Parish Registration
Thinking about joining our parish? Need to update your parish information? Please call the Rectory at 815.223.0718.
Why should I register?Your parish needs you!
Please register at St. Joseph's if you have recently moved, or even if you have been attending here for years. By registering in a parish, you are declaring your desire to be part of a Catholic faith community. Your registration affects a parish in many ways. Census numbers may determine how many priests are assigned to a parish, what benefits and obligations the community has to the diocese, and how many Masses and programs are planned and scheduled. |
Reasons to Register:
What About Children who are 18 Years of Age or Older?
Children are considered members with their parents until they turn 18 years old. Once they are 18, it is their own responsibility to attend church and to register as a member independent of their parents. At least one person in the family has to be Catholic (generally one of the parents) for a family to be parish members.
- Registration enables the parish pastor and staff to get to know you better, and helps them be able to communicate with you by sending you mailings.
Once you are registered, please notify the parish office of any changes in address or phone number. - You will also receive a packet of envelopes to place your regular contributions. This is important if you want to receive a year-end statement from the parish for income tax purposes. If you do not wish to receive weekly contribution envelopes, this should not be a reason not to register. Just let the secretary know, and envelopes will not be ordered.
- Members can expect pastoral care from their parish, including baptisms, anointing of the sick, and funerals.
- You must be registered in a parish to receive a Catholic wedding.
- Catholic school students receive an "active parishioner" discount on their tuition at Peru Catholic School
- Participate at Mass on Sundays, and also on the holy days of obligation.
- Go to Confession at least once a year
- Receive Communion at least once a year during the Easter season.
- Join in fast and abstinence during Lent
- Provide for the support of the Church through monetary gifts and/or active service.
What About Children who are 18 Years of Age or Older?
Children are considered members with their parents until they turn 18 years old. Once they are 18, it is their own responsibility to attend church and to register as a member independent of their parents. At least one person in the family has to be Catholic (generally one of the parents) for a family to be parish members.