Parish Policies

 

 

SAFE ENVIRONMENT

The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young people is implemented. Every employee and volunteer participates in the Virtus Protecting God’s Children for Adults and families are invited to attend the Child Safety Workshops once a year. Background checks are completed for all employees and volunteers of the parish.

 

FAITH FORMATION~ GENERATIONS OF LIVING FAITH

The formal faith formation program is an intentional, lifelong, total community, and intergenerational catechesis. Beginning formerly in the 1st Grade the sessions are for ANY parishioners who desire to “Go Deeper” in their relationship with God, themselves and with their neighbor. Registration takes place in April and May for the following September.

 

1ST RECONCILIATION – 1ST EUCHARIST

Any child entering the 3rd grade in the fall may register for 1st Reconciliation and 1st Eucharist preparation sessions when registering for Generations of Living Faith. Reconciliation is in the fall and Eucharist in the spring with attendance at the Faith Formation sessions, the sacramental meetings and the retreats.

 

CONFIRMATION

The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in the fall following the candidates’ regular participation and attendance at:   Mass, preparation sessions, retreats and the Faith Formation sessions. Candidates must be entering 9th grade in the fall.

 

SPONSOR CERTIFICATES

A person wishing to be a sponsor for the Sacraments of Baptism or Confirmation must be a practicing Catholic,at least sixteen years of age, has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist and are registered in the parish where they pray and worship regularly. Anyone requesting a sponsor certificate from this parish must meet these requirements.

 

BAPTISM

Couples requesting baptism for their children must be registered members of St. Thomas the Apostle Church.  A baptism preparation session must be completed before a baptism date is set. Please call Fr. Tom in the parish office to schedule an appointment.   

 

MARRIAGE

According to canon law, marriages are to be celebrated in the parish church of the bride or groom. Arrangements are to be madeat least six months in advance.

 

HOSPITALIZED

Be aware that there are strict legal and ethical guidelines regarding patient information given to clergy.  If you are hospitalized and desire pastoral support,

have your family notify us.

 

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK (Anointing)

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated any time at home or in the hospital upon request.

 

CATHOLIC SCHOOL SUBSIDY

St Thomas the Apostle Parish pays a subsidy of $250 to Archdiocesan Catholic elementary schools and Holy Cross andSacred Heart High Schools in Waterbury for students whose families are registered in the parish and use parish offertory envelopes regularly.