adults. For more information, contact Lara Biagiotti at 410-418-5791.

Boy Scouts – Tony Kosiba, 410-465-3881
Cub Scouts – Mike Harrison, 410-579-8374

Angel Athletics – A winter basketball program for parish children in grades 2 through 8. For more information, contact Conrad Katulski at 410-796-1509.