How do I become a parishioner of St. Raphael's?
We welcome you to our parish. You are an important part of our faith community not only on Sundays but all through the week.
If you would like to become a registered parishioner of the parish, please hit this button with your cursor and you will find a registration form. All you have to do is complete the form and send it to us at the address on the form; fax it to us on the number on the form or e-mail it to us by saving and attaching the completed form to STRaphaelRCC@comcast.net.
What is expected of me/us in becoming parishioners?
Because of our Baptism, all of us are called to be members of a faith community and to share our time, our talent and our treasure within the Church and with the world.
We invite you to celebrate with us here as a faith community at the weekend liturgies.
Here it is that you can show your gratitude to God and worship with other people like yourself who are called to an ever-deepening love relationship with God, with others and with yourself.
There are many ways of which you can share your time, talent and treasure within the faith community. We are also reminded by our Lord and brother, Jesus Christ, that our mission is to bring the Good News of God's love and reconciliation to the work place, to school, to our neighborhoods, to our families and friends and to those we find it difficult to love. Click on this button to find out more about the ministries at St. Raphael's.
How do I get involved in St. Raphael's?
We encourage all members of the parish to become involved.Ý To do this, please contact any of the priests or staff or contact people by e-mailing us or calling us directly at (973) 992-9490.
What is a Mass Book?
A Mass Book is the book that lists all the Masses celebrated here during the year. It is possible to have a Mass offered for a particular intention. Most of the Masses are offered for deceased relatives and friends of parishioners. However, Masses may also be offered for other important times in people's lives such as birthdays and wedding anniversaries.
What is a Mass card?
A Mass card is the "card" that is given to you when you "book" a Mass for a particular day and time. The Mass card is typically something that you would give to the grieving family or friends of a deceased love one. It is a token of your prayers and thoughtfulness at a time of grief for a family.
Where do I get a Mass card?
You may get a Mass card at the parish office during office hours or on the weekends in the Church vestibule after each Masses. The requested donation is $10.00 per Mass.
I just got engaged. I want to be married at St. Raphael's. What is the process we need to follow to be married in the Catholic Church?
My fiancÈ(e) is not Catholic or Christian, what do we need to do?
Matrimony offers a man and a woman, husband and wife, the grace and the strength to grow together in mutual acceptance and love and to become responsible and caring parents. The sacraments of initiation and reconciliation provide the spiritual groundwork for the lifelong commitment that is called for in marriage.
For those planning to exchange vows of commitment to one another in the sacrament of Matrimony, it is required that the couple personally contact the Parish priest at least one year before the desired wedding day. At this first meeting, the requirements for marriage, the initial gathering of data, and the setting the wedding date will take place. During the following months, the couple will take part in premarital instructional sessions with the officiating priest. The couple must participate in Engaged Encounter or Pre Cana.
For individuals who have been previously married, or where special circumstances may be present, the parish priest will discuss the options and/or additional requirements.
I am divorced. I would like to, one day, be married in the Catholic Church.
What do I need to know?
The Archdiocese of Newark offers this information on annulments and the annulment process. http://rcan.org/mettrib
A family member has died, how do I make arrangements with the Church?
Arrangements for a funeral are made through the support and assistance of the funeral director you have chosen. After meeting with the funeral director, St. Raphael Church is contacted with the information, and a date and time for a funeral mass is scheduled with one of our priests. At the same time, the Bethany Ministry (Bereavement Ministry) is notified and calls the family of the bereaved to assist in various ways, especially the option of planning the funeral mass, and for short-term and long-term needs such as support groups, grief resource library, etc.
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
When are confessions regularly scheduled?
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) is available every Saturday from 4:30 - 5:00 pm. Seasonally, in Advent and in Lent, we celebrate communal reconciliation services with the individual confession of sins.
Religious Education of School-aged Children
I am interested in registering my child(ren) in Religious Education. What do I need to know?
Your child must be at least four (4) years old by September 1st of the registering year. You are required to be a registered member of St. Raphael's parish. Exceptions can be made through the Director of Religious Education.
Classes: Pre-school through 7th grade
Tuition: one child - $55.00 two children - $80.00 3 or more - $105.00
Times: Sundays from 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM Wednesdays 6:15 PM - 7:30 PM
Summer and home study programs are available.
8th Grade Religious Education meet for two 8 week sessions - one in the fall and the second in the spring.
To register: contact the Religious Education office at (973) 992-9496 by May 1st.
Does St. Raphael's have an elementary school?
St Raphael's does not operate a Catholic elementary school.
There are Catholic schools nearby. The nearest to us is Aquinas Academy located on the grounds of St. Philomena's in Livingston. For other information about Catholic school education, please check this link: http://rcan.org/schools/
Am I still welcome to Church?
All are welcome at St. Raphael Church, especially, the separated and divorced.
May I still receive the sacraments?
A person who is separated or divorced should make an appointment with one of the priests to work toward their healing and reconciliation before receiving the sacraments.
Is there a support group? How often does it meet?
There are ongoing support meetings. There is no charge to attend. This group is provided:
- to welcome separated and divorced of all faiths who request our support
- to nurture the spiritual and emotional maturity of all those who separate and/or divorce
- to provide educational resources and guest speakers on the various issues related to separation and divorce
- to provide compassion to all who hurt as well as become ministers of that compassion to our larger community
- to promote the formation and continued development of the monthly support group meetings
- to search out those who have left the Catholic Church and work toward their healing and reconciliation
How do I get information about annulments?
The Archdiocese of Newark offers this information on annulments and the annulment process.
Are there any support groups offered in the Parish?
