Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Canon Law, (laws which govern the Church), requires the priest to keep accurate records of all members, including their:

Baptisms
Confirmations
Marriages
Deaths
I have discovered the parish records do not reflect all information required for each member. Therefore, in an effort to bring our books and membership up to date I am asking for the following information from each of you.

According to Canon Law a member is defined as “All persons who have received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism with water in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, whether in this Church or in another Christian Church, and whose Baptisms have been duly recorded in this church,” are members thereof.

The crucial phrase in this definition is, “And whose Baptisms have been duly recorded in this church.” Many of you have been attending St. Luke’s for many years, yet your Baptisms may not have been recorded. Therefore, it is imperative that each of you fill out the attached forms and return them as soon as possible.

Please answer all questions, and provide all information of every member of your family who is a member, was a member, or wishes to become a member.

This information will not only bring our books up to date, but it will also provide us with an accurate membership list. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Peace,
Mark+