Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation into the Church, together with Baptism and Eucharist. Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which seal or "confirm" the baptized in union with Christ and equip them for active participation in the worship and apostolic life of the Church. The Sacrament of Confirmation is a personal sharing in the grace of Pentecost.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in the 8th grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Candidates must be baptized, have already received Eucharist and Reconciliation, and be enrolled in the Religious Education program at least one year prior to beginning the preparation in the 8th grade, or receive religious education in a Catholic school. Please contact our Middle School Youth Minister and Director of Confirmation, Kristen Fisher, to begin your child's preparation for this sacrament.

Adults who have not been confirmed are encouraged to speak with the pastor about taking part in adult preparation sessions to prepare them to receive this important sacrament.

Eucharist

The Eucharist is the very sacrifice of the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus which he instituted to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until his return in glory. Thus he entrusted to his Church this memorial of his death and Resurrection. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is at the heart of the Church's life.

This sacrament is normally received for the first time in the 2nd grade, following Baptism and Reconciliation. In order to receive this sacrament children must be enrolled in the Religious Education program for two years prior to beginning the preparation classes in the 2nd grade or receive religious education through a Catholic school. Please contact the Director of Religious Education, Judy Gruel, to make arrangements for your child to begin preparations for this sacrament.

Penance and Reconciliation

The sacramental celebration in which, through God's mercy and forgiveness, the sinner is reconciled with God and also with the Church, Christ's Body.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is celebrated each Saturday from 3:15-4:15pm and by appointment.

Need help preparing for reconciliation? Click here for a helpful guide!

Anointing of the Sick

The sacrament of healing administered by a priest to a baptized person who is undergoing serious surgery or begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age. The sacrament is celebrated through prayer and the anointing of the body with the oil of the sick. The proper effects of the sacrament include a special grace of healing and comfort to the Christian who is suffering the infirmities of serious illness or old age, and the forgiving of the person's sins.

Parishioners scheduled for surgery are encouraged to contact the parish office prior to hospital admission and always in cases of emergency.

Holy Orders

The Sacrament of Apostolic Ministry by which the mission entrusted by Christ to his Apostles continues to be exercised in the Church through the laying on of hands and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament has three distinct degrees or "orders": Deacon, Priest, and Bishop.

Want to learn more about the Priesthood? Want help in discerning God's call for your life? Do you think God might be calling to serve Him as a priest? Choose these links for some helpful information:

Become a Priest

Archdiocese of Baltimore Vocation Office

Do you think God might be calling you to serve as a Permanent Deacon? Click here to get more information.

Marriage

The covenant or communion of life and love established between a baptized man and woman. The sacrament of marriage is ordered by God to the well-being of the spouses and to the procreation and upbringing of children.