First, registering with a parish is only a formality to help a parish identity patterns of local church behavior. Much like a census, it does not bestow any rights or privileges upon individuals.
As church law, a "parishioner" is someone who physically resides in the local church district, regardless if they attend this church or not - East of 5, South of Mesa, North of the 78 and West of Melrose.
Each local church is duty-bound to attend to the needs of its residential parishioners, especially regarding Baptisms, first Sacraments, weddings and funerals, regardless if they worship there.
Registering often marks a personal full time commitment to be a continuous and active attendee of a church and to associate yourself with its mission and ministry.
It helps the pastor identify his flock and be better able to plan his ministry, knowing the particular needs of the parish, his parishioners, and their families. A parish is better equipped for ministry when it knows the accurate size of the flock as well. It also allows you to highlight your gifts, interests, and needs, and how you might be of service to the parish community.
If you already live in the immediate Oceanside area (East of 5, South of Mesa, North of the 78 and West of Melrose), whether you attend here or not, St. Margaret is your home parish.
However, if you come from outside the parish district, you can register your personal longtime commitment to attend St. Margaret's to worship here.
To register as a parishioner, please fill out a New Parishioner Form. The forms are located near the entrance of the church in the top of the pamphlet racks. Completed forms can be returned in the office door mail slot. The office is located near the women's restrooms inside the church.
Please note, that the only record we will have that you do in fact attend regularly, is if you continually use an offering envelope/check with your name and address on it, supporting the work of the parish.
Please don't! Even if you give to the parish through the online offering, when you attend Mass, place "something" in the basket or offering box with your name and address, even an empty envelope!
By doing this, you are giving a good example to the person next to you of the importance of giving -- whether it be of your time, talent, or treasure.
Hint: Keep your offering envelopes in the glove compartment of your car, or use one from the pew.
Pastors discourage “jumping” from one parish to another as it prevents you from building a healthy relationship with a parish community.
The pastor wants to know his flock and to count on them as faithful members “in good times and in bad."
Who is your pastor? Unfortunately, people who go from parish to parish cannot always answer this question very well.
If you are registered with another parish and plan to make St. Margaret's your regular place of Sunday worship, it would be a courtesy to let your former parish know. If you live outside of the parish boundaries, or even outside of the county, you still remain a parishioner of your local home parish, but we are happy to have you associate also with us, and we will help as best we can while you attend.