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Worship
& Spiritual Life
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The Worship and Spiritual Life of Holy Cross Parish forms the basis of our existence. This Commission encompasses all aspects of spiritual life, including Sacramental policies, small groups and liturgies. LITURGICAL SCHEDULE | PRAYER & WORSHIP MOMENTS | SACRAMENTAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Weekend
Mass Times
Daily prayer and/or Mass is an important feature of our spiritual life. An Anointing Mass at 9am on the first Friday of the month is celebrated in Holy Cross Church. During the year a variety of experiences and prayer forms are offered to enhance the prayer life of the parish. Location of Churches Holy
Cross Church (HCC): OTHER PRAYER AND WORSHIP MOMENTS Children's
Church Creating
the Atmosphere The celebrations held each weekend are co-ordinated by our Sacristans. The Sacristans open and close the church, set up the sacred space and ensure we are well cared for as we pray together. Our Sacristans are Bub and Ed Cash, Audrey Enright, Kevin Lyon, Naomi Ruhl, Margaret Franklin and Dianne Pope. Readers
and Eucharistic Ministers Music
Ministry Songs
of Praise Prayer
Blanket Exposition
of the Blessed Sacrament Rosary
and Novena SACRAMENTAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Baptism | Confirmation & Eucharist | Marriage | Annointing of the Sick | Christian Burial Policy Initiation is entry into a community of believers. Together the Christian community (all those chosen by God as sons and daughters) live the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Together they celebrate the richness of our tradition of faith, love and hope. Baptism is more than a one-off, private event. The communal dimension of Baptism is so important that if there is little or no hope of the child living out his/her Baptismal commitment in the community, then perhaps the child should not be Baptised at this time. As a child's physical and psychological development demands nurturing and support from his/her parents and wider community, so too does the child's faith development require similar commitment. When celebrating infant Baptism, the Church looks to the parents to provide an environment in which faith and conversion will be nurtured in the child. The wider parish bears the responsibility of encouraging and supporting the parents in their duty as Christian parents. When old enough the child is introduced to formal Catechesis and is prepared for the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist, which complete the initiation process. The following policy prepares for and celebrates the Sacrament of Baptism with infants:
Sacramental Policy The
Parental Role 3. Parents are responsible for discerning whether they are ready to assume the responsibilities of Christian parenthood: to raise their children in the practice of the faith; to teach them to live God's commandments; to show them how to love God and their neighbours through word and example. 4. It is the parent's responsibility to select suitable people for the important role of godparenting. Church law requires that each child presented for Baptism must have at least one godparent. Godparents are Baptised Catholics of at least 16 years of age, in good standing with the Church. Baptised Christians of other denominations may serve as Christian Witnesses. 5. After Baptism, the parents have a responsibility to enable their child to know God, to receive Confirmation, to participate in Holy Eucharist, and to receive an appropriate education in the faith. The
Parish's Role 7. It is the responsibility of the parish community to inspire, encourage, support, and pray for the families of those presented for Baptism. 8. Any exceptional circumstances experienced by a family will be treated with pastoral sensitivity and flexibility. 9. If, after a time of discernment, a family decides that it is not yet willing or able to make the commitment required by Baptism, delay is an option. If this is the case, the parish will make every effort to ensure that the family achieves a better understanding of the Sacrament and the responsibilities it brings. 10. The parish community will provide opportunities for faith education for its members so as to assist families in passing on the faith to their children. Time
and Location of Baptism 12. Even though there are familial and personal elements to each Baptism, the communal nature of the Sacrament demands that it be celebrated communally. Church Law requires that all those born recently be Baptised at the same ceremony. 13. Because of the connection between Baptism and participation in the Church's life, Baptisms are normally celebrated in a child's home parish. Encouragement is given to parents from other parishes to seek Baptism there. 14. The connection between Baptism and the community of faith means that Baptisms are only celebrated in parish churches. Procedure 2. Name and address are taken and a letter is forwarded to the couple outlining the process for the celebration of Baptism in Holy Cross parish. A copy of the Baptismal Policy is sent to the parents with a HCP Pre-Baptism Agreement form to be signed and returned, stating agreement with the policy and their understanding of parental responsibilities regarding Baptism. A handout on Choosing Godparents is included. A formal invitation is sent for a Baptismal Preparation Morning with clergy, staff and parishioners. 3. Baptismal Preparation Morning will (usually) be held on the 2nd Sunday of the month and will include prayer, song and input about our parish, the Church and the Sacrament of Baptism itself. 4. The Parish Baptismal Couple contacts the family and organises a time to meet and offer the parish Welcoming Kit. They reflect further on the commitment the parents are about to undertake and discuss other options for those who decide not to proceed with Baptism at this time. 5. Celebration of Baptism. 6. Follow up visit by the Parish Baptismal Couple and on-going follow up from the parish office. Children's
Sacramental Policy Initiation into the Christian community is celebrated in three Sacramental moments: Baptism, Confirmation, and the first reception of the Eucharist. This initiation process is extended over a number of years and is accompanied by education in the faith and formation in Christian living. The process of initiation at HCP is family and parish based. The child's family, within the context of the wider family of God, is the appropriate setting for this formation. Celebration of the Sacraments of Confirmation and first reception of the Eucharist presupposes that a child possesses understanding of the nature of the Sacraments and expresses desire to partake of them. This level of understanding and desire is nurtured by participation in the life of the worshipping community and by comprehensive faith education. This policy describes the process by which Holy Cross Parish prepares children for the celebration of the Sacraments and welcomes them as full members of the worshipping community. Enrolment
of the Child 2. To assist in the process of discernment, the parish priest, associate pastor, and others charged with responsibility for the sacramental preparation process will interview each family prior to a final decision about the child's enrolment. 3. Parents are the first formators of their children in the ways of faith. In enrolling a child for the Sacraments, parents accept the responsibility to journey with the child towards the celebration of the Sacraments. This journey involves: participation in the worship life of the Church; ensuring that the children is present at all necessary events during the Sacramental preparation process; participation in workshops and other catechetical opportunities; assisting the child with individual learning. 4.
