Policies

Active Membership

WHAT CONSTITUTES ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP
Active membership in the Church is determined by the following:

Being properly registered in the parish for at least one (l) year.
Faithful attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days.
Financially supporting the parish by using the envelope or the electronic system of giving for the support of the parish.
Trying to be actively involved in at least one parish program, ministry, and organization or by volunteering in fundraising activities and functions.
You are not considered an active member of the parish if you do not meet at least some of the four (4) requirements mentioned above. For more information, please speak with one of our priests.

Quinceaneras

A Quinceañera is a beautiful celebration in the life of a young woman. In this celebration, a young woman makes her own promises to continue to persevere in ways of holiness. We are happy to be a part of this celebration with you and ask the following for your celebration to take place at Holy Spirit:

Parents of the quinceañera must be active parishioners of Holy Spirit as set forth by the attached Holy Spirit Active Membership Policy.
The quinceañera must have been involved a Holy Spirit Religious Education Classes for the two years before her quinceañera celebration.
The quinceañera should attend a quinceañera retreat before her celebration takes place.
The quinceañera should be interviewed by the priest or deacon celebrant of her celebration.
A donation to the church is asked for the resources and upkeep of the parish. This fee is due with your paperwork to secure your date.
The parish must be notified nine months in advance of any celebration. Please do not make other arrangements before setting your date with the parish.
Quinceañeras are encouraged to attend the sacrament of Reconciliation before the celebration and to encourage the members of their party to do the same.

Included in this packet are the guidelines for the use of the parish and the guidelines for your celebration as put forth by the Diocese of Lubbock.

BENEFITS AFFORDED TO ACTIVE MEMBERS
Various facilities and services are available specifically to our active parishioners. This includes the use of the Church for Baptisms, Weddings and other sacramental events, and includes parishioner status in parochial schools (Christ the King) or any letters from Monsignor.

WHAT CONSTITUTES ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP
Active membership in the Church is determined by the following:

DRESS GUIDELINES (A Letter from Fr. Wesley)

A Mass or Sacramental Ceremony (e.g. wedding mass, wedding ceremony, or Quinceañera) is a sacred moment of worship in the presence of the Holy Sacrament of our Lord Jesus Christ’s Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Catholic Church, whether the ceremony is held in the sanctuary or our Chapel. Hence, it is appropriate all clothing worn for these occasions be modest and honoring to our Lord in His Church.

Multiple times since I’ve been here at Holy Spirit, bridesmaids, and Quinceañera girlfriends standing with the teenager whose Quinceañera it is, wear gowns with deep slits up their legs, terminating at the crouch or posterior. This is indecent and a scandal to wear to any Mass in the Catholic Church in the presence of Christ’s sacrament in the Tabernacle. The church is not the place to display one’s flesh for everyone. It shows an utter disregard for the Church as a place of worship and respect for our Lord and God.

Secondly, it is not appropriate for cleavage to be shown, whether from the bride, bridesmaids, or the Quinceañera girlfriends. Holy Scriptures teach it is a Christian virtue for both men and women to adhere to modesty in how one dresses.

If it is challenging for women to find modest attire for these sacramental events, then it is important to work with a good tailor or seamstress to make it happen.

Thank you for honoring our Lord and His Church by adhering to these guidelines in the attire that you select. These restrictions are effective immediately, January 5, 2024.

Father Wesley Beal, Pastor

DECORATIONS
FLOWERS: Flowers may be placed in front of the Altar or on the steps. No flowers are permitted on the Altar itself. Arrangements may not obscure the Altar or be of a size to detract from the main focus of the ceremony which is the Altar and the quinceañera. If the florist or you wish to use vases/urns which belong to the church, you will need to contact one of the people on the environment committee approximately one month (30 days) prior to the wedding to schedule an appointment to see what is available. The flowers must remain at the Church; these flowers cannot be taken to the reception. We use silk arrangements at the Altar and tabernacle most of the time. If you wish to use silk and we have complimentary colors available, we will be happy to put it out for your use. If you use our flowers, they are to be used as is, no rearranging. Christmas and Easter decorations may not be taken down or rearranged. A fee of $50.00 will be required for the use of the church flowers.

If you use fresh flowers in front of the Altar, we suggest you have someone responsible for moving the silk arrangements that are by the Altar. Remove them to the back wall behind the priest’s chair. If you are using your fresh floral arrangement at the reception, please move the silk arrangement back to the original position. If you do leave fresh arrangement at the church, we will be happy to have it and we will be responsible for watering and keeping them fresh. Please let us know if this is your intention so that we do not order fresh flowers the same weekend.

PEW BOWS are permitted, but, may not be taped or secured by any type of tacks or putty. Your florist can make your pew bows and will supply the clamps/ribbons.

No decorations may be glued, pinned, stapled or nailed to the woodwork, plaster or pews. Arrangements should be made by the bride with the florist and the rental company to remove all of their equipment immediately following the ceremony. Please contact one member of the environment committee for further instructions.

