BAPTISMS  -  Holy Mysteries (Sacraments) of Initia­tion are normally administered on the Sunday nearest to the 40th day after the birth of the child.  Please notify the par­ish rectory as soon as you are aware that you are ex­pect­ing a child. Sister Ann from the Diocesan Pastoral Min­i­stry Office will conduct special baptismal preparation ses­sions. These two sessions are for all expectant parents, the God­parents and grand-parents. Parents must be re­gis­ter­ed and active members of the parish. The two sessions will help you prepare FOR BIRTH and baptism of your child.  It is normal that a saint’s name be chosen for the child.  ELIGIBILITY FOR GODPARENT  -  One sponsor must be a practic­ing Cat­ho­lic, attend Liturgy re­gu­lar­ly, receive the Sa­cra­ments and fulfill all obligations and fi­nan­cial support to their parish, attested to by their pastor.

MARRIAGES  -  Arrangements for the Holy Mystery of Crown­ing are to be made at least six months in advance of the date of marriage by contacting the parish rec­­tory. Re­stat­ing the obvious, clearly and loudly: under normal con­di­tions, future Couples are expected to be active members of our parish for at least one year before the date of the marriage and must attend Pre-Mar­riage in­struc­tions with Fr. Deacon Michael Levy.  Marriages will not be celebrated un­til the normal spiritual requirements have been met to the Church’s sa­tis­faction.  So, do not send out your in­vi­ta­tions until you are absolutely sure of having done so !!!  In fact, if the couple continues to choose to ignore the Church after being warned, then Father Pastor reserves the right to cancel the service even as late as 24 hours before the wedding.  

CREMATION - Burial is the preferred and traditional Chris­t­i­an fun­e­ral practice.  Al­though highly dis­cour­aged, cremation is per­mitted for economic reasons, esp. if it is NOT done for anti-Christ­ian reasons.  The cremation should occur after the fun­e­ral services are held in Church, since the presence of ash­es in church is strongly dis­cour­aged.  The ashes are to be bur­ied, with the pastor, or a delegated priest or deacon, performing the usual rite of inter­ment.