Children are eligible to be enrolled in the Sacramental preparation
process of Holy Cross Parish if: Education
and Preparation for the Sacraments 6. The parish will provide focussed catechesis (teaching) leading up to the celebration of each Sacrament. This catechesis will enable the child to understand the nature of the Sacraments for which they are preparing. 7. The parish will provide opportunities proximate to the celebrations for the children to gain a heightened sense of anticipation and excitement about the Sacramental celebrations for which they are preparing. 8. The parish will provide catechesis for parents to enable them to fulfil their responsibilities as first educators of their children in the faith. 9. The parish will provide parents with sufficient materials to enable them to prepare the child for the celebration of the sacraments. Sacramental preparation is distinct from education (catechesis). It involves more the shaping of attitudes, growth in prayerfulness, development of a sense of anticipation, and practical help to celebrate the Sacraments. Celebration
of the Sacraments 11. Parents have a responsibility to ensure that they set a good example for the child during the celebration of the Sacraments. They, too, are present as participants and not merely as spectators. 12. The Sacrament of Penance will be celebrated in a simple, communal form during the season of Lent. 13. The Sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion will be celebrated during the Easter season and will involve the entire parish community. Policy While respecting the personal and familial nature of each marriage celebration, the Church has an obligation to lead and guide all the faithful to a truly Catholic understanding of Marriage as a public act, a communal treasure, a Sacrament of the Church. Preparation
for Christian Marriage 2. The formal preparation for Marriage shall begin at least six months before the anticipated date of the wedding. 3. No firm date shall be set until the conclusion of the couple's first meeting with the parish representative. If during the couple's meeting with the parish, it is determined there was a previous marriage, no firm or even tentative wedding date shall be entered into the parish calendar until freedom to marry has been established through appropriate canonical procedures and documentation. 4. HCP shall provide each couple approaching Marriage with Marriage Mentors who will journey with the couple, as needed, towards their wedding day. This couple, representative of the wider community, provides a point of entry for those estranged from the Church. They shall endeavour to make prayer for the couple a first priority. 5. In addition to personal interviews, instruction and education from parish staff or representatives, couples are required to participate in an authorised Marriage preparation process. Preparation
for the Wedding 7. As a Sacrament of the Church, HCP only celebrates Christian Marriage in its parish churches. 8. In celebrating marriage between a Catholic and a Baptised non-Catholic, it is expected that the Rite for Celebrating Marriage Outside Mass be used. The Eucharist is a symbol of Christian unity. Celebrating Christian Marriage at Mass may make the celebration awkward for both parties by highlighting their differences in faith. Permission to celebrate such Nuptial weddings may only be granted by the Archbishop. 9. In celebrating Marriage between a Catholic and a person who has not been Baptised, it is expected that the Rite for Celebrating Marriage Outside Mass be used. 10. Nuptial Weddings (Rite of Marriage during Mass) is ordinarily only celebrated where one or both Catholic parties to the Marriage are active Catholics. 11. The wedding couple shall be helped to appreciate their special role in the marriage rite in which they confer the Sacrament on one another through the exchange of vows. Respecting the principle that only one role shall be exercised at the liturgy by each individual, other members of the family and parish community, depending on their gifts, shall be invited to participate in the marriage liturgy as readers, cantors, musicians or ushers. 12. The selection of music for the wedding liturgy is often a sensitive issue. The choice of music must be in accord with all the norms governing music in the sacred liturgy. The celebrant is able to instruct the couple as to appropriate music selections. Procedure
2. Parish Marriage Mentor Couple contact the couple to arrange initial interview in which they will describe the policy and procedure related to marriage within HCP, inquire as to the couple's freedom to marry and discuss the form of marriage preparation they propose to undertake. At this meeting, the engaged couple and the mentors will sign a document (HCP Pre-Marriage Agreement) which states agreement and understanding of the policy, and confirms freedom to marry. This ensures the parish is able to safeguard the integrity of the Sacrament. 3. Upon the parish office's receipt of the HCP Pre-Marriage Agreement, the wedding date will be fixed. 4. Attend an informal gathering with clergy, parish staff and other members of the community. 5.
