Based on information form other parish bulletins, the Parish Pastoral Council discussed the definition
of “Active Parishioner” last year. Below are the results. If you have any suggestions, I would welcome
them through my email: rkarnsparger@stmichaelsgastonia.org After your suggestions, I will promulgate
the policy of our parish in this regard. Thank you for your help.

To be considered an active member of St. Michael Parish, there must be a commitment to the Catholic
Faith by personal and active participation in Parish Life through the visible stewardship of Time, Talent
and Treasure. Some indicators are:

Registration at the parish: needs to be done within one month of moving into the Parish;
Personal and public doctrinal and practical union with the Catholic Church;
Stewardship of Time and Talent at St. Michael:
Attendance at Mass at St. Michael Church every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation except when on
vacation or out of town; when on vacation or out of town, attendance at Mass in that location;
Active and visible spiritual stewardship in a sacramental and prayerful way of life;
Participation in at least one parish ministry, activity, program or organization.
Stewardship of Treasure at St. Michael:
giving a grateful, regular, proportionate and therefore significant financial gift to the Lord through His
parish (tithe);
Placing the weekly stewardship envelopes or a recordable check in the basket at the offertory of Holy
Mass. This is true even when giving once monthly or yearly or when using electronic fund transfer or an
on-line donation. Every child needs to see every adult participate in the return to God.

Various facilities and services of the parish are available to our active members including Sponsor
certificates, Baptisms, Weddings, Funeral Masses, and other sacramental events, as well as parishioner
status for St. Michael School and Charlotte Catholic High School. Don’t delay—register and become
active today!