Advice on new community, please!

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bdhutier

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All,
I’m a little concerned, and would appreciate your insights. My wife and I have been transitioning our family to more and more traditional Catholocism. We recently found a wonderful faith community we’ve absolutely fallen in love with; the people are great, the Mass is traditional and more reverent and refreshing than I’ve ever experienced. It’s great!

But (there’s always one, isn’t there…), I’m a bit on guard, probably because of my inexperience/noob-ness to truly traditional Catholocism.
  1. How should I go about tactfully ensuring they are sanctioned by the Church? I’ve already verified via the SSPX website they are not a SSPX chapel. What else should I check? I really don’t want to offend them, but I don’t want to spend the next however-long involving my wife and children in what ends up being some flavor of break-away sect, or something.
  2. One of the Fathers sent out a letter where he describes his experiences speaking in tongues, which he was exposed to while attending “charismatic meetings” years ago. Now, my first thought was of the Pentacostals, but then I tried to remember that speaking in tongues was nothing new to the Apostles. I’m on the edge of running away screaming, but don’t want to throw away something potentially wonderful because I over-reacted, or just didn’t understand.
Thanks in advance for your advice!!
 
I would check the diocese website. They usually have a list of diocese parishes on their website. If the parish in question is listed there then you know they are in communion, if not listed then I would worry.
 
You also can ask the priest. He won’t be offended. Check the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, and the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest.
 
I noticed the expression “faith community” in the OP, and I don’t know if that’s supposed to be a synonym for “parish” or if it means something else :confused:

In any case, besides looking at the diocesan website, you could have a look here or here to see if it’s listed. Another good way to tell is to look at their own website. If they’re “independent” there will likely be no reference to PP Benedict XVI, and there will definitely be no reference to the local bishop or diocese.
 
malphono said:
I noticed the expression “faith community” in the OP, and I don’t know if that’s supposed to be a synonym for “parish” or if it means something else :confused:

In any case, besides looking at the diocesan website, you could have a look here or here to see if it’s listed. Another good way to tell is to look at their own website. If they’re “independent” there will likely be no reference to PP Benedict XVI, and there will definitely be no reference to the local bishop or diocese.
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Thanks for your reply! I’m not really sure what to call it… It’s not a parish, it’s Mass at the chapel of a religious community. It’s like when you attend Mass at a monastery or convent. It’s not a parish, it’s a community. Sorry if it sounded new-agey!!

I haven’t found it anywhere yet, so I’ll email the Archdiocese. They are a private association of the faithful, so if I remember correctly, the Archbishop is supposed to be made aware of their presence.
 
bdhutier said:
  1. One of the Fathers sent out a letter where he describes his experiences speaking in tongues, which he was exposed to while attending “charismatic meetings” years ago. Now, my first thought was of the Pentacostals, but then I tried to remember that speaking in tongues was nothing new to the Apostles. I’m on the edge of running away screaming, but don’t want to throw away something potentially wonderful because I over-reacted, or just didn’t understand.
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There are such things as Charismatic Catholics - that is to say, Catholics who, with the approval of the Pope, have experienced speaking in tongues, miraculous healings, and the like.

There is a Vatican-approved program called “Life in the Spirit” that provides for an orderly and faithful introduction to these experiences. It is entirely optional - no one is required to participate in this. Some people find it helpful - others find it distracting. Your mileage will definitely vary. 🙂
 
bdhutier said:
Thanks for your reply! I’m not really sure what to call it… It’s not a parish, it’s Mass at the chapel of a religious community. It’s like when you attend Mass at a monastery or convent. It’s not a parish, it’s a community. Sorry if it sounded new-agey!!

I haven’t found it anywhere yet, so I’ll email the Archdiocese. They are a private association of the faithful, so if I remember correctly, the Archbishop is supposed to be made aware of their presence.
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A “private association” and they don’t have a website? :hmmm: Anyway, yes, the diocese should know of them. And if they do not, it’s 99.9% sure they’re “independent” and it might be best to steer clear.
 
Ask the priest at this community. Ask the priest at your regular territorial parish. Check the diocese website or call and ask. You are right to be sure before you involve your family, especially your minor children who have no way of getting to another Mass.
 
bdhutier said:
All,
I’m a little concerned, and would appreciate your insights. My wife and I have been transitioning our family to more and more traditional Catholocism. We recently found a wonderful faith community we’ve absolutely fallen in love with; the people are great, the Mass is traditional and more reverent and refreshing than I’ve ever experienced. It’s great!

But (there’s always one, isn’t there…), I’m a bit on guard, probably because of my inexperience/noob-ness to truly traditional Catholocism.
  1. How should I go about tactfully ensuring they are sanctioned by the Church? I’ve already verified via the SSPX website they are not a SSPX chapel. What else should I check? I really don’t want to offend them, but I don’t want to spend the next however-long involving my wife and children in what ends up being some flavor of break-away sect, or something.
  2. One of the Fathers sent out a letter where he describes his experiences speaking in tongues, which he was exposed to while attending “charismatic meetings” years ago. Now, my first thought was of the Pentacostals, but then I tried to remember that speaking in tongues was nothing new to the Apostles. I’m on the edge of running away screaming, but don’t want to throw away something potentially wonderful because I over-reacted, or just didn’t understand.
Thanks in advance for your advice!!
Click to expand...
Malleus: Well you could always come to a Catholic answers forum and ask perfect strangers many of whom are opinionated / caught up in modernism / ignorant of the basic essentials of the faith as taught for Centuries - and would follow any and all People who claim to be pope even if the pointed tail and horns were visible but reasoned and explained away. But I wouldnt recommend it.

Or you could pray the Montefortian Rosary and Ask GOD through his Blessed Mother to guide and direct you. Which I would recommend.

Certainly the answers are found through GOD’s Grace rather than in forums.

Pax
 
call the diocese, vicar general or vicar for priests and find out if the priest is in good standing and has faculties in the diocese, and if the chapel, association, order or whatever it is operates in the diocese with the bishop’s permission. Don’t give just the name, give also the location, there might be more than one St. Elsewhere in the diocese.
 
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