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- How can I get to Saint Margaret of
Scotland Parish Church?
- A: View a map showing our
location and get driving directions.
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- Communion in the hand versus on
the tongue . . . is one more reverent than the other?
- A: 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- How do I arrange for a Baptism for my child?
- A: Parents wishing to arrange for the Baptism of a child should contact the
Parish Office at (412) 921-0745.
CSJ
on the 4th Monday of each month, 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. This may be attended before or after the child's
birth. Baptisms are usually celebrated on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each
month, either during Mass or after the 12:15 Mass. Parents may choose the
time most appropriate for their families.
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- 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!
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- 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.
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- How can I learn more about the Catholic Church?
- A: 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 Sr. Jacqueline Ketter,
CSJ. She may be reached at (412) 921-0745.
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- 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.
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- 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."
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