Below are answers to our parishioners' frequently asked questions.
Why do we not observe some Holy Days of Obligation?
If a Holy Day -- other than Christmas or Immaculate Conception -- falls on a Saturday or a Monday, while the feast itself is celebrated, there is no obligation for the faithful to attend Mass. For instance, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (New Year's Day) fell on a Saturday on January 1, 2005. Thus, it was not observed as a Holy Day of obligation.
Why is Baptism held during Mass?
Baptism is one of the "Sacraments of initiation" -- the others being Confirmation and Eucharist. Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life -- the entrance which gives access to the other sacraments. Through baptisms we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission (cf. Catholic Catechism, #1213).
When we come to Mass on Sunday, we celebrate and give thanks for our membership in Christ. Celebrating Baptisms during Mass reminds us of our own initiation into Christ as we give thanks for the newest and sometimes youngest member(s) of our faith community. By celebrating Baptism during Mass we are renewed, refreshed and invigorated.
What happened to the practice of confession?
Very often when our understanding of an important reality in our social or spiritual life deepens, we seek other terminology which more adequately expresses that newer understanding.
Before Vatican II, we spoke of "going to confession." The phrase conjured up the image of a person under a spotlight with the shadowy figure of a prosecutor saying "Confess!" Later we began to speak of the Sacrament of Penance. This terminology emphasized the need for us to change our lives but also retained a negative aspect.
With the deeper understanding of the gift of forgiveness that Jesus gave to his church, we now characterize the sacrament as the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The term brings to mind the image Jesus Himself gave us of the Father welcoming home his prodigal son.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation was the gift of forgiveness that Jesus brought from God to his people. This gift permeates the life of the Church. The grace of the sacrament is too narrowly confined to the practice of individual private confession. It also is operating in the penitential rite that begins every celebration of the Eucharist, in the communal Penance Services that mark our sacred seasons, and in the forgiveness we extend to and receive from our sisters and brothers.
What are the procedures and requirements for getting married at St. Stephen's?
If you wish to get married at St. Stephen of Hungary Church, plan to call the parish office six (6) months in advance. When you call, make an appointment to meet with one of the priests.
On the day of your appointment, be sure that both parties bring a copy of their baptismal certificates with notations on the back.
All couples must attend Pre-Cana. You can pick up a booklet with information about Pre-Cana at the rectory. In this booklet , there is a registration form. You will have to fill this out and send to the Archdiocesan office at 1011 First Avenue.
How Did St. Bonaventure Influence the Franciscan Order?
Bonaventure lived in exciting times, the 13th Century, once called "the Greatest of Centuries". Born in the Papal States, at the age of twenty he studied at the University of Paris. There he entered the Franciscan Order about 1243. After teaching, writing and administering in the University, which was then torn apart by bitter quarrels, he was elected minister general of an increasingly divided Franciscan order (1257). However, as general, he gave both intelligent and conciliatory leadership for seventeen years. His work shaped the fundamental directions of the Franciscans for generations.
During his time as general, he composed a famous "Life of St. Francis," which became the official biography of the Founder. His spiritual treatises, including the famous "Journey of the Soul into God," established him as an original thinker and mystical theologian. His thought and insights influenced many spiritual writers in subsequent centuries. There has been a great revival of interest in his understanding of God, the created universe and the relationship between God and the human soul.
In 1273, Bonaventure was appointed cardinal bishop of Albano -- and so was enabled to take a prominent part in organizing the Second Council of Lyon. He died either during or after the Council.
Saint Bonaventure was canonized in 1482, and his feast day is July 15. In 1588, he was declared a "Doctor of the Church." He is known as "The Seraphic Doctor."
