SERVICES OFFERED

 

 

Baptism

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On behalf of the Church Community, Congratulations on the birth of your child,  Baptism is a sacrament and we know that your child’s  Baptism is important to you.  We recognize that as Christian parents, you desire to share your child’s life with the Church.  We welcome your child to our Church Family with love and prayers for the future and much peace and happiness in the years ahead.

 

SCHEDULING:

Baptism is a celebration both for the Church and for the parents.

• It is a communal event conducted on the First Sunday of each month in the 8:30 a.m. Liturgy.

• You are asked to schedule the Baptism for this time.

• Please register with the Priest or Deacon who will be conducting baptisms for the month at least 1 month in advance.

• You will be required to complete the Baptismal Questionnaire and ensure that the parents and god-parents attend 4 weekly preparation sessions with the Priest or Deacon.

 

GOD PARENTS:

• Your child is being baptized into life with Christ within the Roman Catholic Church, therefore one god parent must be a practicing Roman Catholic.  You may wish to have others listed as Christian witnesses.

• The clothes worn by the parents and god parents shall be such that the arms, shoulders and back are suitably covered (bolero/shawl etc.) by the ladies for the  service.

• Guests shall be encouraged to dress appropriately for the church  service.

 

 REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BAPTISM:

• Mandatory attendance at the 4 preparation sessions.

• The completed Baptismal Questionnaire shall be brought to the first meeting with the Priest or  Deacon.

• One god parent shall be a practicing Roman Catholic.

• A white candle shall be brought to the service.

 

FEES:

There is no set fee for conducting baptisms. 

However a free will offering will be taken up and an appropriate envelope will be provided.

 

VIDEOS & CAMERAS:

There is no objection to videotaping or taking of pictures, but please ensure that this done in a tasteful and respectable manner.  

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Weddings

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Congratulations! You both have chosen each other for life and decided to get married.  On behalf of the church community, you are wished every good thing for a long, holy and happy marriage.

You also recognize that marriage is a sacrament and it involves sacrifice and a commitment to deepen your relationship every day.  Remember that you are Christ’s gift to each other.  You will find strength from reading the Bible and sharing with each other the gift of your love as you make a home.  Sacrifice and self-giving are essential, but only love can make your marriage work and perfect love make it a joy. May God shower His richest blessing on you both.

 

MARRIAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Contact the Pastor at least 6 months in advance to determine available dates and times and set up schedule for 3-4 sessions.

Attend Pre-Cana conference (Mandatory).  The dates will be supplied by the Pastor.

 

FLOWERS FOR THE CHURCH:

Contact the church office at least one month before to indicate date and time, colour scheme to be used, number of arrangements required and whether or not you will be using the Church’s team or another professional florist.  A fee is charged for preparation of arrangements and is payable one week before the event.

•  Use ribbons or pew holders only on the pews—tapes, tacks, staples etc will not be allowed.

•  Flower petals (preferably silk) may be used in the centre aisle only.

•  Arrangements may be removed only during liturgical seasons (Advent and Lent) only if in your own containers.

•  Ribbons or garlands shall not be draped across the pews.

•  Confetti or rice, bubble or smoke effects shall not be used inside the church.

•  Cutting of flowers or foliage on the premises is prohibited.

 

REHEARSAL:

The entire bridal party is required to attend a wedding rehearsal at least two days before the ceremony at an agreed date and time with the Pastor.

The members of the party are expected to be modestly dressed.

 

 

DRESS CODE:

·The outfits worn by the bridal party shall be such that the arms, shoulders and back are suitably covered (bolero/shawl etc.) for the church service.

·Anyone participating in the service such as readers shall observe a similar dress code as the bridal party.

·Guests shall be encouraged to dress appropriately for the church   service.

 

PROGRAMME:

The programme, i.e. order of service, hymns, readings and other musical selections shall be vetted by the Pastor before printing,

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FEES:

The fee for conducting the wedding is minimal and includes a non-refundable sum if the bride is more than half-an-hour late.  This fee is due a month before the date of the wedding.

A fee is also due to the Organist and Soloist.  This  is to be paid directly to the organist and/or soloist and is due one week prior to the wedding date.

 

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Funerals

Please accept our deepest sympathy on behalf of the Church Community on the death of your relative.  We wish to assure you that your loved one will be remembered in our Masses and Prayers. 

As a Catholic community, we believe in the loving compassion and mercy of our God and we live in the hope that after this life on earth, we shall be with God. 

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FLOWERS FOR THE CHURCH:

• Contact the church office at least 3 days before to   indicate date and time, colour scheme to be used, number of arrangements required and whether or not you will be using the Church’s team or another professional florist.  A fee is charged for preparation of arrangements and is payable one week before the event.

• Arrangements may be removed only during liturgical seasons (Advent and Lent) only if in your own containers.

• Cutting of flowers or foliage on the premises is prohibited.

 

DRESS CODE:

• The clothes  worn shall be such that the arms, shoulders and back are suitably covered (bolero/shawl etc.) for the  service.

• Anyone participating in the service such as readers etc. shall observe a similar dress code as above.

• Guests shall be encouraged to dress appropriately for the church  service.

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PROGRAMME:

The programme, i.e. order of service, hymns, readings and other musical selections shall be vetted by the Pastor before printing,

 

FEES:

·A minimal fee is charged for conducting the funeral.  This fee is due a 2 days before the date of the funeral.

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·The Organist’s and Soloist’s fees are to be paid directly to the organist and/or soloist and are due 2 days before the date of the funeral. 

·The church has its own cadre of organists and soloists. Visiting organists and soloists are allowed with the permission of the Pastor.

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FUNERAL CONTRACT:

Attached is a copy of the Funeral Contract which shall be completed and signed off both by the Pastor and relative of the deceased.

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VIDEOS & CAMERAS:

There is no objection to videotaping or taking of pictures, but please ensure that this done in a tasteful and respectable manner.  

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COLLECTION:

A collection is taken up during the service and will be disbursed with suitable acknowledgement from our office.  Do note that 50% can be allocated to your specific charity and the balance to St. Joseph Catholic Church for their charities.

 

TRANSPORTATION:

You are requested to provide transportation for officiating clergy to and from the cemetery.