FAQs

Divorce is the sad and painful death of a once precious dream. Faith in Jesus Christ can assist in its healing. Simply being divorced does not separate a Catholic from the sacraments. Divorced Catholics are encouraged to celebrate the sacraments regularly. Because of our belief in the life-time commitment of marriage, we urge those who have remarried without an annulment to abstain from receiving Communion, but to attend Mass with the Christian community. Divorced and remarried Catholics should talk to a parish staff member regarding the possibility of an annulment so that their union can be blessed by the Church.

Spiritual progress takes us toward a deeper union with Christ. In addition to the fundamental practices of our Catholic faith (attending Sunday Mass, going to confession at least twice per year, observing days of fasting and abstinence), the mature Catholic develops additional habits and continues to seek other avenues at growing in holiness. Some of the signs of a spiritually mature Catholic that reach beyond the basic practices of our faith would be: praying at intervals throughout the day, seeking times of solitude for contemplation, knowing Church teachings, spending time in Eucharistic adoration, exploring the lives and reflections of saints and Christian scholars, and practicing sacrificial giving.

When a Christian dies, it is a significant event in the life of our parish. There are three moments in the journey from death to burial: the Vigil Services during the visitation period, the funeral mass or service, and the committal service at the cemetery. If cremation is to take place, the most appropriate time for cremation is after the Funeral Liturgy at church. All remains of Catholics must be buried in blessed graves, crypts, or at sea. Please speak to someone from the parish staff immediately upon a death of your loved one and before plans have been finalized. If you would like to make plans for your own funeral in advance, helpful materials are available at the Parish Office (440-886-3500).

It is an unbroken tradition of the Christian faithful to pray for the dead. The intention of the Mass is a customary form of this prayer and remembrance. The typical offering requested to obtain the intention of a particular Mass is $10 in the Diocese of Cleveland. We ask that no more than three Masses per year for any one individual be reserved and no more than two of them at the Saturday 4:00 pm Mass or the 8:30 or 11:00 am Masses on Sunday.  The parish office (440-886-3500) can accept these stipend offerings and/or assist in directing your offerings to other churches or the Mission Office of the Diocese of Cleveland.

Faith is a precious gift from God. The Catholic Church offers the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) who wish to accept this gift and become active members in full communion.

Our parish collaborates with Mary Queen of Apostles, one of the parishes in our cluster, in the preparation process. Classes meet Wednesday evenings 7:00-8:30 pm at the Ministry Center of Mary Queen of Apostles Parish, 6455 Engle Road in Brook Park, from September through the Feast of Pentecost in May. Full communion for catechumens (not yet baptized) and candidates (already baptized in the Christian faith) occurs at the Easter Vigil. Catholic spouses and sponsors are welcome to attend the classes. Those interested in learning more about RCIA can email Father Matt or call the Parish Office at 440-886-3500.

There are many ways for Catholics to get more involved in their faith and in the ministry of the Church. Those include liturgical ministries (such as choir member, reader, altar server, usher or extraordinary minister of Holy Communion at Mass), various parish ministries (PSR, RCIA, St. Vincent de Paul Society, or Generations), as well as volunteer services such as holiday church decoration, office support, and various Church activities throughout the year. Please speak with a parish staff member to discern your gifts, your time, and your opportunities to serve. Look under Organizations and Ministries on the Home Page for a complete listing.

If you would like to designate St. John Bosco Parish as the beneficiary of your life insurance, retirement account, or personal estate it should be listed as “The parish of St. John Bosco, Parma Heights, Ohio.” Your legacy would be very much appreciated.