K
kaygee
Guest
How good to be home again! Had some family business over Palm Sunday weekend that took me out of state and out of my beloved diocese.
I googled Catholic parishes close to my hotel before I left. Found two. One was definitely Roman Catholic, tho’ it billed itself as a Roman Catholic community. The other said it was Catholic with Anglican leanings. Thinking it might be a Pastoral Provision parish, I called. Got the pastor on the phone. Asked him about his services. Was told wonderful things – was told that he was “as close to Communion with Rome.” And, “we have a lot of Roman Catholics who are members.” Asked if he was Pastoral Provision. He wanted to know what that was:shrug:. Ended conversation. Decided to attend the Roman Catholic community.
Walked into building. DD whispered, "Mom, this is a Protestant church
" Nothing veiled (it was Palm Sunday), but all the sculptures were abstract iron monstrosities that should have been veiled year round. No Stations of the Cross anywhere. Tabernacle was way in the back – where people took crying children. Noted that the parish must have the same taste in crystal that I do – the chalices were the same (cheap) crystal pattern I use at home. Priest’s host was a dark pita-style sort of bread, although there were standard white wafers as well. Church was loud with choir practice and visiting people all over the place right up until the start of the service. At the start, ushers handed out palms and then the priest wandered through the congregation sprinkling them and the people with holy water. Came time for the Gospel, priest looked at deacon and said, "Oh, gosh, it’s the Passion – how do we want to do this?’ Deacon responded, “in parts.” Priest, “I’ll be Christ, you narrate; um, do the people have books?” Deacon, “no, I’ll get them.” Five or ten minutes later we had books with parts – my side got to read Peter’s part. There was no homily. Inclusive language throughout. And on and on. Sad part is, the Anglican Catholic wannabe parish probably has stolen all the Catholics from this town.
I am so glad to be home and received a for sure valid Communion this morning at the hands of the Bishop at the Chrism Mass. Told my pastor about the whole experience and asked if I should write the bishop of that diocese. He said, “he knows, and really doesn’t care.”
Had to rant.
I googled Catholic parishes close to my hotel before I left. Found two. One was definitely Roman Catholic, tho’ it billed itself as a Roman Catholic community. The other said it was Catholic with Anglican leanings. Thinking it might be a Pastoral Provision parish, I called. Got the pastor on the phone. Asked him about his services. Was told wonderful things – was told that he was “as close to Communion with Rome.” And, “we have a lot of Roman Catholics who are members.” Asked if he was Pastoral Provision. He wanted to know what that was:shrug:. Ended conversation. Decided to attend the Roman Catholic community.
Walked into building. DD whispered, "Mom, this is a Protestant church
" Nothing veiled (it was Palm Sunday), but all the sculptures were abstract iron monstrosities that should have been veiled year round. No Stations of the Cross anywhere. Tabernacle was way in the back – where people took crying children. Noted that the parish must have the same taste in crystal that I do – the chalices were the same (cheap) crystal pattern I use at home. Priest’s host was a dark pita-style sort of bread, although there were standard white wafers as well. Church was loud with choir practice and visiting people all over the place right up until the start of the service. At the start, ushers handed out palms and then the priest wandered through the congregation sprinkling them and the people with holy water. Came time for the Gospel, priest looked at deacon and said, "Oh, gosh, it’s the Passion – how do we want to do this?’ Deacon responded, “in parts.” Priest, “I’ll be Christ, you narrate; um, do the people have books?” Deacon, “no, I’ll get them.” Five or ten minutes later we had books with parts – my side got to read Peter’s part. There was no homily. Inclusive language throughout. And on and on. Sad part is, the Anglican Catholic wannabe parish probably has stolen all the Catholics from this town.I am so glad to be home and received a for sure valid Communion this morning at the hands of the Bishop at the Chrism Mass. Told my pastor about the whole experience and asked if I should write the bishop of that diocese. He said, “he knows, and really doesn’t care.”
Had to rant.
