A Middle States
Accredited
Elementary School
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Message from Fr. Nick The Importance of Parish During this past year, we at St. Michael's have been reviewing the five precepts of the Catholic Church. The precepts give us directions about the Mass, confession, communion, fasting and membership in a parish, as you know.
The church is organized into communities called parishes. Why do we need parishes? What value do they have? Why should we belong to parishes? Parishes help- us in many ways. They are the places where we go to hear and understand the Word of God and it is hearing the Word of God that deepens our faith. In addition, parishes are the places where we celebrate the sacraments. Remember that sacraments are gifts from God where we meet with Jesus and where he ministers to us. Parishes also give us a place where we can live in community, where we can know and love others and where we can be known and loved. Most people want some sense of community and the parish offers a community where Christ is at the center. The fifth precept of the Catholic Church directs us to be an active part of a parish. Being an active part of a parish is good for us, for our children and it strengthens the parish too.
As you know, St. Michael's School recently joined the Sussex County Academy of Catholic Schools. Our revised registration packet includes a covenant document. This covenant indicates a three part commitment to a parish that supports St. Michael School. The three elements of commitment are spiritual, social and financial. You will meet with your pastor to discuss this covenant. This meeting to discuss the covenant provides a great opportunity for both you and your pastor to know each other better and for you and your family to enter more deeply into the life of the Church in your parish. This process offers us all a wonderful opportunity!
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