Involvement in the Sacramental Life of the Church is a primary component of being Catholic. These wonderful gifts help us grow closer to one another and to our God. We are blessed as Catholics to have them be part of our tradition.

It is our expectation that each individual and/or family desiring to enter into one or more of these processes is already a practicing member of OLV and wishes to deepen that relationship, growing in Faith and their connection to OLV.

Baptism | Confirmation | First Eucharist |
First Reconciliation | Reconciliation | Marriage |
Anointing of the Sick

Baptism: The Sacrament of Baptism joyfully celebrates the entrance of new members into the Christian community.

To have a child baptized at OLV, the family must be registered in the parish or living within our boundaries and willing to register. Both parents must attend a baptism preparation class. These sessions are held monthly and you must pre-register for the class. After attending the session, the baptism may be scheduled.

All of our baptisms are private ceremonies, meaning that only one child is initiated at a time. We celebrate baptisms either at a Sunday liturgy or at 2:00 PM on Sunday afternoons.

Contact 410-242-9533 for more information.

Confirmation: For young people, the Sacrament of Confirmation fully initiates them into the life of the Church and requires a commitment from themselves as well as their parents. Here at OLV, once a person is approaching eighth grade, they may come forward for the sacrament.

An initial interview is held with the youngster and a parent. There are catechetical sessions (classes) required for the candidate, parent meetings and a Candidate-Sponsor session as well.

This process begins in the spring of one year and culminates with the celebration of Confirmation the next spring. OLV works together with Saint Clement’s Parish in this process.

Contact 410-242-9533 for more information.

Adults seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation should call 410-242-9533 to discuss the best way to enter into an appropriate process for adults. YOU WILL NOT BE INVOLVED IN THE SAME PROCESS AS FOR YOUTH.

First Eucharist: First Eucharist marks an important milestone in a child’s life: their first opportunity to receive the Body and Blood of Christ.

Typically this sacrament is received at second grade level or beyond. A year of advance preparation in a Catholic school or religious education program is required. Then, the following year, a process of preparation for children and their families is offered.

It is a free-standing program, separate from OLV School or GIFT sessions. Entrance into the process is based on the readiness and desire of the child and family. Typically this process begins in the winter and concludes with celebrations at Sunday masses during the Easter Season (spring). OLV works together with Saint Clement’s Parish in this process.

Contact 410-242-9533 for more information.

First Reconciliation: First Reconciliation marks an important milestone in the development of a child’s moral life: an awakening within them of the understanding of sin and its effects on their relationship with other people and with God.

Typically this sacrament is received at second grade level or beyond. A year of advance preparation in a Catholic school or religious education program is required. Then, the following year, a process of preparation for children and their families is offered.

It is a free-standing program, separate from OLV School or GIFT sessions. Entrance into the process is based on the readiness and desire of the child and family. Typically this process begins in the fall and concludes with a celebration during Advent. OLV works together with Saint Clement’s Parish in this process.

Contact 410-242-9533 for more information.

Reconciliation: Adults who regularly celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation are led to an awareness of both personal and communal sin, the effects of our behavior on others, as well as how our sinfulness impacts our relationship with God.

Confessions are heard on Saturday from 3:00 pm until 3:45 pm and by appointment.

Marriage: The celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony is a joyous occasion, as two people commit themselves to living a life of love together. The Church bears witness to their love and promises to support them in good times and in bad.

To properly prepare to be married here at OLV, you should contact the pastor at least six months in advance. It is crucial that this be the first contact that is made, even before the reception is planned.

In order to be married here at OLV, the bride must be a registered member or living within our boundaries and willing to register. All engaged couples are expected to attend a marriage preparation program. If you are a bride from OLV and planning on being married at another Catholic parish, you must seek permission from our pastor first before approaching the other church. (This is Canon Law, the law of our Church.)

Contact 410-242-0131 for information.

Anointing of the Sick: This sacrament is given to the serious or chronically ill to give them strength in mind and spirit. This sacrament can be received at home or in the hospital and on multiple occasions.

Contact 410-242-0131 for information.