How do I ... ?
The following are the answers to some commonly asked questions.
If your don't find your answer here please contact the Parish Office at (732) 446-6661 ext 3.
Advertise my business in the bulletin:
It is not the policy of St. Thomas More Parish to advertise for businesses in our regular announcements. If you would like to rent a section on the advertisement page, please contact Liturgical Publications Inc., at 1-800-888-4574.
Become a member of St. Thomas More Parish:
The parish has boundaries. Even if you live in Manalapan, you may not be within the territory covered by St. Thomas More Parish. Register on our website moremercy.org. If you are not within the boundary, you will be notified.
Get my name on a Prayer List:
There is a list for sick parishioners printed in the bulletin each week. This list is updated every three months. If you would like to be added to the list, call the Parish Office (732) 446-6661 ext. 3.
Get my child baptized:
First, you must be a registered member of the parish. If you are the parent of an infant or small child (less than age 7) you must attend a Baptismal Preparation Class. You may register for this class by calling the Parish Office (732-446-6661 Ext. 3) during normal business hours. Both parents are required to attend.
Become a Catholic – R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults):
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is for anyone who is not Baptized, anyone practicing in another faith who wants to convert, and Catholics who have been Baptized but have not completed their Sacraments of Initiation (First Eucharist and Confirmation).
Call to make an appointment for an informal interview with the RCIA Director.
Enroll my child in the Parish Religious Education Program (P.R.E.P.):
All registrations are online. Please see the Religious Education page on this website for instructions, links, and a program description.
Children entering the first grade must submit a copy of their baptismal certificate. New Students need to submit copies of all sacramental certificates along with a transcript letter from their previous religious education program.
Prepare my child for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist:
First Eucharist is a two year catechetical program in 1st and 2nd grade. Children typically receive First Reconciliation and First Eucharist in the second grade. First Eucharist is celebrated on weekends in the Spring. Please call the office for more information: 732-446-3232.
Prepare my child for Confirmation:
Confirmation is a two year catechetical program. It begins in 7th grade and runs through the entire 8th grade. If there is a gap in a student’s religious education between the third and sixth grades, arrangements must be made with the Parish Catechetical Leader to ensure that the student is ready to receive the sacrament. Please see the Religious Education page for additional information about Confirmation preparation.
Arrange to get married in the Church:
The Sacrament of Marriage requires time for preparation. Arrangements are to be made with a priest/deacon of the parish one year before the date of the marriage. Please call the office at 732-446-6661 to arrange an initial meeting. Either the bride or the groom must be a registered member of the parish. Your church date and time must be set prior to setting your reception date and time. The PreCana Conferences or Engaged Encounter must be part of the marriage preparation. To make Pre-Cana arrangements on line at www.dioceseoftrenton.org/ precana or call at 609-401-7156. Sunday Weddings are not permitted. We do not take "cold" calls for those looking for a Church "rental".
Readings For Weddings:
Obtain a sponsor certificate:
You can obtain a sponsor certificate provided the following conditions are satisfied:
– Registered member of the parish
– An active Catholic who received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist)
– In a marriage recognized by the Church
– At least 16 years of age
If you meet the above requirements contact the Parish Office during normal business hours (Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
Plan a Funeral at Saint Thomas More Parish:
Click here if you are planning a funeral at St. Thomas More Parish.
Learn more about the 3rd Edition Roman Missal:
The Roman Missal, Third Edition, the ritual text containing prayers and instructions for the celebration of the Mass, has been approved by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. First use of the new text of the new Roman Missal will be on the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2011. For complete information about the changes please visit the following web site: www.usccb.org/romanmissal/