Parish Policies

Mass Intentions: to arrange to have Mass said for someone, please contact the Parish office well in advance if you have a specific date in mind. Masses with no specific date are scheduled as they come up in rotation in the Mass register. Mass cards for both the living, (special intentions), and for the deceased are available in the Parish Office at no charge. The Mass stipend in the Archdiocese of St. Louis is $5.00. Annually, on the Feast of All Souls, we begin enrollment in the Parish Purgatorial Society. All members benefit from weekly Mass offered for the repose of their souls. 

Altar Flowers: The Art and Environment Committee provides flowers for the sanctuary throughout the Liturgical Year. In the annual Christmas Memorial Poinsettia Campaign, excess revenue helps to provide flowers for other seasons. Parishioners wishing to place flowers on the altar at special times of the year to mark an anniversary, birthday or special occasion may do so in consultation with the Art and Environment Committee. Flowers are not permitted during the season of Lent. During the summer months, we encourage donations from parishioner gardens. 

Hospital Visitation: Since hospitals no longer inform the rectory when parishioners are admitted, please call to let us know if you or a family member will be entering the hospital. In the hospital setting, the Pastoral Care Office arranges for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and bringing Holy Communion to the patients. 

Use of Parish Facilities: To arrange for the use of any of the parish facilities or meeting rooms, please call the Parish secretary. 

Baptismal Records: To request a Baptismal, Wedding, or First Communion record, please contact the Parish secretary. Please allow a day or two to find the record and a phone number where the Parish Secretary may contact you in case there is any question about locating the record. There is no charge for this service. For purposes of confidentiality, no one may peruse the records of Assumption Parish in an unsupervised way. 

Funerals: Catholics may be buried from any parish they choose. Assumption is happy to be able to assist its parishioners and their families in whatever way we can at the time of death in the family. Arrangements for the particulars of a funeral Mass may be made with a priest prior to the funeral. Members of the Post Funeral Luncheon Committee are willing to provide luncheons after funeral services for Parishioners only. 

Registration: To register at Assumption, newcomers are encouraged to register as soon as they move into the parish boundaries. Registration forms are available in the Parish Office. When changes occur in your registration, (new phone number, change of address, new or additional members of your family), please notify the Office so that our records can be kept as up-to-date as possible. At your request, your phone number (listed or unlisted) will not be made available through the Parish Office. Contribution envelopes are sent to all registered parishioners. If you do not intend to use envelopes, please advise us.

Parish Communications

 
Any family needs to have good lines of communication to keep one another informed of family life. This is especially true of a parish family with over 2100 families oftentimes needing to keep abreast of activities. 

The Parish Bulletin: is our weekly means of communication and information. Everyone is urged to read the bulletin each week. There are things that appear here that are not found anywhere else. Items for the bulletin must be submitted to the Parish Office, in writing, no later than Monday at noon, or dropped in the collection on weekends. Non-parish information will be published as space permits. 

The Pastor’s Column: is a weekly opportunity by the Pastor to share with Parishioners items of interest and reflections for spiritual growth. Generally it refers to items of interest, to current events in the parish, matters of faith and spiritual development, and practical pastoral points of interest. 

Pulpit Announcements: are usually reserved for those things that are happening right after Mass or items of importance that didn’t make it into the bulletin. 

Parish Newsletter: is published four (4) times a year, (March, June, September, December) to update parishioners on events, happenings and people of our Parish community. The Newsletter Committee is currently being revived. 

Church Bulletin Boards: serve as a vehicle for general information of interest to Assumption Parishioners. Notices should be appropriate to the Parish. All items posted are removed in a timely manner, and subject to the discretion of the Pastor. 

Bulletin Inserts: are used sometimes when 1.) the information is too lengthy for a bulletin announcement, or 2.) special attention needs to be drawn to a particular circumstance or event. All inserts to the bulletin need the approval of the Pastor. 

Handouts to Parishioners: are not allowed on parish property by secular organizations or political candidates. Assumption does not authorize the placing of flyers on parishioners’ car windshields at any time. 

Parish Mailings: come from Parish Organizations or the Church Office itself. All such mailings to Assumption Parishioners must be authorized by the Pastor. No individual or organization may identify itself as an agent of Assumption without proper authorization.

