Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Our parish office staff recently wanted to “clean up” the records for our parish database. This was a very tedious endeavor that involved making many phone calls and sending over 2,000 letters to reach those people who were still in our database but have not shown tangible involvement in our parish family for months. Here lies the problem.

People come to our parish seeking to be married, enroll their children in our school, begin religious education, become Catholic, become godparents, have a Mass offered for a loved one, receive a letter of recommendation for high school, college, or a job, to name a few requests made.

We are blessed to accommodate many requests made every day. However, people are shocked when they find out that they have been removed from the parish database due to months of inactivity and their request is denied. To help better facilitate what we can offer as a parish and to whom we can offer it, I want to help clarify what it means to be an active parishioner, in good standing, so that you may remain connected to our parish family and so that we are able to help you with future requests.

An active parishioner is a person who participates in the life of the Church. This means following the teachings of Jesus Christ and sharing in Christ’s role as priest, prophet, and King. We are called to lead others to faith by our good example, through loving service to others, and offering our prayers, works, and activities to God.

• An active parishioner is a person who has received or is preparing to receive the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.
• An active parishioner is a person who attends Mass regularly at St. Bernadette Church and actively supports the sacramental programs for Penance, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Parents who want a Catholic Faith Formation & Education for their children will see to it that their family attends Mass faithfully EVERY Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation.
• An active parishioner gives of themselves by donating TIME, TALENT, and TREASURE to the ministries of the parish and/or to the volunteer organizations that support the parish. We are to share in the responsibilities that keep our parish alive in a vibrant way. We give thanks to the many people who have gone before us to enable us to enjoy this beautiful parish.
• An active parishioner is properly registered at their parish, with all contact information kept current.
• An active parishioner is a good financial steward of the church. As a parishioner, it is important to understand that giving financially to support the parish is a vital and key component to active parishioner status. Dropping cash in the basket, while helpful, does not get recorded as your gift to the parish, which will cause problems when you claim you are an active, participating, contributing member of the parish. I recommend electronic giving, which you can do through our website. You can also use the parish envelope system for donations to support the parish ministries and other social and ministerial services.

There are so many benefits that it is hard to find a reason not to be an active parishioner.

• Registration signifies your desire to be an active part of a specific Catholic faith community and become a part of God’s family.
• Being an active parishioner nurtures a sense of belonging and helps you feel more “at home” in the church.
• It provides opportunities to connect with other parishioners, form friendships, and receive support during times of joy and sorrow.
• Being registered is a tangible way to declare your commitment to practicing your faith within a local church community, making a counter-cultural statement in a low-commitment society.

Many parishes require registration for individuals or families preparing for sacraments like Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Holy Matrimony. Being an active parish member is also required in order to receive a Catholic discount for our Diocesan High Schools. Prior to any wedding arrangements being made, a bride or groom must be a registered and active member in the parish for a minimum of one year and contribute to its support. The parish will not accept brides or grooms for the parish wedding discount who register at the parish for the sole purpose of being married at St. Bernadette Church or for “using” the Church.

• Being a registered, active member is often a requirement to receive a letter of eligibility to be a godparent for Baptism or a sponsor for Confirmation.
• Registration helps the pastor and staff get to know you better, allowing them to minister to your spiritual needs, especially during times of crisis (e.g., Anointing of the Sick).
• It opens doors for involvement in various ministries, volunteer opportunities, and educational/formational programs offered by the parish.

There are also many practical benefits to being a registered and active parishioner.

• Communication and updates: Providing your contact information allows the parish to keep you informed about events, prayer opportunities, and important updates via email, direct mail, or phone.
• Financial statements: If you use offertory envelopes or online giving, registration ensures you receive a year- end statement of your donations for income tax purposes.
• Parish planning: Your registration contributes to the parish’s census numbers, which can influence decisions regarding the number of priests assigned, Mass schedules, and the planning of various programs and services.

Being registered at your parish is good for your soul.

• Deeper engagement: Registration can lead to more active participation in the life of the parish, helping you to grow in love of God and neighbor.
• Accountability: By formally joining, you allow the pastors and other members to shepherd you more effectively and hold you accountable in your faith journey.
• Stability: Registering at a single parish encourages stability in your faith life, allowing you to confront challenging teachings and grow within a consistent spiritual environment.
• In essence, registering at a Catholic parish is about intentionally becoming part of the Body of Christ in a local, tangible way, allowing you to both receive from and contribute to the vibrant life of the Church.

If not yet registered, please complete our registration form online at saintbernadette.com/join-us or download the form from the website and mail it to the parish office. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the parish office at 480-905-0221. Thank you for your continued support of this amazing spiritual home.

God Bless.

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