Want to take an adult education class at the local community college?
You need to register first.
Want to work out at a local gym?
You need to register first.
Want your child to play on a soccer team?
You need to register first.
Belonging to a church community doesn’t require registration — no one’s going to throw you out if you don’t sign up — but it’s an important step. And wearen’t automatically registered just by showing up.
Registration isn’t about seeking donations, it’s about building community.
Benefits for the parish:
•
Census numbers may determine how many priests are assigned to a parish,
what benefits accrue and obligations the community has to the
archdiocese, and how many Masses and programs are planned.
•
Registration enables the parish to contact the faithful through
newsletters and other correspondence about programs and activities,
including spiritual opportunities such as a retreat. The parish
community members help one another and lift each other in times of need.
A pastor noted that sometimes he wants to console
someone from the parish whose relative died, for example, but doesn’t
have an updated phone number.
• The formal registration helps the
parish welcome get to know new parishioners; and updated contact
information ensures mission continuity when pastors or staff change.
Benefits for you:
•
Scheduling sacraments, obtaining sponsor certificates, participating in
religious education programs and getting donation statements for tax
purposes is simplified.
• A sense of identity and belonging forms
in a parish community and gives you a way to be included in the
religious, social and ministerial activities.
• Registration develops unity and ownership.
•
In times of joy and times of struggle, it’s comforting to have the
support of a parish family. The parish will have your information for
Communion calls if you’re ill or immobile, or for making hospital visits
when requested.
Registration in many parishes is as simple as
visiting the parish website. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish in south
St. Louis County, for example, has a registration form/ministry list on
its site as well as an “I’m New Here” section. In a greeting, Msgr. Norb
Ernst, the parish pastor, welcomes people, provides basic information
about the parish and asks people to consider investing time or talent in
parish groups or organizations.
“Volunteering is a great way to
meet other parishioners, to learn more about our community and to enjoy
the rewards gained from sharing your gifts and talents,” Msgr. Ernst
wrote. “We are looking forward to seeing you at Mass and getting to know
you better.”