Parish Phone Lists: can be made available to Parish Organizations for Parish functions or information. Parishioners who list their phone numbers as “unlisted” in this directory will automatically be removed from the Parish Phone List. Those organizations that use the phone list are instructed to 1.) identify themselves as an Assumption Parish Organization and 2.) politely terminate the message as soon as any parishioner says he or she is not interested. The Parish Phone List is not made available to individuals or businesses. 

Parish Time and Talent Resource Directory: contains much useful information for Assumption Parishioners. If you find any mistakes, or you notice that something has been left out, please contact the Parish Secretary. This Directory is for Parishioner use only. No one is authorized to give this directory to anyone who is not a member of Assumption Parish.

Parish Finances

 
Discussion of finances is a necessary part of parish life as we live as faithful stewards of the Lord’s gifts. The offerings of the faithful for the Building of God’s Kingdom involve the offering of our treasures to keep the operations of the parish ministries and assets functioning well. Catholics of Assumption Parish have time and time again proven a generous love and support for their Parish and the Universal Church. Catholics are urged to assess their situation and make a decision to give based upon faith. The Bible suggests tithing as the proper response to God’s gifts; returning to God a portion right off the top of the blessings we have received from Him. In addition we are called to faithful stewardship, which involves offering not only our treasures, but a portion of our time and talents as well. Assumption can be proud of the way parishioners strive to live this call. We need the support and involvement of all parishioners to accomplish our mission. 

The Weekly collection: is the ordinary way parishioners donate their treasures to the Parish. Every parishioner is encouraged to use contribution envelopes or register for Electronic Giving via the Parish Website at assumptionstl.org. Please be generous in giving according to your means for “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7) 

Special Collections: are taken up at Church throughout the year for various ministries and apostolates of the Church Universal. These are designated by our Archdiocese. Parishioners are asked to give to special collections according to their choice. The very fact that we have a special collection does not mean that everyone is expected to donate. Give as your heart dictates. 

The Annual Archdiocesan Catholic Appeal: is an annual campaign of our whole local Church to address the needs of charitable and administrative ministries. Each April, the Church of St. Louis joins together in this campaign which benefits over 200,000 people annually.

Parish Fundraisers: are held from time to time. These are meant not only for our financial stability and ministries, but also to strengthen the bonds of community in our Parish family as well. All parishioners are urged to participate in fund raisers. The annual Picnic, the First Sunday of June, is the Parish’s main fund raiser. Monies raised help support our parish school and ministry programs. 

Wills and Bequests: are wonderful ways to remember Assumption and help to secure a sound future. This form of contribution allows you to make use of funds in daily life while earmarking these for the Church when you no longer need them. To leave funds or property to Assumption in your will, simply identify the gift you wish to leave to “Assumption Parish of Mattese” You might also consider naming Assumption the beneficiary on insurance policies, annuities, etc. 

Assumption Day School

             Since the parish began in 1839, one of the primary ministries of Assumption has been the education and formation of our children. Assumption Day School has been a means for parents to realize the mandate of Jesus to make disciples. The success of any Catholic School is only achieved with a great deal of sacrifice by committed parents, dedicated faculty and staff, and generous parishioners. Working together for a century and a half, Assumption parishioners can boast a quality educational environment for our youth to grow into the hope of the future. The transfer of faith from one generation to the next is a major goal of our faith, received from Christ Himself. At Assumption Parish we reverence the rich heritage we have received from the past and continue to build for a bright future of faith.

            Besides providing religious education, sacramental preparation, liturgical experiences and charitable opportunities, Assumption Day School provides an excellent up-to-date secular education in a Catholic environment. The focus of our program is Reverence, Respect and Responsibility. From Kindergarten to 8^th Grade, our students can favorably compare to students in any other Parochial, Private, or Public Schools.

            Our dedicated faculty and staff is ably led by Mrs. Cyndi Hasten, Principal. Our facilities are well equipped to meet the demands and challenges of modern education and technology. Students at Assumption are taught the value of Christian discipline which strives to develop self-discipline for the future. Working together, Faculty, students, and Parents, we form one community of faith, responsible to one another for the welfare of the spiritual and academic needs of our youth.