CHURCH RENTAL

There is a fee and deposit required for the use of the parish facilities. These fees help pay for the utilities and the wear and tear on the church. Please make checks payable to Holy Spirit.

MUSIC
Only sacred and some classical music is appropriate. Submit music selections to the Music Director (Katie DeVet -806-782-8247). If you have a question about a particular selection, please talk to the priest before the rehearsal. You are responsible for securing and paying your musicians. Their fee is not included in the rental of the church.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Normally, all group pictures are done before or after the ceremony. The photographer should not be on the altar and needs to remain nonintrusive.

DRESSING AREA
We have available a bride’s room and a groom’s room that can be used. Each of the rooms is located across from the restrooms. Items for the ceremony should be put in these rooms; however, the Church cannot assume responsibility for personal items. Please arrange for someone to remove all clothing and to dispose of any flower boxes, trash etc., after the ceremony is over: You may have water in the rooms and lite snacks only. No sodas or punches. The party should be considerate of those who will be using the rooms after they leave.

HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING AND SOUND SYSTEMS
Included in this packet is a form that needs to be filled out and returned to the Church one month prior to your wedding date. This form is requesting times for these systems to be turned on for rehearsal and actual ceremony. The church will then appoint someone to be in charge of turning on these systems. Be aware that you will NOT have heating, air conditioning and/or sound if this form is not turned in at the appropriate time.

READERS, COMMUNION MINISTERS AND ALTAR SERVERS
If a Mass is being planned, it is the bride and groom’s responsibility to get these participants. These participants must be trained and in good standing with the church.

QUINCEANERAS from the Diocesan Pastoral Manual
The Quinceañera is an important moment in the life of a young woman of Hispanic origin and culture. Many parents wish to celebrate this event with their daughters and families within the context of the Eucharistic celebration. However, the celebration may be performed by a Deacon within the Liturgy of the Word and with a Communion Service. Pastors should not refuse to perform the Quinceañera unless there is a serious reason for doing so.

GUIDELINES FOR QUINCEANERA CELEBRATIONS
In order to enhance the Quinceañera celebration to the beauty of its cultural past and its objective of giving glory and praise to God, the following are suggested:

That the young lady celebrating the Quinceañera has been actively involved in Religious Education classes according to her age and understanding for the previous two years (full CCE class year) or proof from previous parish.
That the young lady celebrating the Quinceañera and her family be registered in the parish, or have permission from her pastor.
That arrangements are to be made with the Parish Office at least four (4) months prior to the date of the celebration. Suitable preparation should be made which includes:
A Quinceañera retreat.
Instructions to the Quinceañera, the parents, the padrinos, and the 14 attendants (damas/girls).
Suitable preparation and time set aside for the Sacrament of Penance prior to the celebration.
A suitable offering should be made to the church and to the presiding minister.
Parish will set the amount.
The celebration itself should emphasize the following:
Gratitude: Grateful to God for the gift of life, to parents for love and care, to family, friends and parish.
Responsibility: As she leaves adolescence and enters adulthood, she commits herself to God, family, parish and community.
Celebration: The celebration should truly be Catholic, encouraging participation by all those present. The Quinceañera, with the family and attendants should plan the Liturgy.
Those chosen by the Quinceañera to be in the Liturgical procession will include only the following:
Godparents of Baptism
Fourteen attendants (damas/girls)
Note: Single mothers and fathers cannot be included within the Liturgical procession.
Within the celebration of the Mass we require:
Sacred music
Profession of Faith by the whole group followed by a prayer by the Quinceañera.
Presentation of a Prayer Book or Bible to encourage participation at Mass and to stress the importance of the Word.
Rosary and/or Medal of the Blessed Virgin Mary – She is the model of love, commitment and purity.
The Quinceañera and her Damas should be appropriately dressed for church.
Appropriate blessing at the end of Mass or Blessing by Deacon.
To avoid any resemblance to a marriage, the following are to be discouraged:
Gown resembling bridal gown
Ring
Crown (Corona)
If they insist on the ring and crown, it is suggested that they he presented to her apart from the Mass ceremony.
Both individual and group Quinceañeras are permitted. But, families should not be forced to participate in a group Quinceañera unless there is a serious reason for this.
Liturgy can be taken from new approved guidelines

Special Events

WHAT CONSTITUTES ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP
Active membership in the Church is determined by the following:

Being properly registered in the parish for at least one (1) year.
Faithful attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days.
Financially supporting the parish by using the envelope or the electronic system of giving for the support of the parish.
Trying to be actively involved in at least one parish program, ministry, and organization or by volunteering in fund raising activities and functions.
You are not considered an active member of the parish if you do not meet at least some of the four (4) requirements mentioned above.

Wedding Guidelines

Please contact George Garant at the Parish Office (806.698.6400 EXT 1005) for information regarding wedding arrangements.