Bishop Rojas amends policy regarding Sacramental certificates

On March 26, Bishop Alberto Rojas, after consulting with the Presbyteral Council and under the norms of the Code of Canon Law, amended the diocesan policy entitled, “Distribution of Sacramental Certificates.” The new policy is as stated: “Every person who successfully completes the designated process of Sacramental preparation set forth by the particular parish in which the Sacrament will be celebrated, is entitled to the original certificate which acknowledges the reception of the Sacrament…No certificate is to be withheld from the recipient for any reason, which includes outstanding registration balances.” The amendment continued, “No person is to be denied the reception of the Sacrament due to financial reasons of any kind. Families with any financial concerns should speak directly to the pastor in order to resolve the issue regarding registration and discuss alternative options. Under no circumstances are Sacramental certificates to be withheld from the recipient nor is the candidate to be denied a Sacrament due to lack of registration payments.”