Dear OLA Parishioners,
In a few months the parish staff will begin processing Parish Verification forms for families who will be applying for Catholic Schools for the 2023-2024 school year. Shortly after that, forms will be submitted to the parish for families who wish to receive discounted tuition due to their active involvement in the parish.
If you will be submitting a parish verification form, it is important that you begin working toward Active Parishioner Status today if you are not currently participating in the life of the parish. Over the past two years, due to the difficulties of Covid-19, I have been more lenient regarding the requirements. That will no longer be the case.
When asking the parish to grant Active status you are asking us to tell the schools that, yes, you are actively involved in the life of the parish by regularly attending liturgies, participating in parish ministries, and supporting the good works of the parish financially though our offertory collection. (Please note that volunteering in or donating to the school does not count toward Active Parishioner Status. Nor does your child volunteering.)
As you know, these are the requirements set forth by the Archdiocese of Atlanta. On our website (ww.olachurch.org/parish-verification) you will find detailed information on requirements for Active Parishioner Status, but here are a few suggestions:
Are you coming to Mass? If you are concerned about whether we know you are coming to Mass, be sure to stop and talk to myself and my fellow priests. Make
yourself known to us.
This is especially important if you noted ‘infrequent’ Mass attendance previously.
Are you donating to the offertory collection? If not, it’s time to start. Online
giving is a great way to ensure that this is fulfilled. You can learn more at www.olachurch.org/giving.
If your credit card has expired recently, be sure to update your online giving records.
Non-online givers, be sure to drop your cash/check donations regularly in your offertory envelope. Loose cash cannot be tracked.
Are you involved in ministry? OLA has over 70 ministries so there is something for you here! Remember that ministry involvement does not include just showing up and attending meetings, attending events, or dropping off an occasional donation. If you have concerns, speak to your ministry leader on what they consider active.
If you have a hardship that precludes your adhering to the requirements listed here, now is the time to contact me – not when it is time to fill out the Parish Verification Form. Please contact my secretary, Karen Kotara, at kkotara@olachurch.org to set up a meeting with me.
Again, be sure to read the detailed, OLA specific information at www.olachurch.org/parish-verification.
I look forward to seeing you around the parish this school year!
Yours in Mary, Our Mother.
Fr. Jim Duffy, Pastor