Our Lady of Perpetual Help marks 50 years

Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Edgewater is celebrating 50 years since it was officially established as a parish in 1976. The community was originally founded under the leadership of the Redemptorists, but archdiocesan priests began leading the parish in 1996.

The parish is now part of the Pastorate of Our Lady, which it joined in 2018 when it united with Our Lady of Sorrows in West River. Father Michael Triplett, who has served as pastor for two years, said that between three weekend Masses, approximately 450 to 500 people attend. The church also celebrates a weekend Mass in Spanish to serve its growing Hispanic community.

The parish roots date back to 1939 when it served as a mission church for St. Mary in Annapolis. After celebrating Mass at various locations including Cape St. Rose and local restaurants, the first church building opened in 1952 in Woodland Beach. The community currently operates a weekly food pantry and a Respect Life committee.