What is an active parishioner?
Active Parishioner status is broken down into three main branches- Worship, Service, and Support. An active parishioner is a person who regularly participates in the life of the parish church by attending weekend Mass, serving as a member of a parish ministry, and supporting the parish by tithing through weekly envelopes or online giving. Active parishioners meet all three requirements.
- Mass Attendance: An active parishioner is a person who is registered through the parish office and attends Mass regularly on Sundays and Holy Days at Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Third Commandment is “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Catholics are duty-bound to participate in the Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. Extraordinary circumstances, age, or infirmity may excuse the faithful from the obligation to attend Mass. For those who are healthy and able, to knowingly miss Mass on Sunday would constitute a serious sin. Parents have a duty to educate their children in the faith. It is important for parents to attend Mass with their children; children aged 7+ are indeed obligated to attend Mass.
- Service of a Parish Ministry: An active parishioner gives of themselves by donating time, talent, and treasure to the ministries of the parish and/or to the volunteer organizations and events that support the parish. We are to share in the responsibilities that keep our Parish alive in a vibrant way.
- Tithing: 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. Parishioners should utilize either weekly envelopes or the Online Giving option on the parish website. Cash donations are appreciated, but cannot be tracked and do not count towards active parishioner requirements.
The issue of parishioner status is important.
Active parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary look to their parish for many services, including:
- Parishioner tuition rates in our Catholic schools
- The use of our facilities for liturgical services such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals
- Certification as eligible sponsors at sacramental celebrations
Why do we ALL need to be active parishioners?
More important than the what, is the why, of being an active member of our parish. Hopefully, we will live beyond the minimal dictates of the Law and love. At its heart, our parish is a community, a family of believers, with a mutual goal of living eternity in Heaven with God. We were not made to walk this journey alone and only by BEING the community, can we all benefit from it. Our parish has many, many ministries that contribute to a beautiful and fulfilling faith life that is not only enjoyed by the current parish community, but spread to others to join us. When we all bring our different gifts and talents to the community, we all benefit.
Are you new to IHM and looking to become an active parishioner?
Click Here to Get Involved
Click Here to Register with the Parish Office
Are you new to the faith and looking to become Catholic?
Click Here to get in touch with our OCIA director.
BONUS: Next time you’re at Mass, introduce yourself to Father Troy and Deacon David. Next time you’re near the office, stop in and introduce yourself to Janet, our Parish Secretary. Welcome to IHM!