Becoming a Member

**New Member registration happens every 1st Sunday of the month after all masses.**

Becoming an active member of Saint Emily Parish.

Reason 1
Living is sometimes tragic. We can share our mourning.

Living is also a joy. We can share our celebrations.

Living in Jesus Christ can be fulfilling and fun. We need to share our faith as well as our smiles.

We all have a responsibility to love and support our neighbor – the young and the old alike. We all have an obligation to teach and challenge our friends and invite them to make this Church their home.

Together, we can make Saint Emily Parish a home where love begins: And that love has the power to heal, forgive, and let spirituality begin anew.

Reason 2
We expect to be lifted momentarily … into the challenging reign of God, where we are treated like we have never been treated anywhere else…where we are bowed to and sprinkled and incensed and kissed and touched, and where we share equally among all – whether economic czar or beggar – a holy food and drink.

We expect a liturgy so hospitable that each one and everyone will find plenty good room at the welcome table. We expect our worship to be radically compelling.

We expect to hear “a word from the Lord” that speaks to our daily lives. We expect to taste a bit of heaven here on earth.

Reason 3
Following the example of Jesus Christ!

He believed in himself.
He did the difficult things.
He was constantly in a state of celebration.

He expressed himself.
He prized the seed rather than the bouquet.

He had a plan.
He formed a team.
He took the long view.

He served only the best wine.
He trained his replacements.
He gave them a vision of something larger than himself.

He held them accountable.
He prayed for them.
He gave them memories.

Adapted from Jesus: CEO Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership

Reason 4
Bring a friend!
Saint Emily Parish is blessed with many individuals and families who share the life of Jesus Christ. We also share our stories and emotions, our gifts and our giftedness. We search for meaning in our lives and are willing to ask for help along the journey.

Many people share this dream but are unable to join us because there is no one to invite them or, possibly, drive them to church.

Let’s bring a friend to church.

Reason 5
Become a partner in our mission and vision!

Let’s share our stories.

Let’s break bread together and support one another.

Let’s involve ourselves in being believers in Jesus Christ and active Christians in our contemporary world.

Let’s accept stewardship.

Let’s become believers, neighbors, and friends.

Together!

Our enthusiasm can be contagious. Please invite a friend, neighbor, spouse, or sibling to be a part of our welcoming community. We all have a role in this modern world and in this Church.

Reason 6
House Churches
Saint Emily Parish is a vibrant community that moves beyond the parish campus directly into the community. The Word of God is celebrated in as many as 30 homes throughout our various neighborhoods. We refer to them as “House Churches,” following the example of the early Christian community who gathered to celebrate the mysteries of faith.

Each House Church has a trained facilitator/presider to guide prayer and discussion of the Sunday Scripture. They break bread and share triumph and tragedy. These neighborhood faith communities also perform community outreach and Christian service.

Give us a try. We are small and intimate, yet, connected to the greater community. We experience spirituality and meaning in our lives. We are in your neighborhood – and we may be the first step for a loved one to return to active faith.

Reason 7
We are willing to follow Jesus’ example.

Jesus was a listener – patiently attending to people’s stories.

Jesus was responsive in a loving way to what he heard.

Jesus was a creator of vision – holding up a view of the future and indicating a direction.

Jesus was authentic – known for who he was.

Jesus was compassionate – being with people and responding to their pain.

Jesus was forgiving – taking away burdens.

Jesus was generative – focused on others rather than on self.

Jesus was inclusive and a person of integrity.

Jesus empowered others with the responsibility and power to extend God’s kingdom.

Reason 8
Our Spirit is alive!
Saint Emily Parish is blessed with many individuals and families who share their gifts. They have accepted the challenge that asks that gifts to the Church be seriously considered and generously offered – gifts that involve sacrifice on the part of the giver.

Our community is thankful for the many people who make deliberate and considerable sacrifices. Your prayer, time, talent, and financial support are greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Your efforts and contributions go to work for Church ministries, elemental education, religious education, adult formation, youth & family services, and outreach ministries.