FAQ's

How can I get a copy of my Baptismal Certificate?
You will need to know the approximate year of the Baptism and the date of birth and baptismal name. You may make your request by sending an e-mail, calling, or writing. Be sure to include the address to which you would like the certificate sent. Contact the parish office or call 588-1433 for more information.

How can I join a small group?
Small faith sharing groups are sometimes formed by the individuals in the group who have an interest in talking with others about faith. The parish provides a variety of materials which the group may research in looking for the right focus for members. The parish will also assist interested persons in finding an existing group to join or in forming new groups. Contact the parish office or call 588-1433 for more information.

What does the Catholic Church teach about cremation?
The human body holds special significance for the Christian
-it recalls the personal story of faith, the loving family bonds, the friendships and the words and acts of kindness of the deceased person. We are experienced through our bodies, and essentially identified through our bodies.
-it is the body that was washed in baptism, anointed with the oil of salvation, and fed with the Bread of Life.
-we hold to the conviction that the human body is in Christ a temple of the Holy Spirit, and that it is the body that is destined for future glory at the time of resurrection.

For all these reasons, the Church continues to prefer the presence of the deceased body rather than ashes at the time of a funeral. Nonetheless, the Church now has an official rite for funerals with cremated remains.

The Rite for a Funeral with Cremated Remains honors the cremated remains with prayers and blessings. The white pall signifying baptism is not used, however.

Probably the most caution needs to be extended to the area of burial. It is the choice of the Church that cremated remains be buried. It is not the choice of the Church that ashes be kept at home. Ashes also are not to be scattered or sprinkled at sea or on some special, even though significant, piece of land.

If you are considering the use of cremation at the time of death, it is good to first discuss this with your parish pastoral care person. There is a good deal of theology, as well as pastoral care issues, that surround death, funerals, and the disposition of human remains.
It is important that decisions be made in light of these.

How can I become Catholic?
Since Vatican II the usual way to become Catholic is through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Through this process persons who have not been part of any Church are welcomed through Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Those who have been Baptized in another Christian Church are invited to profess faith in the Catholic Church and celebrate Eucharist and Confirmation. For more information contact the parish office or call 588-1433.

About Us | News & Events| Faith Formation | Prayer & Sacraments
Outreach | St. Joseph the Worker School | Youth Group | Links | Home
Sign Up to Receive Information