Question: Is it allowed for someone to be enrolled in two parishes? We are fortunate to have many choices, and one parish appears to better fulfill our formation requirements, while the other provides us with a diverse community that we appreciate.
— Donald R. McCrabb, Greenbelt, Maryland
Answer: It is allowed. Your situation is a frequent one nowadays, and both parishes might want to include you in their files to connect occasionally.
According to Canon Law, there should be no differences or prerequisites based on the issue of “registration” within a parish. The idea of registration is primarily an American notion—beneficial in many respects, yet not an obligatory requirement of Church law. A parish or pastor that denies the administration of sacraments or other services based on a person’s or family’s registration status is infringing upon the rights of those Catholics. There could be other canonical reasons that might lead a pastor or parish to postpone the granting of sacraments until specific criteria are fulfilled, but registration itself is not among these reasons.
In simple terms, it is not necessary to be “registered” in a parish for sacraments to be administered, nor for other requests, like “letters of good standing,” to be provided.
With that in mind, Catholics who do not actively engage in their faith in any substantial manner should not merely insist that pastors or parishes provide letters of good standing or assert that they are loyal Catholics if there is no proof of this. “Registration” serves as a method in the United States for organizing a parish and aiding in communication and community among its members. Committed Catholics typically value this and engage with parish efforts to bond and connect in meaningful ways. As a result, many pastors and parish personnel often question the legitimacy of those requesting letters of good standing, etc., who are otherwise unfamiliar to the parish’s staff and leadership. Documentation has impeccable recollection, and records of registration and continued contributions hold considerable significance in indicating consistent attendance and ongoing support for the church’s mission.
So, where does this position us? Religious leaders and church personnel should not approach registration as though it were mandated by law, as it is not. However, Catholics should also not decline the sensible request to register at the location they frequently attend.
Authentic piety
Question: What constitutes genuine piety? Several years back, someone remarked that I was gently pious, a characterization that, as a man, I found unflattering. So, what defines true piety?
— Name, location withheld
Answer: Piety originates from the Latin term pietas, which pertains to familial affection. This sets it apart from romantic affection, brotherly affection (the love of friends) and divine or transcendent affection. In familial love, we fulfill obligations we hold towards family traditions, festivities, and relatives, such as parents, elders, and siblings. We demonstrate this by upholding cohesion, aiding them in their requirements, and expressing fidelity and encouragement even during challenging moments or disputes.
Piety, within religious contexts, views the Church as a family. Consequently, it fosters allegiance to Church doctrines, involvement in her rituals and festivities, and a deep affection and commitment to God, the matters of God, and the People of God. Piety is demonstrated through consistent attendance at Mass and other devotional occasions and practices. It is also shown by a fervent prayerfulness that reveals faith and love.
Regarding the idea that piety does not appear to be a masculine quality, this would be an incorrect inference. Piety encompasses numerous robust and virile characteristics, including courageous resilience in an unpredictable environment, unwavering commitment to Church doctrines and practices, and a nurturing disposition that fosters the growth of God’s kingdom. Piety involves more than just a fondness for customs. Similar to family dynamics and affection (pietas), there is faithfulness, encouraging power, dedication to responsibility and respect for customs that serve as foundations of spiritual devotion.
Whispered words
Question: I’ve observed that the priest utters something after announcing the Gospel, but I’m unable to hear it. What does he say?
— Martin Moeller, Springfield, Massachusetts
Answer: Following the priest or deacon’s declaration, “the Gospel of the Lord,” the congregation replies, “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.” While the assembly is responding, the priest or deacon is instructed to say softly, “May the words of the Gospel cleanse us from our sins.” This is a time-honored prayer invoking the hope that the announcement of the Gospel’s truth will change us and our perceptions.
Msgr. Charles Pope is the pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian in Washington, D.C., and writes for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. at blog.adw.org. Send questions to msgrpope@osv.com.
