"The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life; they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian's life of faith. There is thus a certain resemblance between the stages of natural life and the stages of spiritual life." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1210)

Sacraments are visible signs of God's invisible presence for Catholics. The following links describe how Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church prepares children and adults to receive and celebrate the sacraments.

Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism welcomes one into the family of God and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. Participation in one baptism preparation class is required for parents with first time baptisms. This class will clarify the roles of parents, godparents, and the meaning of the various signs and symbols used within the baptismal rite. Please call Colleen White at the Parish Office at (812) 944-1184 or fill out the Baptism Information Form to schedule a baptism for a specific date. Baptisms are performed on the first Sunday of each month after the 11:00am Mass. Only one of the Godparents is required to be a baptized and confirmed Catholic.

Reconciliation

Jesus came to make the love of God known, reaching out to sinners to bring them God’s forgiveness and mercy. He brought the healing love of God to earth, not only in the miracles He worked, but also in the forgiveness He bestowed on sinners, even those who had sinned publicly and thought themselves beyond God’s mercy. 

The celebration of First Reconciliation occurs during the season of Advent for second grade students. To prepare for the sacrament our second grade school and Faith Formation children begin their classroom catechesis soon after school starts. Families are included in the child's preparation through parent meetings and evening sessions for parents and children.

First Communion

Preparation for First Eucharist (First Communion) begins in January of the second grade for our school and Faith Formation students. Besides the classroom catechesis, there are parent meetings, evening programs for parents and children, and an all day retreat for the children, which parents are encouraged to attend. First Communion is celebrated soon after Easter.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the third and final sacrament of initiation into our Catholic faith. Our Lady provides annual preparation for students in grades 9-12. Candidates must be in high school when preparation classes begin. We average approximately 20 candidates a year who begin preparation to receive the sacrament in October. Preparation includes a sponsor who is an active member of the faith and acts as a mentor to help walk the candidate through the process. The candidates meet once a week for two hours to share in a meal and hear from a guest speaker, as a witness or to learn more about a specific topic ranging from Catholic social teaching or how they can become more active in our parish. The candidates are also asked to participate in a retreat experience as well as give their time in service. These experiences are to help the candidates reflect on what they have asking in receiving the sacrament; as well as what they are being called to in a more active participation in their faith once they receive the sacrament. Once they have completed the preparation, they receive the sacrament during a special Mass with approximately 90 other candidates from surrounding parishes.

Marriage

Preparation for the sacrament of marriage must begin at least six months prior to the proposed wedding date. Engaged couples will work with Fr. Joe and a married sponsor couple and also attend a marriage preparation retreat. Please contact Colleen White at (812)944-1184 to schedule.

Holy Orders

Our Lady encourages vocations to Holy Orders. This includes priesthood and the diaconate. Please contact Fr. Mike Keucher, Archdiocese of Indianapolis Vocation Director at mkeucher@archindy.org.

Anointing of the Sick

Anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual strength for someone who is chronically or critically ill or has an upcoming surgery. To schedule a time to be anointed, please contact the parish office at (812)944-1184. For a sacramental emergency, please call (502)536-8544.