Caregivers of the Sick and Elderly
Support group for those caring for a sick or elderly relative, parent or friend is held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of most months. This group is run by parishioners who are medical professionals and focus on the spiritual, emotional and physical healing of those who are called by the Lord to one of the most loving, giving, and self-sacrificing ministries taking care of someone who is hurting either physically or emotionally.
Separated & Divorced
Bereavement
Who do I contact?
Contact one of our priests for an appointment. (973) 992-9490.
I am homebound due to an illness. I am bedridden and would like to celebrate the Sacraments. How do I make arrangements for this?
If you would like to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation or be Anointed with the Sacrament of the Sick, or receive Holy Communion, please contact the rectory. A time convenient to you and one of the priests can be set up.
Where are the parish offices located?
What are the office hours at St. Raphael's?
I am an adult interested in becoming a Catholic. How do I become initiated? Who do I need to contact?
We have a process here called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), that is a process for adults to become a Catholic. It is not just information that is given but a process of "formation" whereby each individual is offered an opportunity to respond to the call from God to a deeper relationship personally and in the Church.
If you are interested, please contact Ms. Yoland Cifarelli, the Director of Religious Formationach at (973) 992-9496.
Sacraments of Christian Initiation
What are the Sacraments of Christian Initiation?
Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are the Sacraments of Initiation. They invite us into the rich and complete participation in the Christian family. A singular and very special expression of that family atmosphere takes place, whenever we come together to share from the table of the Lord's Word and His Eucharist.
What is Baptism?
With the waters of Baptism, a person becomes a member of the Church and the community of believers. It provides an opportunity for the other members of the Parish to say: "Welcome to our family; we will try to support you in your commitment to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ".
When and how do I arrange for a Baptism?
The sacrament of Baptism is celebrated approximately on the 1st Sunday of every month except during Lent.
Given the importance of Baptism as one of the sacraments of Christian Initiation, it must be arranged for in advance by calling the Parish office (973) 992-9490. The full support of the family is to be assured in promoting and furthering the Christian growth of the newly-baptized.
Parents who have not received the formal instructions relative to Baptism will be contacted prior to the baptism by the priest who will celebrate the Baptism. (This is the usual case when it is the parents' first child.)
Completing My Initiation: Eucharist/Confirmation
I have never received the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist.
Please contact the Parish office (973) 992-9490.
Children are invited to prepare for their first reception of the Eucharist when they are at least in the second grade of the religious education program, or if they are attending the second grade of a parochial school.
Given the importance of this event in the life of a young person, a First Eucharist Program is available. The program is separate from the traditional religious education classes, but complementary to them. It entails a team effort, involving qualified teachers and parents working together in preparation of the first communicant.
Three distinct approaches are available:
- A Classroom approach
- Family preparation at home
- A joint effort of several families working together in the preparation of their children
All options receive full support and resources of a qualified and experienced instructional team.
Confirmation is closely related to the sacrament of Baptism. Those being confirmed are anointed with holy oil to strengthen their commitment to God's family and to make them more aware of their Christian responsibilities. Confirmation provides the opportunity to take a greater role in the life of the community and to say "Yes" to God in my life.
Anyone of high school age is eligible for the program if they have completed eight years of religious education. It is a one year program directed by a team made up of high school students and young adults. The team members have gone through the program and contribute in the process of planning the program.
Preparation consists of three main areas:
- Service in the community
- Knowledge of the Sacrament
- Experience of God's presence
Requirements are service, attendance of a weekend retreat facilitated by the confirmation team and six learning sessions. The preparation is aimed to assist the young person to learn more about themselves, their relationship to others, their relationship to God and how God can be even more a part of their lives.
Is it only during the season of Lent that we fast and abstain? Why do we fast and abstain?
With the renewal that came in the Church with the second Vatican Council (1962-1965), more of an emphasis was placed on our response to God call's to be in a loving relationship with God and others. In light of this, "obligations" such as fasting and abstaining were downplayed. What is highlighted is our free response to God's call. The challenge is: will we respond to the call from God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to live a life of Gospel love?
We are encouraged to live a life of sacrifice for each other. One of the ways we can sacrifice is through fasting and abstaining. We are encouraged to consider these as a means of growing in our relationship with God while conscious of our brothers and sisters throughout the world who live with less food, water, housing and employment.
The spirituality behind fasting in the Christian tradition has always been that what money we save from "giving up" meat or food or alcohol or cigarettes or candy, etc., will be given to the poor. We do not fast for the sake of fasting. We do it as a means of connecting with our brothers and sisters who have less in tangible ways. The physical and spiritual sacrifice is especially noted during the liturgical season of Lent. When are we obligated to fast and abstain. By Church law, we are only required to fast and abstain on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Who is Saint Raphael?
The Archangel Raphael is commonly known as the angel of healing. Under the direction of God, the angel Raphael is the spiritual source behind all cures and as a messenger of God, he assists us and others in healing our bodies, minds and hearts, so we may have good health and spiritual wholeness. He is most recognized as the Angel who helped young Tobias on his journey. (See the Book of Tobit, Chapters 5 through 12.) Through the Book of Tobit, Raphael is seen as the archangel who is especially fond of travelers. He is usually pictured in sandaled feet with a walking staff in his left hand. The main purpose of the Archangel Raphael is the flowering of the Godly attributes of healing, wholeness, and acceptance. This is symbolized by the walking staff held in Raphael's left hand which indicates the need for the soul to continue onward with its divine journey as inspired by the Spirit.
Raphael is closely associated with the archangels Gabriel and Michael.
They share a common feast day of September 29.