Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church
Washington, DC
Josephite Fathers and Brothers

Office of Religious Education and Faith Formation
Director:  Cynthia Battle
(202) 678-1516

Religious Education at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) is continuous process of Faith Formation.  It is a ministry that is made up of many dedicated parishioners who volunteer their time and talents in the call to continuous conversion.  It includes Liturgy, Doctrine, Scripture, Prayer and Service.  The process consists of five components:  Adult Faith Formation, Children’s Catechumenate, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Sacramental Preparation and Sunday School.

Vision

 Through Religious Education and Faith Formation a person will develop a more personal commitment and relationship with God through the Scripture, Sacred Tradition, Worship, Service and Community.

Mission

The Religious Education and Faith Formation of all people is the paramount mission of OLPH.  As catechists, our mission is to promote the faith and teach the word of God in our parish and community.  We strive to help everyone explore the Catholic faith; develop morally correct attitudes towards God, self and others as they grow in religious understanding and practice.

     This process is available to all adult members of the parish to support them in their desire to growth in the faith through the following: Adult Confirmation Process, Faith Discussion, Bible Studies, Summer Bible Study Quizzes

Children’s Catechumenate (Age 7 and above)

     The form of the Rite of Christian Initiation intended for children not baptized as infants who have attained the use of reason and are of catechetical age.  They seek Christian initiation either at the direction of their parents or guardians or, with parental permission, on their own initiative. (RCIA Paragraph 252)

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

     The rite of Christian initiation is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter into the way faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts.  By God’s help they will be strengthen spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments more fruitfully. (RCIA Paragraph 1)

     Adults interested in Baptism and those who desire full communion with the Catholic are interviewed by the Pastor where they complete all required information forms.  The pertinent information is forwarded to the RCIA Coordinator who invites those interested to begin the Inquiry stage of the process.

     Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) of adults normally occurs at the Ester Vigil.

Sacramental Preparation

 A person’s readiness for the celebration of the sacraments will be judged using the Archdiocesan Guidelines, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and the Code of Canon Law.

 Baptism – Preparation for Baptism begins only after parents have met with the pastor or his associate where all pertinent information is obtained and the baptismal process is explained. Parents and godparents of the child are required to attend baptismal preparation sessions prior to the baptism of their child. 

     First Reconciliation – Preparation for children to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) for the first time is normally given when the child reaches the age of seven or is in the 2^nd grade. The first celebration of this sacrament precedes the first reception of Eucharist.

     Confirmation – Preparation for youth who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation is completed over a two-year period beginning in the 7^th grade.  Confirmation is normally celebrated when the student is in the 8^th grade during the weekend of Pentecost.

     Matrimony – Preparation for couples to celebrate the sacrament of Matrimony begins only after contacting the pastor or his associate at least six months prior to setting a wedding date to complete all information forms with the priest. The Sacrament of Matrimony is scheduled after the completion of the marriage preparation program and celebrated on date agreed upon by the couple and the priest

Sunday School

     Sunday School is in session from October through June for grades Pre K through Confirmation.

     Registration for Sunday School is as follows:

       Early Registration – 1^st Sunday in August through 2^nd Sunday in September

       Late Registration – 3^rd Sunday in September through 3^rd Sunday in November

       Registration Fee is used to defray the cost of materials.  Fees are adjusted based on the
 number children in one family.

Click here for the current CCD Registration form

       All children are registered in Sunday School regardless of the ability to pay.

     Placement – Children are placed in catechetical sessions in accordance with their prior instruction, age or grade level.  Special sessions are held for children of catechetical age who have had no prior instruction.

     Parental Involvement – Parents, as the primary teachers, are requested to participate fully in the religious
 instruction of their children.  They are invited to “sit in” on sessions, help chaperone activities and join the team.

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Pastoral Staff