            Parental involvement is a real asset at Assumption Parish. – one which is greatly appreciated and which allows our school to accomplish so much. An active Home and School Association, School Board, Room Mothers, and many volunteers, have provided many benefits to our children.

            Over the past decade, parishioners have made generous sacrifices to improve our school facilities, making Assumption School a modern environment ready for the demands of this new Millennium.

            Currently, the Parish subsidizes the budget of Assumption Day School by an estimate of 28%. Tuition for one child at Assumption is collected on a monthly basis.. Our annual Picnic helps to support the School by annually contributing $20,000 to the operating budget. All school families are expected to also financially support the parish to the best of their abilities, offering Time, Talents, and Treasures. While no child will be denied a Catholic education because of an inability to meet financial obligations, everyone must do his or her best. A special Tuition Assistance Program, the Partners in Education Fund, assists families experiencing financial difficulties. For application or any special financial needs, please contact the Pastor. No registration is complete, and no records will be forwarded to another school, until the previous year’s financial obligations have been resolved.           

For more information, please call the School Office:

Mrs. Cyndi Hasten at 487-6520 (21)

Mrs. Mary Meyer at 487-6520 (23)

Every child of Assumption deserves the best religious education and faith formation opportunity possible. For children attending Public Schools, Assumption provides an Evening School program (PSR) of education and faith formation on Monday evenings in one session at 6:30 p.m. Beginning shortly after Labor Day each Fall, the program continues through the School year until mid May.

Mrs. Donna Koppy, Coordinator of Religious Education, is the Principal for our Parish School of Religion. Faculty members are generous parishioners offering their time and talent as a ministry of service to our parish children attending local Public Schools.

In addition to religious education, Assumption PSR provides Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist (2^nd Grade) and Confirmation (8^th Grade). Assumption Parish School of Religion strives to make every effort to insure that all its students have received the Sacraments appropriate to their age level.

Because of the limitations on the class time, homework and parental involvement in the faith formation of their children are especially needed. It is expected that all families weekly practice their faith by attendance at Sunday Mass. Parents are the ‘primary educators’ of their children in the ways of faith and this is especially true for those whose children attend a secular school environment. Parental involvement and support of the PSR program is essential if we are to accomplish a firm foundation of faith in our youth. Example by parents reinforces lessons taught in the Assumption Parish School of Religion program.

            The Parish supports the PSR program by providing classroom space and teachers. Parents are asked to support the Assumption Parish School of Religion program by paying a nominal tuition fee per child. While no child will be denied access to the PSR program due to an inability to pay, all must do their part to ensure a well-run program of faith formation. Special financial arrangements and application to the Parish Partners in Education Fund need to be made by contacting the Pastor.

For more Information, Please contact:

Mrs. Donna Koppy at 487-7970 (Ext. 1219)

Mrs. Denise Riek at 487-7970 (Ext. 1217)

Sacramental Policies

 
Baptism:
            Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church. In Baptism the person becomes a child of God and heir of heaven. The journey of faith and discipleship begin, original sin is washed clean, and the newly baptized becomes part of the Family of God.

            Children of Catholic parents should be baptized soon after birth so that after the gift of natural life, the supernatural life of grace may commence. As Catholics, we believe in the process of salvation that begins in Holy Baptism. A person is ‘saved’ in the waters of Baptism and continues throughout life to be saved again and again as they grow in grace. Our ultimate salvation comes when we enter eternal life in God’s glorious Kingdom of Heaven.

            For a child to be baptized at Assumption Parish, the parents need to be registered, practicing members of the Church. However, no child will be refused Baptism on this basis alone. As a parent requests to have their baby baptized, the Church has a minimal expectation that they will see to it that the child has the opportunity to grow in faith and continue the journey of discipleship.

            To arrange for a baptism, please call the Parish Office. A Baptismal Information Packet, including a registration form is to be filled out and returned to the office indicating when the parents and godparents plan to attend a Baptism Class of instruction on the Sacrament. Expectant parents are encouraged to attend the monthly Baptismal Preparation Class prior to the birth of their child. If parents have attended a prior Baptism Class and are arranging a second Baptism, they need not attend another Class, rather they will simply fill out the Registration form and specify the date of the Baptism.

