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In my years as a priest, even before I was named pastor of Holy Family, I would often be asked to attest to an individual seeking to be a godparent. Unfortunately, many times it was a person who was not a practicing Catholic, yet wanted me to indicate that he or she was fit to be a godparent. I thought that it might be a good idea then to visit the role of godparents and sponsors in the Catholic Church.
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As we may recall, the early Church was fiercely persecuted. Many seeking baptism and admission into the Church had to do so in secret. Sponsors, therefore, became a necessary condition to attest to the integrity of the candidate. It was a way for the Church to ensure that the person seeking baptism was not a spy and that he or she was actually sincere in their desire to live the Catholic faith. In the case of infants, the sponsor - or in Latin 'patrinus': 'godfather' - would take on the responsibility of making a profession of faith on behalf of the child and assist his or her parents in their education in the faith.
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I'm not sure how it came about but there is a false idea that godparents take on the role of parents if something should happen to a child's biological parents. This is false. The role of a godparent hinges on being a witness. A godparent must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic, one who strives to live the Catholic faith by attending Mass regularly (weekly), making use of the Sacrament of Confession as needed, practices daily prayer, and who lives by the principles of the Catholic faith - loving God and neighbor. A person who does not attend Mass, is in an irregular marriage, whose life stands in opposition to the morals and principles of the Catholic disqualifies him or herself from being a godparent. The Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church (para. 874) explicitly lays out these requirements. Choosing a godparent, therefore, should not be based on blood relationship or friendship. A godparent, which is a special role in a child's life, as well as a sponsor for Confirmation, ought be a person whose life bears witness to the Catholic faith, it must be someone who is trustworthy in helping their godchild attain salvation. Choose wisely then!
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Summerfest 2021: Mark your calendars for Sunday August 29, 2021 for our annual - post-covid Summerfest Parish Picnic, 11:30am-3pm. Tickets are $12/person ($15 at the door). Children 10 and under are FREE. Pre-sale tickets are on sale this weekend July 24 & 25th after all Masses. You can also purchase them in the office.
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The Stanley Kawecki Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the Holy Family Parish Knights of Columbus Council, will be holding a golf outing on September 12, 2021 at the Northfield Golf Club. Entry fee is $100 and limited to 28 golfers. All the proceeds will go to fund the scholarship. A dinner will be provided. Please contact the Knights or the parish office for more information.
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Donations are still being accepted for the Altar Rails. $3,900 has been donated so far. A drawing of the completed project is on display in the back hallway of the church. Thank you for your support thus far!
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Take and Eat Ministry is looking for volunteers… Please contact Deacon Rod for more information and to sign up.
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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesdays 12pm, concluding with Benediction at 6pm.
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Confessions are held on Wednesdays at 5pm; Saturdays at 3pm and by appointment.
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There is no new Coffee with FJ, but if you didn't catch the last episode, see below:
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Support Holy Family
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when you shop at Amazon with Amazon Smile!
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Click the image below to set Holy Family as your charity!
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Holy Family Roman Catholic Church
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