MASS INTENTION REQUESTS In October of each year we open the book to schedule Mass intentions for the following year. We ask that each family request no more than twelve Masses and out of those twelve please limit your weekend Masses to three for the year. Mass request is $10.
BASILICA OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL PARISH MARRIAGE & ANNIVERSARY POLICY:
For Catholic Weddings: 1.Parishioners and their children will have access to the Basilica, with the expectation of a free will offering given to the Church. 2. The couple will assume responsibility of paying the stipends for the music ministry and servers. 3. A parishioner is one who is on our current parish list, or a couple who lives within our parish boundaries. 4. Wedding anniversary celebrations for 25, {35 or 40}, and 50 years will be permitted for parishioners. Couples living outside the parish should celebrate their anniversary at their home parish. Exceptions to this will be ONLY when there is a compelling reason to celebrate the anniversary at the Basilica. 5. Others seeking marriage at the Basilica may be permitted as an exception and will be asked to give a $900.00 stipend to the parish for the use of the church.
BAPTISM From time to time questions and controversies arise as to who may serve as a Godparent for the Sacrament of Baptism. Therefore, this is a review of the guidelines established by the Catholic Church concerning Godparent eligibility. These regulations should be considered before the parents of a child ask someone to be a Godparent for their son or daughter:
The decision as to who should be a Godparent should be based upon who would provide the best example of Catholic living for the child and not merely for reasons of maintaining family harmony. A Godparent is chosen not primarily to honor the Godparent, but for the well being and faith development of the child.
In order to be a Godparent for Baptism, an individual must be a practicing Catholic, at least 16 years of age and have received the Sacraments of Initiation (i.e. Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation). Furthermore, if this person is married, then the marriage must be a valid, sacramental marriage (i.e. one recognized and blessed by the Catholic Church).
The potential Godparent must be registered in a Catholic parish and able to obtain from his or her parishpriest a letter of eligibility to be a Godparent. Only one Godparent is required by Church law. This Godparent may be a man or a woman. However, if two Godparents are selected (the more common practice), then there must be one man and one woman chosen. In other words, a child cannot have two men or two women as Godparents.
In extraordinary situations when two Catholic Godparents cannot be found, then a baptized person who belongs to another Christian denomination (e.g. Methodist, Lutheran, or Presbyterian) may serve as a Christian Witness. However, former Catholics who have left the Catholic Church for another Christian denomination are not permitted to serve as Christian Witnesses.
Since Baptism is the initial, foundation Sacrament in the life of a Catholic, great care must be taken in deciding who will serve as a Godparent. The guidelines above are meant to assist parents in making a reasonable and secure decision as to who will fulfill this critical role for their child. Since they are provided by the universal Church and individual priests are not vested with the authority to dispense from them, these guidelines will be strictly followed at St. Michael’s Basilica.
PROPER BURIAL OF OUR DECEASED BROTHERS AND SISTERS “In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our sister and we commit her body to the ground: earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless her and keep her and be gracious to her, the Lord lift up his countenance upon her and give her peace”. (Funeral Rite: 219-B)
The proper interment of the body has never been an issue in the past, but since cremation has become a more common practice, questions and concerns have arisen. There have been several occasions this year in which Catholic families have requested me to lead funeral rites contrary to Catholic practice (wanting to scatter ashes on the ground or allowing families to retain cremains in their homes). I cannot and will not conduct funeral services in violation of sound and respectful Catholic burial practices. Our local funeral directors are aware of this. In order that all may understand Church teaching, I share the following with you.
Principles Regarding Cremation/ Reverence for the Sacredness of the Human Body - Because the human body is integral to the human person, it is difficult to think of a person apart from their body. “Thus, the Roman Catholic Church’s reverence and care for the body grows out of a reverence and concern for the person whom the Church now commends to the care of God.” The long-standing practice of burying the body of the deceased in a grave or tomb or mausoleumcontinues to be encouraged as a sign of Christian faith. However, the Church does not forbid cremation as a means of disposition of the body, unless it has been chosen for reasons which are contrary to Church teaching.
Preference for the Presence of the Body at the Funeral - The body of a deceased loved one forcefully brings to mind the mystery of life and death. As Christians, the body of the deceased speaks also to our belief that we are destined for future glory at the resurrection of the dead. Therefore “the Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for its funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in its rites.” When cremation is chosen, the Church prefers that the body be cremated after the Funeral, thus allowing for the presence of the body at the Funeral Mass. When circumstances require it, however, cremation may take place even before the Funeral liturgy. The cremated remains may be present at the Funeral Mass, and blessed with holy water at the opening rites.
Proper Burial of the Cremated Remains - “Cremated remains may be buried in a grave, entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium or even buried at sea.” The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground is not permitted. Likewise, “keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires.” The principle of respect for the cremated remains of a deceased Christian mirrors the respect afforded their body. The body is always laid to rest with solemnity and dignity. All references taken from the Order of Christian Funerals, Appendix: Cremation; 1997.
Note- If you are aware of members of your familywho have not properly interred the cremainsof your beloved relatives, please share with them the above. It is out of respect for the relationship of the deceased with their eternal design that proper interment (burial) should be realized.