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THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

We wish to welcome you for the baptism of your child and we share in your joy. 


REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM AT OUR MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ADHERENCE TO CANON LAW:


REGISTERING IN THE PARISH: Parents of the child to be baptized must be registered members of Our Mother of Good Counsel for at least three months prior to the baptism. If you are not already registered you may do so by downloading the registration/stewardship form or submitting a completed "online" registry form (either can be found at the top of this page). For those families registering from outside our parish boundaries, you will be required to make a commitment of "Time, Talent, or Treasure" to our parish.

SELECTING GODPARENTS: Parents are encouraged to attend a class* prior to the birth of their baby, as the godparents should be carefully chosen. Godparents play a very important role in your child's spiritual life and should serve as role models of the faith, and should not be the child's own parent or grandparent. The child should be able to look to their godparent as an example of how the church teaches us to live our Catholic faith. In their role, a godparent represents the larger Church community. Therefore, is not only an honor, it is a tremendous responsibility. 

*GODPARENT SELECTION CLASS: This class should be scheduled before any other baptismal arrangements are made. You may schedule this class by contacting the parish office at 323-664-2111. 

The Catholic Church has provided guidelines to help you as parents choose the best possible godparents for your child: 

  • A child must have at least one practicing Roman Catholic godparent in good standing with the Church.  "Practicing": meaning weekly attendance at Mass and regular use of the Sacraments. 
  • This Catholic godparent must be at least 16 years old and be mature enough to understand, accept and carry out the duties of a godparent. 
  • A godparent must have received the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. 
  • A godparent must be living an exemplary life consistent with faith and morals as taught by the Roman Catholic Church. 
  • A godparent must be actively practicing the faith. (A non-Catholic, baptized Christian may be chosen as a "Christian Witness", as long as one godparent is a practicing Catholic.)
  • Only two sponsors may appear in the official Church records and on the Baptismal certificate. Additional honorary godparents may participate in the ceremony.

CERTIFICATION OF GODPARENT: At least one of the godparents--including members Our Mother of Good Counsel--must supply a Sponsorship Letter signed with the parish seal by both the godparent and his/her pastor stating that they are practicing Catholics, qualified to be sponsors. 

FAMILY DONATION: A $75.00 Family Donation 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. 

BAPTISMAL CLASS: 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 above criteria has been met. Godparents located out of the immediate area of Our Mother of Good Counsel may take the class at another parish and provide proof of attendance.

SCHEDULING THE SACRAMENT: Baptism ceremonies are scheduled at 2:00 p.m. on specific Sundays: (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 scheduling conflicts, you are asked to contact the parish office for the specific date offered in the month you are considering.

Children aged 7 years and over, 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 03/10

THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

CONFIRMATION for High School students

This is a two-year preparation process that runs from September through May, with registration beginning in August for both first and second years. Students typically begin Confirmation in 9th grade and finish the spring of 10th grade. Applicants must supply a copy of their Baptismal certificate 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

Revised 04/10

THE SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST

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. Regular Mass attendance on Sunday is expected of these candidates and their parents. Registration forms will be available from the parish office beginning in August.

For information on religious education for your children, click here.

Revised 03/10

THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE

Matrimony is a Sacrament of the Church.  We are glad to celebrate this special event in the life of the Church with you!  Please review the guidelines and policies of the Church as practiced here at Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish. 

REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES:

Certain conditions are necessary for marriage in the Roman Catholic Church according to Canon Law. 

For a wedding to take place at Our Mother of Good Counsel, at least one party must be a participating and registered parishioner for at least six months before scheduling the first appointment with the priest. Registration is required for any adult 18 years and older regardless of whether their parents are already registered. Once this first requirement has been met, you may contact the priest to schedule an appointment date.

Items that must be addressed before a date can be set for your wedding:

  1. Parish registration requirement has been met.
  2. A six-month period of preparation (at minimum) for all couples preparing for this lifetime commitment. 
  3. At least one of the parties is a Roman Catholic. 
  4. An annulment or church document stating freedom to marry must first be obtained by anyone who has been previously married.
  5. 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). Proof of baptism is also required for all non-Catholic Christians.  
  6. Certificates of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation are expected as well. 
  7. Two affidavits of Freedom to Marry are each required of the bride and groom.
  8. 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.  A California Marriage License is required (**see below). 
  2.  Marriage Preparation Classes: An Engaged Encounter Weekend is required of all. The priest/deacon may recommend, in addition, that you take a pre-Cana course as well.  
  3. Subsequent scheduled meetings with the priest/deacon who is celebrating your marriage ceremony. 
  4. The couple needs to set up an appointment with the Wedding Coordinator. This can be arranged by contacting the parish office.  
  5. 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.
  6. Flowers and “unity” candles (if desired) are to be provided by the wedding party.  
  7. Music is to be arrange for and to be provided by the wedding party. 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. Any music be used during your ceremony must be liturgical.
  8. Cultural traditions are honored but must be addressed with the priest/deacon and the wedding coordinator before the rehearsal date.
  9. The wedding itself is to start on time. The statement that all weddings start late is a myth.  
  10. 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.

Fees and stipends*:

$ 500.00   Facilities fee (*)

*$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 Contact coordinator: dmgibbs.omgcparish@gmail.com 

$20.00     Stipend per Altar Server (if requested)

The stipend for the priest is left to the discretion of the couple (traditionally $100 - $200).  

$150.00    Fee for marriage preparation by priest for marriages taking place in another parish and/or state.

Music*:    These fees are  to be arranged directly with musicians. 

* commensurate with wedding expenses and to be arranged for by wedding party

**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.  

Revised 03/10

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:

  • Photographers may not be in the sanctuary during the ceremony

  • Photographers may not interrupt the ceremony for a picture  

 

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

Piero della Santina -- Ballroom Dance Instructor -- wedding prep 323.401.6618

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