Parish Verifications for Catholic Schools
​
The Archdiocese of Atlanta requires all families to submit a Parish Verification form to their Catholic School to verify that the family is registered and active in the parish.
The Archdiocese of Atlanta defines “Active Parishioners” as:
-
Those who have been registered in the parish for at least six (6) months; (please note that if you registered during the last six (6) months in this parish, you must provide evidence that you were previously active members at another parish, for a cumulative period of at least six (6) months),
-
Attend Mass weekly and on Holy Days of Obligation - even if you are donating to the offertory through our online giving program, you must drop your offertory envelope - even if empty - in the collection each week so that we can verify your attendance , and
-
Contribute financially (in a trackable way) to support the parish and the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, this includes having an offertory pledge on file with the parish, and
​​
-
Contribute time and talent by participating in one or more ministries in the parish.
You must adhere to all of the requirements listed above as set forth by the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Office of Catholic Schools to receive Active Parishioner Status.
​
See below for detailed, OLA specific, information on these requirements.
SUBMISSION DEADLINES
Verifications must be received no later than TEN business days prior to the school deadline. (This is for OLA School and Non-OLA Catholic schools.)
​
Verifications submitted after that time are not guaranteed to be turned in to the school on time.
OLA Specific Requirements
Parish Registration
-
Your household must be officially registered as parishioners of Our Lady of the Assumption, as recorded in our parish database.​
​​
-
If you registered at OLA within past six months prior to submitting your Parish Verification, you must provide a statement of your active and contributing members status from your former parish to be granted Active Parishioner Status through OLA.
-
​Notification must be sent directly from your former parish to OLA's Communications Director, Anne Stephens at astephens@olachurch.org. ​
-
​
Mass Attendance
As Christian Catholics we are obligated to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
“The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2181)
Parents of Catholic children should be particularly aware of this teaching of the Church, as they have solemnly promised God to raise their children accordingly to the law of Christ and His Church (Rite of Baptism).
​
Outside of health reasons, virtual Mass attendance does not apply.
​
Even if you are donating to the offertory through our online giving program, you must drop your offertory envelope - even if empty - in the collection each week so that we can verify your attendance.
Ministry Involvement
Service is a large component of our response to the Gospel as well as our living out our Baptismal call. Holiness is prayer and action. Therefore, we serve our brothers and sisters in the local and universal communities.
​
With over 70 ministries, there is something for everyone at OLA! Our ministries fall under the following commissions: Worship, Religious Education and Faith Formation, Spritual Life, Christian Outreach, and Parish Life.
Click here to download our Ministry Guide to learn more about what we have to offer - or click here to search on this website.
​
As the Parish Verification Process begins in the late Fall it is important to begin your service to the parish early!
​
Important Information on Volunteering
​
Volunteer involvement within the parish does not include attendance at events, but requires active membership and frequent participation in one or more of our many ministries. Also, ​active status in the parish does not include volunteering in the school or other non-parish service.
Don't think you have the time to volunteer?
(We hear that a lot.) Sign up for one of our worship ministries that take place during the weekend Masses - or join a ministry where you can serve on your schedule.
Donating vs. Volunteering
OLA parishioners are incredibly generous. Whenever there is a need our parishioners step in to donate to various drives and events. We are grateful to your donations to the good works of our parish, local community, and universal Church.
​
However, those one-time, holiday, or yearly donation drives do not count toward Active Parishioner Status.
​
Parental involvement is required.
While we encourage and appreciate your child/ren's ministry, Acrtive Parishioner Status is dependent upon the involvement of parents only.
​
Be sure to check with your ministry leaders on what they require to be considered active members of the ministry.
Financial Support
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the fifth precept of the church, "you shall help to provide for the needs of the Church," means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church. Without your consistent financial support, the church cannot function.
We understand that the level of financial support will vary from family to family depending, of course, upon family income and circumstances.
However, many dioceses recommend contributing 5% of take-home pay to parishes, 1% to the Archbishop's Annual Appeal, and 4% to the other charities.
​
Each family submitting a parish verification is required to have a current offertory pledge on file. Make your pledge today by clicking here.
​
Please note that the following, while greatly appreciated and important, do NOT count toward your active parishioner status:
-
Donations that do not contribute to the operational expenses of the parish,
-
Donations to OLA School, and
-
Donations to outside charities through OLA's online giving portal (this includes IOH, St. Vincent de Paul, Second Collections, etc...)
​
Tuition and Assesment
Tuition for active Catholic families at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School for the 2023-2024 school year is $11,287. The tuition rate for non-active families is $12,787.
Each year, OLA parish is required to pay an annual School Assessment fee to the Archdiocese of Atlanta to help offset the cost of Catholic education in our Archdiocese. This year, our parish assessment fee is $64,000.
All students in the Archdiocesan Catholic school system benefit from this financial subsidy from our parish. These funds come directly from our parishioner-funded offertory.
​
Therefore, if your family is an active, contributing member of our parish, you are helping to support Catholic students within our Archdiocesan school system and you can receive the benefit of lower tuition.
​
How to Donate
Click here to learn how you can support the good works of our parish.
Experiencing Hardship?
If your family is experiencing hardship and cannot fulfil these requirements, contact Karen Kotara, Pastor's Secretary, at kkotara@olachurch.org to schedule a meeting with Father Jim, Pastor, to discuss your situation.
​
Be sure to contact Fr. Jim as soon as the hardship arises - don't wait until it is time to fill out your Parish Verification.