St. Patrick at 2410 Hwy 127, Perry, GA 31047 US - Sacramental Policies

1. Parents must be registered and attend Mass at St. Patrick. Those who are not already registered at St. Patrick Church and attending Mass here will have to register and wait three months before beginning preparation.

 

2. Those who are not already registered at St. Patrick and who live in Warner Robins (north of GA Hwy 96) should contact their parish, Sacred Heart.

 

3. Parents must attend two Baptism Preparation classes. The first class, “Baptism and the Catholic Faith” (an overview of our faith) is conducted on the first Monday of every month at 6:30 pm. The second class, “The Rite of Baptism: Practical Concerns” is conducted on the third Sunday of every month after the last Mass.

Please schedule in advance with the secretary. Godparents are invited to attend.

 

4. At least one Godparent must be a practicing Catholic. Out of town Godparents must provide a letter from their own pastor as to their suitability to exercise this office.

 

5. The usual time for Baptism is during Mass on Saturday and Sunday.

 “Private” Baptisms can be performed at 4 pm on Saturday and 11:45 pm on Sunday. Our Deacons also celebrate Baptisms.

 

6. We welcome visiting priests and deacons to celebrate the Sacraments in our church however, we need to know the name and diocese or religious order for whom he ministers. This must be given to us at least a month prior to the Baptism.

 

1. Two years are required for preparation for First Communion and Confirmation with the sacrament conferred in the second year (Diocesan policy).

 

2. Children must be at least 7 years old to receive First Communion (by Canon Law) and at least 13 years old for Confirmation (Diocesan policy).

 

3. In order to enroll children at St. Patrick’s, one must be registered in the parish and attending Mass here.

 

a. Those not registered who live in WR or Bonaire North of GA Hwy 96 should go to Sacred Heart parish.

b. Those who live in Houston County South of GA Hwy 96 may register and enroll children for religious education here. (This is to preserve the integrity of parish boundaries between St. Patrick and Sacred Heart).

 

4. Those who move into the parish during the summer or in the course of the year may certainly register and enroll children in Religious Education. Those coming into second or eighth grades (sacrament classes) must show proof of one year of religious education at their former parish. A letter from the priest or director of religious education at the former parish will suffice. Such letters should be mailed by the former church directly

to St. Patrick’s parish office.

 

 

1. There must be at least 4 months preparation prior to the wedding date. (Preferably more).

 

2. For registered, contributing parishioners there is no fee for use of the church. All others: $400.00.

Those from Warner Robins, north of GA Hwy 96 should contact Sacred Heart Church, Warner Robins.

 

3. The use of slide shows or video presentations is prohibited.

 

4. Music must be live – no CD’s or other “canned music”.

 

a. The Catholic Church does not allow contemporary secular songs before, during, or after a wedding.

b. The church musicians are available, both keyboard and soloist. There is a fee for their services.

A wedding is a church liturgical celebration and not the time for amateur musicians “to gift” the couple with poor renditions of their favorite religious songs. Therefore, only musicians who know Catholic Liturgy can participate.

 

5. A wedding Mass will be celebrated only for two Catholics – at least one of whom attends Mass regularly.

a. Wedding Mass music must include the parts of the Mass: Alleluia, Holy,Holy, Acclamation of Faith, Amen, and Lamb of God – not simply a few hymns. (Consult the parish musicians).

b. The Wedding ceremony consists of The Liturgy of the Word: Reading(s), a psalm, the Gospel, a homily, plus the exchange of vows & rings followed by the Our Father, Nuptial blessing and dismissal.

 

6. St. Patrick’s does not, at present, have a hall suitable (or available) for even small receptions.

 

7. The wedding ceremony may be performed by a priest or deacon from the parish or by a visitor. (There must be a priest for Mass)

* Please note: We need the name of the visiting priest or deacon and the name of the Diocese or religious order he works for (or has retired from). This must be given to us at least a month prior to the wedding