● A funeral Mass is not celebrated as an honor, but as a mercy. A funeral Mass does not canonize, but offers Christ’s sacrifice for graces upon the deceased and the assembled mourners. “This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:15) If the deceased has been condemned, the offered funeral Mass will only help the family (perhaps to be converted and saved,) but if the departed is in purgatory, the Holy Mass is the greatest prayer we can offer on his or her behalf. Apart from notorious and unrepentant apostates, heretics, and schismatics, we want to error on the side of mercy, as we have been shown mercy.
● Though all should contribute to the work of the Church, no Catholic parish is a private club that requires up-to-date dues in order to be welcomed. All Catholics are members of the world-wide body of Christ—the Church.
● No one will be refused sacraments in our parish because of an inability to pay parish fees or stipends.
● Everyone is welcome at our parish Masses; however, those not in full communion with the Catholic Church, or those aware of having committed grave sin who have not obtained absolution in the sacrament of Confession, should not present themselves to receive the Holy Eucharist—these may receive a blessing instead by approaching with crossed arms.
● Any child, for whom there is a well-founded hope of being raised Catholic and whose guardians have completed a baptismal preparation program here or at another parish, may be baptized in our parish.
● If you have any additional sacramental questions regarding our parish community, please contact Father, your priest, directly.
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