Why do I need to provide my child's Baptism Certificate?

The parish where your child was baptized is referred to as the "Parish of Record." This is the Parish
that is responsible for keeping a record of the Sacraments of Initiation (such as Communion) for each of their baptized members. Once your child celebrates First Communion, the Parish of Record must be
informed. We use the Baptism Certificate to identify the Parish of Record.

If I already submitted a Baptism Certificate to the Faith Formation Program or St. Raphael Catholic School (during registration for either), do I still need to provide a new copy?

Maybe. The Office of Lifelong Faith Formation has begun scanning Baptism Certificates into our
computer files. It's possible that yours is such a certificate. However, certificates submitted before 2013
may not be available. Suffice it to say, if we can't find a copy of the certificate in our records, yes, you'll
need to submit a new copy. The same is true for certificates submitted to the school.

Do you want an original Baptism Certificate?

No, please don't give us your original. You can scan and email us a copy. 

What if my child was baptized at St. Raphael?

As long as you can give us the date (usually the year is sufficient), we can look up the record in our
Parish's Book of Records. However, given that the Book of Records is handwritten and subject to human errors and omissions, there's still the possibility that we'll need you to provide a copy of your child's Baptism Certificate. Bottom line: store those certificates where you save your other important papers; it'll make life easier for all.

Why do we have to register at the parish? Our family has been going to Mass at St. Raphael's for years.

If your family is not listed in our Parish Database, you're not considered registered parishioners. Because Sacraments are celebrated as part of a parish community, parish registration is a requisite step in preparing to receive First Communion.

We registered years ago, why are we being asked to register again?

If you've been inactive for a certain period of time (ie. not involved in a parish ministry or no longer
using your offertory envelopes), your parish membership may have been deactivated. Re-activating is as simple (and necessary) as completing a Parish Registration Form.

What are the First Communion attire requirements?

Boys are asked to wear slacks and a dress shirt. Ties and jackets are optional. No tennis shoes. Girls are
asked not to carry purses, nor wear gloves. Girls may wear sandals or closed-toed shoes; tights, socks, or be bare-legged; veil or crown; tea-length or full-length dress. Neither boys nor girls should carry anything -- no rosaries, no prayer books, nothing to fiddle with.

Are pictures allowed during First Communion Mass?

No, but there will be ample time for photos on the Plaza and following Mass.

When can we take our child's Banner home?

You can retrieve your child's or youth's banner after the Mass; you'll find it adorning the front of the pews
in the Sanctuary.