Parish Guidelines & FAQs
Official liturgical norms, sacramental directives, ministry policies, and Parish Family Card (PFC) FAQs. Select any category below to view its specific guidelines.
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Church Music Guidelines
"Church music is a necessary and integral part of the Solemn Liturgy." It contributes to prayerful communitarian meditation and helps the faithful interiorize the Divine Mysteries.
Theme Adherence in Hymn Selection
Please understand the central liturgical theme before choosing hymns for the Liturgical Celebration. Music and hymns are a single reality with the celebration, allowing the faithful to enter into and interiorize the Divine Mysteries. Church music must contribute to prayerful, communitarian meditation, never leading to distraction.
Sanctity of the Sacred Texts
Do not modify or change either the pattern or the words from the Sacred Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist (e.g. Gloria, Holy Holy Holy Lord, Lamb of God). The Universal Church follows one model, and we are a part of this Church. The hymns chosen must enhance the awe and respect due to the Sacred Mystery being enacted.
Alertness Towards the Altar
Always remain alert towards the Altar. When leading the congregation with the Entrance Hymn, do not continue with the hymn once the Celebrant is ready to begin the Mass at the Altar. However, if incensing is taking place at the Altar, you are advised either to continue with the same hymn or play the piano/musical instrument softly until the Celebrant is ready.
Responsorial Psalm
Please sing at least the response for the Responsorial Psalm. Notes are already provided. If, for any reason, it is not taken from the Lectionary (the current day's Reading), the Responsorial Psalm MUST LINK with the Readings and the Gospel.
Singing the 'Great Amen'
The 'Great Amen' is to be sung only during Solemnities, Feasts, Memorials, and special occasions, and not on ordinary Sundays or weekdays.
Announcements & Instrument Tuning
Please announce the Hymn Number loudly and clearly. You are strictly requested not to tune musical instruments during the Mass.
Cultural Rites (Aarti & Entrance Dance)
Indian dance is allowed only as an entrance rite on special occasions, while aarti can be performed at Mass. When aarti is performed, it is much more meaningful if the whole congregation accompanies the act in song, rather than just listening passively.
Offertory Hymn
An Offertory Hymn can be sung only if there is an Offertory Procession.
Children & Youth Masses
Special care must be taken in the preparation of the Mass for Children and Youth. From their tender years, they should be introduced to the sacredness of liturgical ceremonies and taught the value of silence and meditation. The choice of hymns must be conducive to making the liturgy meaningful and impressive. Where skits are deemed useful to stress the theme of the Mass, they should be performed before the Sacred Liturgy begins.
Choir Ministry Guidelines
Pastoral Call to the Ministry of Song
You have been asked to serve in this ministry because God has bestowed on you the gift of song. You have an opportunity to use this gift to present the Word of God to the community in a way that moves hearts, and to lead the singing of the assembly, because "singing together in church expresses so well the sacramental presence of God to His people."
How we worship conveys the sacredness of what we believe in the mystery that takes place in the liturgy. These guidelines assist ministers in performing their role in a prayerful, reverent, and consistent way.
A Structuring the Choir Group
1. Maintenance of Choir Records
Choir Heads must maintain a structured file containing:
- List of active choir members
- Schedule of choir practices
- Attendance register of choir practices
- Choir members' signed commitment forms
- Account statement of the choir fund
2. Group Size & Practice Venue
Group Size: The maximum number in a church choir group is decided by the Parish Priest along with the Priest in charge in consultation with the Liturgy Committee.
Church Premises Only: The parish provides adequate space, time, and equipment. Practices must be held only on church premises to prevent regionalisation and foster a true parish-wide outlook.
B Scheduling and Serving
C & D Choir at Nuptial Mass & Choosing Wedding Music
Nuptial Mass Directives
- Discuss nuptial liturgy with the priest conducting the Pre-Nuptial Enquiry.
- Hymns must be approved by the priest and selected from the Parish Hymnal.
- Solos are avoided to preserve the communitarian spirit.
- Popular secular love songs/ballads are strictly forbidden.
- Entrance of the couple must be accompanied by an Entrance Chant/Hymn, not secular wedding marches or instrumental tracks.
Three Golden Criteria for Wedding Music
Heart to Heart Parish Bulletin
Guidelines for Submitting Articles
1. Format & Approvals
Articles should be sent strictly by email (handwritten articles are not accepted). Articles written on behalf of Cells, Associations, or Communities must be approved by both the Spiritual Director and the Head of the respective group.
2. Author Details & Word Limit
Submissions must carry an appropriate title, the author's full name, community name and number, and contact telephone number. Parish activity reports are restricted to a maximum of 500 words (one article per person per issue). Changes cannot be entertained once submitted.
3. Special Columns: 'Health Space' & 'Professional Opinion'
Aimed at professional guidance for daily living. Parishioners with over 15 years of professional experience in a specialized field may send an introductory email with credentials. Contributions are by formal invitation from the Editorial Team (maximum 750 words).
4. Photograph Specifications
Photographs of parish activities must be high-definition, individual horizontal shots (landscape orientation). Please do not send collages. Publication remains at the discretion of the Editorial Team. Internet forwards or anonymous submissions are not published.