        According to Church Law, a child must have at least one godparent (sponsor) who is a baptized and confirmed member of the Catholic Church; at least 16 years of age. Parents may not be sponsors for their own child’s Baptism. One who is not Catholic, but certainly a good Christian, may act as sponsor. The choice of godparents is an important one, as these make a firm promise to assist parents in their duties as Christian parents. 

Those who are not registered members of Assumption, but have family or genuine pastoral reasons to do so, may request their child to be baptized at Assumption. A letter of permission from their proper pastor is expected, attesting to their participation in the faith life of their parish.

        Baptisms are normally held following the Noon Mass at 1:15pm. One of the priests or deacons of the parish officiates at Baptism. For pastoral reasons and special circumstances, other arrangements are possible.

        No specific offering is expected for a Baptism. If parents wish to make an offering to the Church, this is gratefully accepted.

            Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church, and particularly a member of Assumption Parish, will be warmly welcomed. As a Parish Family, we seek to be a welcoming community of faith with our doors open to all who genuinely seek the Lord, desire to live the Gospel, and are willing to accept the discipline and faith of the Roman Catholic Church.

            If you know someone who is interested in the Church and has shown a desire to join us, please refer him/her to the Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation, Ms. Tucker. They will be contacted and invited to participate in our R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program.

            Beginning each summer, informal inquiry sessions are held prior to the RCIA program beginning in September. Continuing through the year up to Easter, the RCIA is a program of education and faith formation in the teachings, practices and prayers of the Catholic Faith. RCIA sessions are held on Tuesdays at 7pm in the Church basement. Those in the RCIA program also are presented to the parish at various ceremonies that occur during Sunday liturgies marking stages of growth. An annual retreat occurs in January at which time candidates discern their decision to pursue initiation. On Holy Saturday, the eve of Easter, those seeking to join the Church are welcomed and celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation. Persons validly baptized in another Christian Church are not re-baptized but make a Profession of Faith in the Catholic Church. Adults who become Catholic at the Easter Vigil are usually confirmed and share the Eucharist for the first time with their new parish family. A brief period of instruction in living the faith continues for several weeks after Easter. 

Holy Communion (Eucharist):

            In the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist we truly become one with Christ and one another as we receive His Body and Blood. The Real Presence of Christ in the form of bread and wine has been the perpetual teaching of the Church. In Holy Communion, Christ is given as real food for our pilgrim journey to the eternal banquet feast of Heaven. Reception of the Lord’s Body and Blood in Holy Communion signifies and is a communion with Christ and His Mystical Body, the Church.

    As regulated by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Church states:

For Catholics: Catholics fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when they receive Holy Communion in fulfillment of Christ’s command to "eat His Body" and "drink His Blood." In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, Catholics should not be conscious of grave sin, have fasted for one hour, and seek to live in charity with their neighbors. Persons conscious of grave sin must first be reconciled with God and the Church through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A frequent reception of this Sacrament is encouraged for all. 

For other Christians: We welcome to the celebration of the Eucharist those Christians who are not fully united with us. It is a consequence of the sad division in Christianity, that we cannot extend to them a general invitation to receive Communion. Catholics believe that the Eucharist is an action of the celebrating community signifying a oneness in faith, life and worship. Reception of the Eucharist by Christians not fully united with us would imply a oneness which does not yet exist, and for which we must all pray. 

For those not receiving Communion: Those not receiving Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another.

•   We also welcome to our Church those who do not share our faith in Jesus. While we cannot extend to them an invitation to receive Communion, we do invite them to be united with us in prayer.
• Ordinarily speaking, Catholics may receive Holy Communion anytime they attend Mass, even if it is more than once a day.
• Catholics should not receive Communion in a non-Catholic Church
• If you have any questions, please call the Pastor.

Communion Calls: Those unable to attend Mass due to infirmity, disability or advanced age can arrange to have Holy Communion brought to them in their home. Please call the Parish Office to make arrangements.

RECONCILIATION (Penance, Confession)

            Jesus Christ gave His apostles the “power of the Keys,” saying to them, “Whose sins you shall forgive are forgiven them. Whose sins you shall hold bound are held bound." Knowing our human weakness, the Lord left us the Sacrament of Reconciliation to bring healing to our souls, wounded by sin.

