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This page and
associated navigation structure is intended for our Parish Visitors so that
they have ready access to pertinent information regarding:
The Parish Family of St.
Justin, Martyr, welcome all visitors to our Eucharistic Celebration. The word
"Eucharistic" comes from a Greek word which means "Thanksgiving".
We gather as Catholic
Christians to give thanks to God for the gift of salvation we have received
through his Son. On the night before he died for us, Jesus celebrated a
sacrificial meal that would express his sacrifice on the cross. When he told his disciples "to do this in memory of me", he
instituted the way his followers were to honor and worship God by
celebrating that one perfect Sacrifice that brings redemption to the whole
world.
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Our Catholic Mass is similar to other Denominations' Services, for we too
will have readings from the Bible, and we preach on their practical
application for our everyday lives. What you will find different is that we
approach each Mass not as if we went back into time to the "Last Supper",
but that the Last Supper is being made present to us
today!!
There is a basic outline we follow for our worship. If you need help in
knowing "what to do next", feel free to ask your neighbor for help.
There are five (5) important customs we do to help make everyone feel a part
of our family.
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We have a Call to
Worship before each Mass. This gives us a time to become spiritually and
mentally ready to celebrate. Right before we begin, you are invited to
meet and greet those you did not come with. Some of our parishioners may
invite you to go to dinner/breakfast with them.
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When it is time to
"take up the collection", this is meant for our members and regular
attendees and not for our guests and visitors.
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During the praying of
the "Our Father" the majority of our parishioners will extend their hand
to you as a sign of friendship and community. If you feel uncomfortable
with this gesture, it is alright to decline their offer. Please do
not take it personally if you extend your hand and someone else declines.
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We invite all who do
not receive "Holy Communion"; because, of age (some children may not be old
enough) or other reasons (ex., You are not yet a Catholic Christian) to
come forward with your arms crossed in front of you to receive a blessing
as you ask Jesus into your heart spiritually.
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We worship for at
least a solid hour. You are encouraged to come early for the "Call to
Worship" and to stay for the final blessing and dismissal. Leaving early
is reserved for those who have an emergency, need to go to
work, or have become ill. Remember, when in Rome, do as the Romans do;
when at St. Justin, Martyr, do as we do -- thanks!
If you are interested
in learning how you can become a member, be Baptized, change your
Denominational Affiliation, or have a special need, please visit the
Site Map of this Web Site to access information on these subject topics or
visit the Welcome and
Information Center within the Church before or after Mass.
Alternatively, call the Church office at (727) 397-3312 x 303 for assistance.
See Also:
Site Map
for more Information |