Attend a pre-marriage education program with Engaged Encounter
or Centacare. 6. Provide the celebrant with a copy of your Birth Certificate and a recent copy of your Baptismal Certificate. The Catholic party to the Marriage is required to obtain a certificate no more than six months old. These are easily obtainable by contacting the parish of Baptism. Non-Catholic parties need only bring their original Baptismal certificate. 7. Contact the celebrant about three months before the wedding to begin filling out the paperwork. At this time you can also discuss the liturgical procedures of the wedding and the Mass booklet. 8. The cost associated with using Holy Cross Church is $300 for those not registered on the Parish's Planned Giving (otherwise it is $100). The stipend for Mary, Queen of Peace is $200. This fee covers lights, Church and admin costs, paperwork, certificate registration, staff and clergy time. This fee is payable to Holy Cross Parish and should be received at least 21 days prior to the wedding. 9. Provide the celebrant with a draft of the wedding booklet for final advice. Policy
From ancient times the Church has followed this command in anointing those amongst us who are sick. The gifting of the Holy Spirit which occurs in the Sacrament of anointing takes away sins and the remnant of sin. It also raises up and strengthens the soul of the sick person so that they may more truly trust in God's mercy and avoid the temptation to despair which can arise in serious illness. Thus, the sick person is able not only to bear suffering bravely, but also to fight against it. Sometimes those who are anointed regain bodily health. For many centuries the Sacrament of Anointing was known as the Last Rites and only offered to those who were at the point of death. Since the Second Vatican Council, the Church has understood this Sacrament is not only for those at the very end of their lives. It stated, "as soon as any one of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for that person to receive this Sacrament has certainly already arrived." The following policy guides the way in which Holy Cross Parish celebrates the Sacrament of Anointing for those members of our community who take ill.
Recipients of the Anointing of the Sick 2. The Sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after being anointed and then again falls ill or if during the same illness the person's condition becomes more serious. 3. A sick person may be anointed before surgery whenever a serious illness is the reason for the surgery. 4. Elderly people may be anointed if they have become notably weakened even though no serious illness is present. 5. Children may be anointed if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by the Sacrament. 6. Those who are seriously ill should not follow the wrongful practice of delaying the reception of the Sacrament. Celebration
of the Sacrament 8. Communal celebrations of the sacrament of anointing will be offered monthly in Holy Cross Church so that those who are seriously ill or weakened by age may be enabled to avail themselves of the gift of the Holy Spirit granted in the Sacrament. 9. The Sacrament of Anointing will be celebrated regularly in nursing homes in the parish so that those who wish to may avail themselves of the grace of the Sacrament. Procedure 2. A priest will respond to the request as soon as possible. 3. The parish office will keep a record of when the anointing took place and by whom, if clarification is required. Hospitals and Nursing Homes also record the anointing on the patient's chart. For further information, go to the Holy Cross Funerals Web Site Policy Christians offer the funeral rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which has now been returned to God, the author of life and hope of the just. The Mass, the memorial of Christ's death and resurrection, is the principal celebration of the Christian funeral. The celebration of the Christian funeral brings hope and consolation to the living. While proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and witnessing to Christian hope in the resurrection, the funeral rites recall to all who take part in them God's mercy and love. They also meet the human need to always turn to God in crisis. Ordinarily, Catholics bring the remains of the dead to the church. This is where the Christian journey began. In the waters of baptism they were joined to Christ. The parish church is a symbol of the ecclesial community to which they belong. Entitlement
to Christian Burial 2. Baptised non-Catholics are permitted to be buried according to the Order of Christian Funerals in Holy Cross Parish if it might be reasonably presumed that they would have desired or preferred Catholic burial services. Such a decision would be appropriate where the deceased worshipped regularly in the Catholic Church or identified with the Catholic Church more than any other. It would be inappropriate if the deceased were an active member of a non-Catholic Christian Church, except in cases where the minister of the deceased was unavailable. 3. Since the ministry of consolation belongs to the entire Christian community, the entire community is to be involved in caring for the dying, praying for the dead, and comforting those who mourn. To this end, the parish will make known the names of those who are dying or deceased to ask for prayers for them and their families. Preparation
for Christian Burial 5. The celebrant, or delegated parish representative, will guide the family of the deceased in the selection of appropriate readings, hymns and prayers. The
Celebration of Christian Burial 7. While parish churches are the ordinary place for the celebration of the Rites of Christian Burial, the family may choose a service at a funeral chapel or at the graveside. 8. The pious custom of burying the dead is recommended, but cremation is permitted as long as it has not been chosen for reasons contrary to Church teaching. 9. The focus of Christian Burial is always Jesus Christ. This is why Church documents are strong in recommending against a eulogy. The Church celebration of Christian Burial is not the place to focus solely on the life of our loved ones. (It is appropriate to do this at a wake, for example). When the people of God gather for a Christian burial their only hope is in Jesus Christ, risen from the dead. This remains our focus. Procedure
2. The parish office will confirm a priest is available and when the family is able to talk with him. 3. Staff can assist with the preparation of a booklet provided adequate time is allowed for its production (at least a day prior). Staff will also arrange a Sacristan, musician/s and flowers (if requested). |
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