St. Margaret of Scotland Parish

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQs!

If you have a question that you don't see answered here, please contact us. Send an email and you will receive a brief personal reply. Contact the Parish Office for a more in-depth discussion.

How can I get to Saint Margaret of Scotland Parish Church?

View a map showing our location and get driving directions.

Do you have a map of the parish buildings?

View a diagram showing the parish buildings.

Communion in the hand versus on the tongue . . . is one more reverent than the other?

Since 1977, Catholics in the United States have had the option of receiving the consecrated bread in Holy Communion either in their hand as in early Christianity, or, as became the practice, on their tongue. Each is acceptable and have roots in our history.

Communion on the tongue became the practice after several centuries of Christianity because of concern that there was not enough reverence for the Eucharist. The Arian heresy denied the divinity of Christ, and as a result, the Church took steps to stress that Jesus was not only human, but also divine. Many of our liturgical practices resulted as a response to Arianism, creating a sense of distance between God and humans.

Any trace of a false belief that only the priest can touch the Eucharist should be gone. All who are baptized are consecrated with the sacred chrism. The hands of the priest are anointed, not because he handles the Eucharist, but to bless.

So, no matter how you choose to receive, the intent should be to do it in a reverent manner. Make it clearly known to the priest or minister of the Eucharist by opening your mouth or holding up your hands. Don't make the person guess.

How do I arrange for a Baptism for my child?

Parents wishing to arrange for the Baptism of a child should contact the Parish Office at (412) 921-0745. A pre-Baptism Class may be attended before or after the child's birth.

Does a Baptismal name have to be the name of a saint?

It used to be that a person about to be baptized had to have a “Christian Name”—usually the name of a saint. However, the revised Code of Canon Law (promulgated in 1983) changed that. It reads:
“Parents, sponsors and the pastor are to see that a name foreign to a Christian mentality is not given.” (Canon 855) In effect, this simply excludes names chosen deliberately by parents, or an adult candidate, that are offensive to Christian belief or practice. The name itself does not have to be the name of a saint, or a Christian term (for example, “Grace or Hope.”) It can even be a made-up name—as long as it is not deliberately anti-Christian.

Whom should parents choose as godparents for their children?

Parents should choose godparents with the greatest care!  Godparents stand in place of the entire Church!   Godparents must support  parents in the task of raising their children in the Faith!  Godparents must live as lifelong witnesses to the children they sponsor!   This is an honor and a responsibility, and not to be taken lightly!

The Church requires that godparents have already received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist), that they be at least 16 years of age, and that they be practicing members of the Faith.  A non-Catholic Christian may be chosen as a witness to the Baptism along with one Catholic sponsor.

How can I learn more about the Catholic Church?

There are many ways to learn about the Church. One might begin by talking with a Catholic friend, someone who seems basically happy, and who participates in the life of his/her Church. One might also approach a priest or staff member who can suggest a person or program that could be of help to the inquirer.

Many parishes welcome inquirers to participate in a process called the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). This process lasts approximately one year and can lead to full membership in the Catholic Church. At St. Margaret's this process is under the direction of Judith Bentz. She may be reached at 412-921-1613.

Why does the priest add water the wine at Mass?

The mixing of water and wine is an ancient liturgical practice in both the east and west. Because of the wine's heavy texture, it became customary in both secular and religious usage to dilute the wine with water to render it less strong. Early Christians continued this custom in the celebration of the Eucharist. Once established, it gained a symbolic interpretation. In the west the mingling came to represent the union of Christ with the faithful: just as wine receives water, so Christ takes us and our sins to himself. The eastern interpretation was that the wine and water represent the divine and human nature in Christ. At Rome the rite was eventually given a prayer expressing both meanings.

The prayer today is an abbreviated version, said quietly by the priest. "By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity."

What is an IRA Charitable Rollover?

If you are over the age of 70-1/2, you must take a required minimum distribution from your IRA. Normally, the amount of this distribution is taxed as ordinary income. Federal legislation enacted on October 3, 2008, extends the opportunity for you (for the remained of 2008 and 2009) to make a direct distribution from your IRA to a qualified charity such as St. Margaret of Scotland.

For more information contact Paul Stabile, Director of Planned Giving for the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh (412-456-3055).

How can a business donate to a Catholic school?

The state legislature just passed a new addition to the Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program which permits C corporation, S corporation and now subchapter S businesses to give to your Catholic school from their tax bill. Currently, the diocese receives $3 million a year in tuition assistance for our Catholic schools from area businesses.