Sacraments

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Confession or Penance) brings peace of mind and soul, offering the assurance of God’s forgiveness. 

When & Where

Tuesdays:  11:00-11:45 am

Wednesdays:  5:00 - 6:15 pm

Saturdays: 3:30–4:30 PM

Or by appointment with our pastor

Need a refresher on this sacrament or a nudge to return to it?  

Check out this video by Father Mike Schmitz. 

First Reconciliation

First Reconciliation is typically celebrated in the fall of 2nd grade, before First Eucharist in the spring.  Read more about Sacramental Preparation for Children at OLPH.  

The Eucharist is celebrated at all Masses, uniting us with Christ’s Body and Blood. 

• First Eucharist (First Communion): Children typically receive First Eucharist in the spring of 2nd grade, along with First Reconciliation. You can read more about Sacramental Preparation for Children at OLPH. 
• First Eucharist for Older Children: Children older than 2nd grade who have not received First Communion can receive preparation with our Coordinator of Religious Education, Barbara Hairfield.
• First Eucharist for Adults: Adults seeking First Eucharist can join the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) program. 
• Eucharist for the Homebound: If you are unable to attend Mass due to illness and would like an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Commuion to bring the Eucharist and offer prayers, please contact the church office. 
• Eucharistic Adoration (Holy Hour): Come spend time in quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesdays from 3:00 - 6:15 pm & from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Families welcome!  Watch our bulletin and calendar for additional opportunities for Adoration throughout the year.

Just as our bodies and minds grow, so too does our soul in the life of grace. Confirmation strengthens and completes the initiation into the Catholic faith, building on Baptism, Penance, and Holy Communion.

• Youth Confirmation: The usual age for preparation and reception of the sacrament of Confirmation in the Diocese of Richmond is when an individual is at least 15 years of age and enrolled in at least the tenth grade. Candidates for Confirmation must have previously been baptized and received the sacrament of Holy Communion. The celebration of the sacrament typically takes place in the spring.
• Confirmation Preparation for Youth: Preparation classes for Confirmation begin in the fall before the sacrament will be celebrated, and they are in addition to regular religious education classes. These sessions include opportunities for parents, sponsors, and the youth to gather and grow in understanding of this sacrament of the Church's mission. Registration for these classes typically takes place in late summer or early fall. 
• Adult Confirmation: If you are an adult seeking the sacrament of Confirmation, please contact the pastor.

Marriage (or Matrimony) is one of the most significant commitments in life, and the Catholic Church wants couples to be well-prepared for this vocation. As such, Catholics are required to receive marriage preparation in the Church for validity. So whether you are marrying a Catholic or a non-Catholic, reach out to let us help with your marriage and marriage preparation.

• Marriage Preparation: Couples desiring to enter into the sacrament of marriage should contact the pastor at least 6 months before their expected wedding date.  A priest or deacon can then assist them with preparation sessions and wedding planning.  
• Diocesan Resources for Marriage Preparation: The Diocese of Richmond provides excellent resources for couples considering Preparing for Marriange.  This site contains information about marriage enrichment, preparation, and support.

Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing, offering God’s grace, strength, and peace to those facing serious illness, injury, or the effects of aging. It brings spiritual strength and comfort, and, when spiritually beneficial, can also bring physical healing.

• Request Anointing: If you or a loved one is seriously ill or in need of Anointing of the Sick, please contact our pastor.  
• Sacramental Emergency: If you or a loved one are experiencing a sacramental emergency (danger of death), please call our emergency number: 540-384-0386.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is a vital aspect of our faith, continuing the mission Christ entrusted to His apostles. This sacrament establishes the apostolic ministry through three degrees:

• Bishops (Episcopate): Successors to the apostles, bishops shepherd the Church, teaching doctrine, governing Catholics in their jurisdiction, and sanctifying the world.
• Priests (Presbyterate): As co-workers with bishops, priests proclaim the Gospel, administer the sacraments, and guide the faithful in their spiritual journey.
• Deacons (Diaconate): Deacons serve by assisting bishops and priests in liturgical roles, charitable works, and pastoral care.

Are you discerning a call to the priesthood, diaconate, or religious life?

We encourage anyone feeling called to explore these sacred vocations to reach out to our pastor for more information and support. The Vocations Office for the Diocese of Richmond offers guidance and support.

Diocese of Richmond Office of Vocations 

Website: https://richmondvocations.org/

Phone: (804) 359-5661

Women's Vocations

The Office of Vocations also serves as a connecting point to various communities that women can enter based on specific charisms and callings.

• Benedictine Sisters of Virginia: A monastic community located in Bristow, VA, celebrating 150 years of prayer, hospitality, and service.
• Little Sisters of the Poor: Provide compassionate and devoted care to the elderly poor.
• Poor Clares: Monastic and contemplative life in the Franciscan tradition.
• Trappistines: Contemplative sisters (Our Lady of the Angels Monastery) following the Trappist way in Crozet, VA.