Here at St. Gabriel Parish, we use the budget envelope system. All registered members of the parish, as well as new members who register, are provided with weekly budget envelopes.
When you use your budget envelopes, it makes it easier to confirm that you are a member of the parish when you request a Sponsor Certificate. This is necessary since the Sponsor certificate states that you are a registered member of the parish and in good standing with the Catholic Church.
In order to be in “good standing” with the Church you must be a baptized Catholic and Confirmed, if married you must be in a valid marriage according to the teachings of the Catholic Church, and you must fulfill your obligation to attend Mass on the weekend. If these requirements are met, you qualify for a Sponsor Certificate.
Please be aware that when you ask someone to be a sponsor for a Baptism or Confirmation, they must also meet the above requirements, so that they can confidently ask their Parish priest for a Sponsor Certificate. When choosing a Sponsor for your child, please do not put them in a position where a sponsor certificate might not be issued if all the requirements are not met.
Please contact Fr. Sudhir or Fr. John if you have any questions about these issues. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.