BAPTISM
REQUIREMENTS FOR BAPTISM AT OUR MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL
CATHOLIC CHURCH
We wish to welcome you for the baptism of
your child and we share in your joy.
Both parents of the child, and the two godparents, are required to attend a
baptismal preparation class. You may register for this class and schedule a
baptism through the parish office once the following criteria has been met:
1. Parents who are not currently listed in our parish registry, or do not
live within our parish are to contact their parish. At least one parent of the
child(ren) to be baptized must be a registered
and participating parishioner for at least three months before scheduling a
baptism.
2. At least one of the godparents must supply a letter
from his/her pastor stating that they are practicing Catholics, qualified
to be sponsors. "Practicing": meaning weekly attendance at Mass and
regular use of the Sacraments.
3. Only two sponsors will appear in the official Church records and on the
Baptismal certificate. Additional godparents may participate in the ceremony.
4. $75.00 is requested for each child to be baptized, which includes:
preparation class & materials, baptismal candle, processing, certificate,
and a stipend for the priest or deacon.
5. Baptism ceremonies are on specified Sundays only and are scheduled (in
Spanish) on the first Sunday of each month and (in English) on the third Sunday
of each month unless otherwise specified (Baptisms are not scheduled in October,
December, nor during Lent). Because of occasional conflicts, you are asked to
contact the parish office for the specific date offered in the month you are
considering.
6. Baptisms may be scheduled during a Sunday Mass only by special arrangement
and approval of the parish priest.
7. Children aged 7 years, whose parent(s) or legal guardian are registered
parishioners, must be enrolled in Our Mother of Good Counsel School or OMGC
religious education classes prior to receiving the Sacrament of Baptism.
Revised 1/08
CONFIRMATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (grades 9 & 10):
This is a two-year preparation program that runs from September through May,
with registration beginning in August for both first and second year. Applicants
must supply a copy of their Baptismal certificate and and both the candidate and
parents must be interviewed for acceptance. There are fees associated with this
program. The following forms are necessary: Confirmation contract, Medical
& Emergency forms, For more information or to
register, click here
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PREPARATION FOR STUDENTS (age 7 through grade 8):
First Communion classes for students not enrolled in our school are conducted
on Saturdays and Wednesdays from September through May. This is a two year
course beginning as early as age 7. Registration forms will be available from
the parish office beginning in August.
The Sacrament of Marriage
For a wedding to take place at Our Mother of Good
Counsel, one party must be a registered parishioner
for
at least six months before scheduling a wedding. Marriages must be scheduled at
least six months before the date of the wedding.
REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES:
Matrimony is a sacrament of the Church.
We are glad to celebrate this special event in the life of the Church
with you! Here are some of the
guidelines and policies of the Church as practiced here at Our Mother of Good
Counsel Parish.
We ask for
a six-month period of preparation at minimum for all couples preparing for this
lifetime commitment.
Certain conditions are necessary for
marriage in the Church.
At least one party should be connected
to Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish.
Items that must be addressed before a
date can be set for your wedding:
1. At
least one of the parties is a Roman Catholic.
2. An annulment or church document stating freedom to marry must first be
obtained by anyone who has been previously married.
3. Certificates: A recently issued (6 months old) certificate from
the church of Baptism is needed for all Catholic parties (photocopies and faxes
are not acceptable). Certificates of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation are
expected as well. Proof of baptism is needed for all non-Catholic Christians as
well.
4. Two affidavits of Freedom to Marry are each required of the bride and
groom.
5. A California Marriage License is required.
6. Marriage Preparation Class: An Engaged Encounter Weekend is required of
all. The priest/deacon may recommend, in addition, that you take a pre-Cana
course as well.
7. Meetings with the priest/deacon who is celebrating your marriage
ceremony. Each priest/deacon is responsible for asking you important questions
concerning your understanding of marriage, making sure you are free to marry in
the Catholic Church.
Items
that must be addressed once you’ve set your date:
1. The couple needs to set up an appointment with the
Wedding Coordinator. This can be arranged by contacting the parish office.
2. A rehearsal date and time is to be reserved through the
Wedding Coordinator. Please encourage all members of the wedding party to be on
time.
3. Flowers and, if desired, “unity” candles are to be provided by
the wedding party.
4. Cultural traditions are honored but must be addressed with the
priest/deacon and the wedding coordinator before the rehearsal date.
5. The wedding itself is to start on time. The statement that all
weddings start late is a myth.
6. Photography may not take place longer than ˝ hour after the
wedding. If the wedding starts late, the photographer may be asked to reduce
his/her camera work by the number of minutes the wedding was delayed.
7. Music: We suggest that music be used to enhance the prayerful mood
of your wedding ceremony. The parish has many qualified musicians and
vocalists we can recommend. We ask that liturgical (church) music be used
during your ceremony.
Fees
and stipends*:
$
500.00 Facilities fee
$150.00 Fee for marriage preparation by priest for marriages outside the parish
($100.00) Deposit to reserve date (credited to
facilities fee)
$100.00 Deacon (if requested or required)
stipend
$100.00 Fee
for parish wedding coordinator
-- required
$20.00
Stipend
per Altar Server (if requested)
The
stipend for the priest is left to the discretion of the couple.
Music*:
$100 - $350 (rehearsals are additional).
These fees are to be arranged directly with musicians. A
$75.00 bench fee will apply to outside musicians.
Flowers:
(to
be provided by wedding party)
*
commensurate with wedding expenses
A marriage license is good for 90 days and can be obtained at the Registrar
Recorder/County Clerk- Marriage License
• Norwalk Office-12400 E. Imperial Hwy (562) 46-.2137
• Van Nuys Office- 14340 W. Sylvan St. (818) 374-7176
• East Los Angeles Office- 716 E. Cesar Chavez (323) 260-2991
Balance
of fees and all paperwork, including the marriage license, is due no later than seven
business days prior to the ceremony date.
Please
be aware that we need to work with the other professionals you might have
contracted with for your celebration. All
photographers, and videographers are asked to meet with the Wedding Coordinator
prior to the ceremony and are expected to respect all boundaries. The liturgy is always the
priority: not the pictures. Photos may be taken after the wedding ceremony if
time permits. Flowers and Decorations also need to be appropriate. Please
make sure all your flowers and decoration boxes are removed after the ceremony.
We ask that the church is as tidy as it was when you entered! You are welcome to
leave floral arrangements in the church after your wedding but you must notify
the wedding coordinator first. All pew decorations need to be removed.
The following are not permitted:
-
runners
-
rice or birdseed
-
flowers thrown or dropped in church
-
flowers placed on the altar itself
-
flowers obstructing the view of the priest/deacon or
readers
-
flowers or decorations that restrict access in/out or
within a pew
The
following restrictions apply:
WE ASK THAT
YOU TAKE THE FOLLOWING PATRONS OF OUR PARISH BULLETIN INTO CONSIDERATION AS YOU
MAKE YOUR WEDDING PLANS: Jasmie's
Garden -- Unique Floral Designs 323.953.8899 Linda
Del Muro, hair stylist -- Alberto Salon 323.666.1042 The
Palace Authentic Chinese Cuisine -- Banquet Facility 323.667.1595 Chi
Dynasty -- Most unique & exotic Chinese cuisine for the gourmet 323.667.3393 Palermo
Ristorante Italiano -- 323.663.1178 Pero
della Santina -- Ballroom Dance Instructor -- wedding prep 323.401.6618
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