Guidelines for Booking Advertisements
Booking & Payment
Advertisement bookings must be done at the Parish Office by paying the requisite fee by Cheque within the stipulated submission deadline announced in the weekly notices.
Artwork Submission
Email artwork to bulletin@gmail.com in vector format (.jpeg, .ai, .eps, or .pdf) along with the payment receipt number. Word documents are not accepted. A hard copy must also be submitted to the Parish Office.
Lectors Ministry Guidelines
The Eucharist is the Source and Summit
Through ordained ministers at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Christ gives His Body and Blood for humanity. Certain liturgical norms must be carefully observed in its celebration.
Preparation & Arrival
- Practice: Read at least 3 times before Mass. Proclaim, do not merely read.
- Punctuality: Be present in the Sacristy at least 15 minutes before Mass begins. If late, graciously step aside.
- Check page numbers in the Lectionary, wear your cape, recite the Lector's Prayer, and sign attendance.
Dress Code & Attire
- Men: Collared shirts or shirts with full-length trousers.
- Women: Sarees, Kurtis, Salwar Kameez with full-length trousers/leggings.
- Footwear: Preferable to go barefeet on the altar. If shoes are worn, ensure they are clean.
- Capes are worn until the end of Mass. Hang used capes in the Sacristy after Mass.
Procession & Sanctuary Movement
- 1st and 2nd Reading lectors come in procession with the Priest/s on Sundays and special Masses.
- The Lector holding the Book of the Gospels does not bow at the altar. All other bowing is directed towards the Altar.
- All 4 lectors remain seated in reserved seats on the right side of the altar till the end of Mass.
- Exit and enter the Sacristy through the outside door, not through the sanctuary.
Voice, Eye Contact & Pacing
- Proclaim from the Lectionary and Ambo only (Introduction from commentators stand).
- Maintain eye contact with the congregation; adjust microphone near the mouth.
- Do not say '1st Reading' or chapter/verse. Begin with "A Reading from..." in your natural accent.
- Pause 5 seconds before saying "The Word of the Lord."
- Pause 7 seconds before starting the Responsorial Psalm.
Guidelines for the Sacrament of Marriage
Church Venue & Scheduling
The Sacrament of Matrimony is celebrated in the Parish Church of either the bride or groom (usually the bride's parish in our Archdiocese). It may be celebrated in another church/chapel only after obtaining 'No Objection' letters from the respective Parish Priests.
Fix Dates First: The date and time of the Nuptial Mass must be finalized in consultation with the Parish Priest before making other arrangements like hall bookings or caterers. Masses are not booked exclusively for one couple; if another couple has their nuptials at the same Mass, mutual cooperation is expected. Visiting priest celebrants require advance permission from the priest preparing the marriage papers.
Liturgical Preparation & Celebration
1. Liturgy of the Day & Nuptial Booklets
On Sundays of Advent, Lent, Eastertide, and major feasts, the Liturgy of the day must be followed. Booklets are not mandatory; if prepared, they should contain only a simple outline and hymns. Do not print the readings or prayers, as these must be proclaimed from the Lectionary.
2. Trained Lectors & Vows Rehearsal
Proclamation of the Word and Prayers of the Faithful must be done by trained lectors (avoid choosing relatives merely to "honour" them, and avoid entrusting this to children). Familiarize yourselves with the rite, rehearse vows with the priest (words cannot be altered), and ensure two physical witnesses are present (no proxies).
3. Sacred Music & Floral Decor
The role of the choir is to facilitate congregational participation. Avoid commercial choirs and secular pop love songs. Floral arrangements must be modest and not obscure the altar or sanctuary. No flowers are permitted during Lent, and flowers are kept to a bare minimum during Advent. Flowers placed in the sanctuary may not be taken away after Mass.
4. Strict Photography & Videography Rules
Photography must never spoil the sacredness of the Liturgy. Only ONE photographer and ONE videographer are permitted, operating from fixed locations (it is disrespectful to walk backward up the aisle facing away from the Tabernacle).
5. Punctuality & Register Signing
Please be strictly punctual. If a scheduled Mass begins, latecomers will have to wait in the porch until after the Gospel proclamation. The signing of the marriage register is conducted on a dedicated table in the church or sacristy, never on the Altar.
Inter-Faith Marriages (Disparity of Cult)
Such a marriage is non-sacramental but is nonetheless a valid marriage. Proper paperwork and permissions must be completed. Double ceremonies are strictly forbidden.
The Rite of Marriage found in Chapter 3 of the Ritual (between a Catholic and non-baptized person) must be used. There is no Mass within this rite. If the family insists on a Eucharistic celebration, it may only occur after the entire rite and distinct from it, using the Mass of the day without Nuptial Blessings or intercessions.
Parish Family Card (PFC) FAQs
In July 2006, our parish issued Parish Family Cards (PFCs) to every registered Catholic family. The PFC provides your official identity in the parish, used to request pastoral services, register sacraments, participate in community events, and record your 1% tithes. Below are answers to 18 frequently asked questions.
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