Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to register in the parish?
SSJC’s a big place! Kinda helps to get to know who ARE our parishioners. And besides that, it’s just responsible “stewardship”… being a part of the Lord’s Church, even in some small small way! Registration is easy and can be done on-line. You’ll receive a welcome packet with some interesting local history, a note from the Rector, a Ministry Booklet outlining how you can share your time and talents with the Church, some temporary envelopes along with a Direct Giving form. It’s easy.
There’s a story about a man who approached a priest after Mass one Sunday. He told Father that he’d like to join the parish, but he didn’t want to have to come to Mass, he didn’t want to fill out a form, didn’t want to get involved, didn’t want envelopes, didn’t want any mailings… The priest commended his desire to be a part of the parish, but kindly suggested that there was a local church nearby that might be more like what “he was looking for,” and told the man the address. The man thanked the priest and drove over to the church he had suggested… the man was confronted with the logical outcome of his criteria for not only parish membership, but for practicing his religion: standing before him was a church building and other facilities boarded up and waiting for demolition.
What is meant by the term “practicing Catholic”?
Minimally, it means someone who has been baptized and participated in the sacramental life of the Church (i.e. made First Holy Communion and been confirmed); a person who attends Mass regularly, [if married] is married “in the Church,” and has some practical knowledge of his/her religion.
How do I get my child baptized?
Baptism is a sacrament that brings us into God’s Household… the Church. Sin is washed away and we are made sons and daughters of God and heirs to His Kingdom. At a baptism, parents make a solemn promise that “by their word and example,” they will raise their child in the practice of the Catholic Faith. This is not a promise one should make lightly… and the Church, as “minister and dispenser” of God’s Mysteries needs to ensure to some degree that parents understand their role as “first teachers of their children in the Faith.” Consequently, registration in the parish… attendance at Mass… a catechetical session (usually on a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon)… and then the baptism may be scheduled. Contact Sr. Loreto Downing (242-1300, x137) for English-speaking preparation. Parishioners who would prefer to conduct preparatory matters in Spanish may contact Sra. Delia Medina (242-1300, x135).
I’d like to get married at the Cathedral… what do I need to do?
Marriage is a sacrament of the Church… the joining of a man and a woman that not only reflects the love God has for His people (union), but is also the means by which humanity joins with God in brining new souls to life and into His Kingdom (procreation). As such, this solemn commitment binding a couple together must only be undertaken after serious prayer and preparation.
The Bishop of Phoenix requires at least six months advance notice, however, just about any parish would advise a greater length of preparation time. A date for a wedding may not be scheduled until after a couple has met initially with Cathedral staff. At least one party must be a practicing Catholic and a member of the parish. There are some documents to be retrieved (e.g. certificate of baptism issued within the last six months from the parish where you were baptized), and there are some catechetical sessions (take FOCCUS pre-marital inventory and follow-up, Evenings for the Engaged, Natural Family Planning sessions).
Couples who are not part of the Cathedral parish may arrange to celebrate a wedding here, provided that prescribed preparatory measures have been completed at another parish, the pastor there has approved, and the Rector here at the Cathedral gives his consent.
Wedding guidelines have been carefully spelled out with due flexibility to ensure that weddings are celebrated according to the Rites of the Catholic Church and with sacred character of the Liturgy. You may download the Cathedral wedding policy on this website. For further information contact Sr. Dympna Doran, IBVM, (242-1300, x121).
I have a relative who is sick and homebound… is it possible for him/her to receive Holy Communion on a regular basis?
Certainly! Contact the parish office (242-1300) to arrange for Holy Communion to be brought to a location. It’s possible that for facilities outside the boundaries of the Cathedral parish, a referral to another local parish may be made.
For someone who is gravely ill and in danger of death, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick may be arranged. A priest will go to a hospital or nursing home or private home to administer this precious gift of the Lord. Please contact the parish office to arrange this. It’s also possible that for facilities outside the boundaries of the Cathedral parish, a referral to another local parish may be made, depending on the availability of priests.
We’ve had a death in the family… how do we arrange for funeral rites?
First of all, please know of our sympathy, our prayers and support in what is surely a difficult time. The Rites of Christian Burial are intended as a way for the Church to make intercession for the happy repose of souls, and to provide comfort to those who are grieving. Certainly in a time of grieving, families would like to have matters handled smoothly and efficiently. The first order of business is contacting a mortuary or funeral home; there are several in the area who particularly assist Catholic families. If you are in need of mortuary services, contact the parish office for a referral. The mortuary will then handle all matters relating to the use of the Cathedral, clergy services, etc.
It is terribly important, then, that all matters relating to the Cathedral (i.e. arranging the wake, funeral services, graveside, requests, etc.) be handled exclusively THROUGH THE MORTUARY OR FUNERAL HOME. Please do not contact directly the parish office or priests/religious with whom you may be acquainted. This ensures there are no schedule conflicts or other matters that may be overlooked. Assistance with bereavement and funeral receptions is available and may be arranged through your funeral home personnel.
I’m interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith… “in converting… what should I do? Is there some form of outreach to Catholics who have been away from the Church?
Welcome… anyone who seeks God and the life of His Church is always welcome at the Cathedral parish! You might want to see a priest to talk privately with him… contact the parish office. What is called the “RCIA” – an acronym for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults – is a process that ordinarily prepares adults for full initiation into the Church (i.e. baptism, First Communion, Confirmation), but is a terrific “refresher” for Catholics who have been away for awhile. There are also other opportunities for adult education… consult the parish bulletin. To learn more about RCIA, contact Mr. & Mrs. Jeff and Susan Pietro through the parish office (242-1300).
Is there some outreach or service to the poor or those who are experiencing hard times?
Yes. Our St. Vincent de Paul Society is an energetic and well-organized group of individuals committed to assisting the poor and needy. They provide an immense service to the Church and to the community-at-large. The St. Vincent de Paul Society is located on Maryland Street on the northern edge of the Cathedral parish property. All requests should be brought to this location and not to the parish office which is not at all equipped for such incidents. For information on assistance with food, shelter or other means of assistance, please contact St. Vincent de Paul at 602-433-7613.