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St. Margaret of Scotland Parish

Frequently Asked Questions

The Saint Margaret Church coat of arms.  Green Tree Borough residents used to pick up their mail at a sycamore tree landmark along Greentree Road. 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 rectory for a more in-depth discussion.

How can I get to Saint Margaret of Scotland Parish Church?
Communion in the hand versus on the tongue 
How do I arrange for a Baptism for my child?
Whom should parents choose as godparents for their children?
How can I learn something (more) about the Catholic Church?
Why does the priest add water the wine at Mass?

 
How can I get to Saint Margaret of Scotland Parish Church?
A: View a map showing our location and get driving directions.
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.
 
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?
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.
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?
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.
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."

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Date of Last Update: Saturday, March 24, 2007 21:26:18 -0500
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