Anniversaries
Generally, the parish celebrates the anniversaries of those couples married in the Catholic Church for 25 and 50 years. Given advanced notice, the blessing and renewal of vows, if desired, can take place within a regularly scheduled Mass of the parish community. We are also happy to honor, in the same way, those couples celebrating both 40 and 45 years of marriage in the Catholic Church.
Presentations
The presentation of a child at the church has its roots in both biblical passages and tradition. According to tradition, Anna, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, presented Mary in the temple when she was three years of age. We also remember Jesus’ presentation in the temple by Joseph & Mary. While different customs dictate the age of the child at the time of the presentation, today, it is commonly celebrated around the third birthday of the child. The presentation takes place in a regularly scheduled Mass. It involves the family who present the gifts at the altar for the Offertory. After the priest places the gifts of bread and wine on the altar, he turns to the family to accept the parent’s prayer of thanksgiving for the life of the child and then blesses the child, family members and godparents.
Funerals
When a family suffers the loss of a loved one immediately contact the parish to make the necessary arrangements. Each family has unique needs that the parish would like to honor. Some families wish to have the visitation and services at the funeral home. Some desire the visitation to be at the funeral home the night before with the funeral services the next day at the church. Others want the viewing at the church the evening before with the funeral to follow the next morning. Finally, some families prefer a brief viewing immediately before the religious services. Whatever the case, if cremation is chosen, it is desirable that this take place following the service.
15th Birthday/Quinceaneras (os)
All fifteen year olds attending PREP and practicing their faith can celebrate the occasion in a beautiful but simple ceremony with their parents and family members at a regularly scheduled Mass of the parish. Contact the parish for the requirements, qualifications and arrangements.