Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Our Lady of Perpetual Help — Parish Overview

Our Lady of Perpetual Help is a Roman Catholic parish in New Albany, Indiana, founded in 1950 and part of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. The parish serves close to 900 households from its campus at 1752 Scheller Lane. It combines a parish church, an attached Catholic school (Preschool through Grade 8) with about 375 students, a parish office (formerly the convent), and the multi-purpose Wagner Hall in the church basement.

• Founded: 1950
• Parish ID: #107 in Archdiocese of Indianapolis
• Church capacity: 775
• Number of families: ~844–900 households
• Located in Floyd County, southern Indiana

Parish History

The history of Our Lady of Perpetual Help began in 1950 with the first Mass celebrated on Christmas Eve. Beginning with 300 families, the parish expanded rapidly: a convent was built in 1953, a new church dedicated on November 19, 1967, and by the end of the 1960s the parish had grown to 850 families. Wagner Hall and the Steiner tracker-action organ both date from that 1967 church building. Over the decades the parish developed a strong school ministry with the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg, organized scout troops, expanded lay leadership in the 1980s, and in the 1990s launched enduring community outreach including the co-sponsored soup kitchens and the St. Vincent de Paul conference. The 21st century has seen the addition of ministries such as the Ministry of Consolation, the Resurrection Choir, Health Ministry, parish retreats, and capital improvements to the church sanctuary and Wagner Hall.

• First Mass: December 24, 1950
• New church dedicated: November 19, 1967
• Sisters of St. Francis (Oldenburg, IN) in school for 50 years
• First Main Event fundraiser held: 1991
• Sanctuary and vestibule remodeled in recent years

Mission Statement

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish exists to nurture a faith-filled Catholic community which inspires and empowers all people to follow Jesus Christ. The parish commits to 'keeping eyes fixed on Jesus' (Hebrews 12:2) by living the Gospel, celebrating meaningful worship, and calling one another to prayer, Christian Service, and fellowship.

Leadership & Staff

The parish is led by its pastor and supported by a deacon, pastoral associate, parish and finance staff, and school faculty. The Archdiocese directory and parish site also list a Parish Council and standing commissions/committees.

• Pastor: Rev. Douglas Marcotte
• Deacon: Jeff Powell
• Pastoral Associate: Joseph Fey
• Parish Secretary & Communication Coordinator: Colleen White
• Business Manager: Rikki McGuire
• Director of Liturgical Music: Katelyn Stumler
• Director of Youth and Childhood Ministries: Evonne Corrales
• School Principal: Pat McGuire

Sacraments

Our Lady of Perpetual Help prepares parishioners for and celebrates all the Sacraments of initiation and healing. Baptisms are scheduled through the parish office; First Reconciliation is celebrated in December of the second grade; First Holy Communion is celebrated in the Easter season of second grade; Confirmation is conferred each October on high-school-age youth following a period of formation, catechesis, and a personal retreat; Marriages require arrangements with a priest at least six months in advance; and the Anointing of the Sick / pastoral care for the sick is coordinated through the parish office.

• Baptism — call Parish Office to schedule
• First Reconciliation — celebrated December of 2nd grade
• First Communion — Easter season of 2nd grade
• Confirmation — celebrated each October for high-school youth
• Marriage — arrangements with priest 6 months in advance
• Anointing of the Sick / Pastoral Care for the Sick — call Parish Office

Faith Formation for Children & Youth

The parish operates a robust Faith Formation program that supplements the Catholic school and reaches parish children who attend public schools. Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion is family-centered and includes parent meetings, evening programs, and a First Communion Retreat. Teens in 5th–8th grades are served by the Middle School Youth Group, which meets for faith-filled activities such as the Belle Cruise, retreats, Holiday World outings, Summer Daze, service projects, and prayer groups. The High School Youth Group walks teens through Confirmation preparation, small-group study, witness speakers, retreats, and service.

• Faith First: ages 4 – Grade 4, Sundays 10:00 am (Aug–Apr)
• First Communion Prep & Retreat
• Middle School Youth Group (grades 5–8)
• High School Youth Group & Confirmation Prep (Oct)
• Contact: Evonne Corrales, 812-944-2065

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School

The parish school, located at 1752 Scheller Lane, serves Preschool through Grade 8 with an enrollment of about 375 students. It is part of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and the New Albany Deanery, fully accredited by the State of Indiana Department of Education, and participates in the state choice scholarship program. Students attend weekly Mass (Wednesdays and Fridays at 8:00 am are open to visitors), serve in liturgical ministries, participate in retreats and prayer services including Blessing of the Throats, Stations of the Cross, Pet Blessing, and more. Sports offered include basketball, cheering, cross country, soccer, and volleyball. Pat McGuire serves as Principal.

• Grades: Preschool–8
• Enrollment: ~375 students
• Accreditation: Indiana DOE; NCA / Cognia / NCEA
• Weekly school Mass: Wed & Fri 8:00 am
• Phone: 812-944-7676
• Email: [email protected]
• Sports: Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Soccer, Volleyball

Outreach & Service

Outreach is woven into parish identity. Since the early 1990s, Our Lady has co-sponsored two community soup kitchens — one on Wednesdays and one on Fridays — alongside other Christian churches in New Albany. The parish St. Vincent de Paul conference reaches out to neighbors in material need. The Ministry of Consolation, Health Ministry, and Resurrection Choir accompany parishioners through illness, bereavement, and end-of-life care.

• Soup Kitchen co-sponsored with area churches (Wed & Fri)
• St. Vincent de Paul Conference
• Ministry of Consolation
• Health Ministry
• Resurrection Choir