Sacraments & Rites
We are honored to journey in faith with you and your family through the grace of the Church's sacraments. The reception of the sacraments presumes that parents and/or individuals live out their Faith:
Baptism: The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated at 9:15 AM on Sundays after the 8:00 AM Mass. (Please be advised that there may be more than one family celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism on a given Sunday.) Baptisms are scheduled through the office coordinator during regular office hours. Baptisms are not celebrated during the seasons of Advent and Lent. Canon Law requires parents to attend a Baptismal Preparation Session facilitated by a married couple in our parish. If you would like to have your infant or child baptized at MPH, please fill out the Baptism Registration Form and return it to the parish office. We can then discuss dates, baptismal preparation class, and answer any questions you may have.
First Reconciliation: First Reconciliation is celebrated in second grade. Sacramental preparation is a cooperative effort between parents and religious classes offered at St. John Neuman Catholic School or Mother of Perpetual Help's PSR (Parish School of Religion) program. MPH's Director of Religious Education will be in contact with second grade parents with more information about the Sacrament as the date draws near. Parents, please make sure the parish office has the best email address and phone number on file for your family.
First Holy Communion and Confirmation: One of the fruits of our Fourth Diocesan Synod of 2017 is the adoption of the "Restored Order of Sacraments". Elementary age children will now receive Confirmation and First Holy Communion at the same time within the same liturgical celebration in third grade. This shift in custom was promulgated by Official Decree of Bishop Thomas John Paprocki on July 2, 2018. As with First Reconciliation, sacramental prep is a cooperative effort between parents and religion classes offered at St. John Neuman Catholic School or Mother of Perpetual Help's PSR (Parish School of Religion) program. These sacraments will be received at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, Illinois with the Bishop.
MPH's Director of Religious Education will be in contact with third grade parents with more information about the Sacraments as the date draws near. Parents, please make sure we have the best email address and phone number on file for your family.
Holy Matrimony: Please complete and return the Marriage Document to the parish office at least ONE YEAR before you would like to be married. The choice of a date and time are made in conjunction with the pastor only. Due to the regularly scheduled Sacrament of Reconciliation and Saturday Vigil Mass, the latest a wedding may begin is 1:00 PM. There will be several preparation sessions before the sacrament is celebrated. Our parish policy and guidelines as well as diocesan requirements will be discussed during your first meeting with the pastor.
Anointing of the Sick: Parishioners who are seriously or critically ill or having surgery should contact the parish office for the Sacrament.
Funerals: The funeral home you are working with will contact the pastor directly to coordinate the time and date of the funeral services. The funeral planner will help prepare the funeral liturgy for your loved one. The parish office must receive the funeral planner two days prior to the funeral. At the request of the family, a bereavement luncheon may be provided by the Altar Society in our parish center.