            Assumption celebrates the Sacrament each Saturday prior to the 5:00pm Mass from 4:00pm to 4:45pm.

            All Catholics are encouraged to make frequent use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a regular part of their spiritual lives, especially during the penitential season of Lent, and a preparation for Christmas. By Church Law, those conscious of grave sin must confess their sins as soon as possible to worthily receive our Lord in the Eucharist. If you have any questions, please consult one of the priests.           

Penance Services: Each year during Advent and Lent, Assumption Parish joins with Mary, Mother of the Church, our neighbor Parish, for Communal Penance Services. Several confessors are available at these services so that greater numbers of penitents may receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in a communal setting. Please check the bulletin for dates and times when these services are held.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

            The Sacrament of the Sick is given to us by Christ to strengthen us in Body and Soul when we experience the effects of serious illness. Generally speaking, those who are in advanced age, (75 and above), those facing surgery, those with terminal illnesses or those facing life-threatening situations may request the Sacrament of the Anointing. One can be anointed many times.

            Families of those who are dying or are in danger of death should notify the priest immediately so arrangements can be made for the Sacrament. In these times, the Sacrament is given as a special strength to bring peace and comfort to those ready to make their final journey home to the Lord.

            Call the rectory anytime in an emergency situation.

CONFIRMATION

            With Baptism and Eucharist, Confirmation completes the Sacraments of Initiation. In Confirmation, we are anointed as adult members of the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit to profess, defend and explain the faith. 

Children: Children of Assumption are prepared for Confirmation in 8^th Grade. The date for this annual celebration is determined by assignment from the Archbishop’s Office.

Adults: Those not initiated at the Easter Vigil may be Confirmed by contacting the Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation. In the Archdiocese of St. Louis, those who have been Baptized and received the Eucharist, but have not been Confirmed, are invited to join the whole local Church in a special Confirmation Mass on Pentecost Sunday at the Cathedral-Basilica each year. Shortly after Easter, a notice will appear in the weekly bulletin announcing this Mass and inviting adult Catholics to contact the Ms. Tucker to make arrangements for Confirmation on Pentecost. 

MATRIMONY

            In the Sacrament of Matrimony, a man and a woman, commit themselves to a perpetual, faithful, and fruitful life together and, in so doing, the two become one in Christ.

            For a complete copy of the marriage policies of Assumption Parish, please contact the Parish Office. In brief, the following should be kept in mind: 

The Common Marriage Policy for All Dioceses of Missouri was written to guide and direct marriage preparation in every Catholic parish in our State. What is not covered by this Common Policy is governed by the universal Law of the Catholic Church.

The Common policy calls for couples to contact the Church at least six months prior to the proposed date for the wedding. This is no guarantee that the couple has adequate time to prepare for this Sacrament or to complete the following:

• A Pre-Marriage Investigation administered by the priest to help the couple determine their freedom to marry in the Catholic Church.

• The Foccus Instrument – an objective compatibility survey.

• Marriage Classes which serve to instruct the couple on the spiritual, emotional, financial, and relational aspects of marriage and child rearing.

• Planning the Wedding Liturgy.

            One of the parties to be married must be a registered member of Assumption Parish; the son or daughter of a parishioner; or have a letter from the Pastor of the parish where he or she is registered. Parishioners are given priority of wedding dates.

            Weddings can be arranged for Friday evenings or Saturdays between 9:00am and 2:00pm (starting times).

            Catholics marrying another Catholic are normally married at a Nuptial Mass. Those marrying a baptized Christian may be married at Mass, but need to be aware of the number of non-Catholics who will attend their wedding and not be able to join in Holy Communion. Those marrying a baptized Christian are regularly married in a liturgy which does not involve Communion. Catholics marrying a non-Baptized person are not permitted to have Mass.

            Weddings at Assumption are not permitted during Lent due to the penitential nature of the season.

            Couples who are cohabiting before marriage need to discuss this situation with the priest in marriage counseling. Couples ought to plan to separate for at least six (6) months before their wedding.

            The ordinary offering to the Church for a wedding is $150.00 for Parishioners and $300.00 for non-Parishioners.