Almost lost another Catholic to Entertaingelicals.

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bengeorge:
My friend just called saying that she felt like the priest at her local parish (Nacogdoches TX) was so boring that in spite of her trying to focus, she often drifted off during mass.

She contrasted this to the great time she had at the local “non-denominational” church, praising God and doing Bible lessons.

I don’t blame her, she was poorly catechised, and after I spoke with her she agreed that the Catholic Church was right, but she asked “Why aren’t there more things to do?”

AND I HAVE TO AGREE!

How is it that even in the smallest of towns, you can have little non-denom churches with vibrant church life, and the local Catholic church is so dull?

It just makes me mad, the sloppy catechisis, the uninspired and trite homilies, the unfriendliness and the coldness of the people, the lack of study opportunities.

WAKE UP.

As a young person, try to start an interesting and engaging program at your local parish… what do you get? Naysaying old ladies and suspicious DREs and sleepwalking priests all saying “We’ll look into thaaatt mm-k?”

arrgh!
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At one time I thought the same way as you and your friend. However, I am not one to do nothing and today have a mens bible study going every Friday at 6:00 am. It is not attended well but it is there to feed whoever needs it. I have thoughts of extending it over a lunch hour as well.

You would be amazed at how much can get accomplished with your Priest if you say “I will do all the work, you do not need to do anything but give me permission.” And remember, Church is not just going to the builing, it every time you and your Catholic friends get together for a meal, card game, party name it. Open your gatherings with prayer and celebrate life together.

One idea I have been tossing around it getting an apologetics class together and meeting in someones home for several weeks. There is some 1,2,3 series on apologetics a guy can buy which would be great for a small group. I am looking for the right person to host it, then I will help get it together with them. Could be very powerful.

And BTW who says you need permission from someone? If you see a need and have good Catholic materials…FIll the need! Don’t sit there the Holy Spirit is might be calling you.

Thanks

Eric
 
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EricCKS:
And BTW who says you need permission from someone? If you see a need and have good Catholic materials…FIll the need! Don’t sit there the Holy Spirit is might be calling you.
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Heard about this, will pass it on: That Man Is You!
 
Answer this.

Is the Church there for You OR are You there for the Church?
Take ownership in your parish and get involved. If your looking for something specific, maybe God is talking to You and telling You to make it happen.

Good Luck & God Bless
 
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bengeorge:
My friend just called saying that she felt like the priest at her local parish (Nacogdoches TX) was so boring that in spite of her trying to focus, she often drifted off during mass.

She contrasted this to the great time she had at the local “non-denominational” church, praising God and doing Bible lessons.

I don’t blame her, she was poorly catechised, and after I spoke with her she agreed that the Catholic Church was right, but she asked “Why aren’t there more things to do?”

AND I HAVE TO AGREE!

How is it that even in the smallest of towns, you can have little non-denom churches with vibrant church life, and the local Catholic church is so dull?

It just makes me mad, the sloppy catechisis, the uninspired and trite homilies, the unfriendliness and the coldness of the people, the lack of study opportunities.

WAKE UP.

As a young person, try to start an interesting and engaging program at your local parish… what do you get? Naysaying old ladies and suspicious DREs and sleepwalking priests all saying “We’ll look into thaaatt mm-k?”

arrgh!
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Have you thought about attending a cursillo?

Blessings,
Richard
 
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msh:
My opinion of the megachurches is that they cater what people want and not what people need. It’s gimmegimmegimme instead of give give give. Why can’t we as parishoners be bothered to have our own study groups, our own catechism classes, our own formation development? Why can’t we print out interesting discussions from these very forums and pass them around to our church friends and see what (name removed by moderator)ut they can give? Why can’t we help build our faith?
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There’s certainly some truth in this. Remember, the Israelites kept practicing syncretism during their time in Caanan, and certainly part of it had to do with the “fun” they could have in the worship service of pagan “gods.”

I’m co-leading a bible study group that I think everyone here should look into, from catholicscripturestudy.com. It’s the best I’ve seen yet. I’ve found SOME Catholic bible study programs that are, well, to be charitible, less than orthodox.

In the Hallmark movie Karol: A Man Who Became Pope, Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla), had a quotation of his own recited to him, at least according to the movie. I don’t know if the quote was historical fiction, or if there’s an actual reference for it elsewhere. I’m going to start a new thread asking this question. Anyway, the quote went something like this (paraphrase):
“There’s only one thing we can demand from our priests: the sacraments. Everything else, feeding the poor, helping the sick and injured, others can do.”
Considering the times (priests were in a severe shortage due to their frequent executions, etc.), I think this is a marvelous insight. And it applies to spiritually enhancing programs outside of mass, IMO.
 
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bengeorge:
My friend just called saying that she felt like the priest at her local parish (Nacogdoches TX) was so boring that in spite of her trying to focus, she often drifted off during mass.

She contrasted this to the great time she had at the local “non-denominational” church, praising God and doing Bible lessons.

I don’t blame her, she was poorly catechised, and after I spoke with her she agreed that the Catholic Church was right, but she asked “Why aren’t there more things to do?”

AND I HAVE TO AGREE!

How is it that even in the smallest of towns, you can have little non-denom churches with vibrant church life, and the local Catholic church is so dull?

It just makes me mad, the sloppy catechisis, the uninspired and trite homilies, the unfriendliness and the coldness of the people, the lack of study opportunities.

WAKE UP.

As a young person, try to start an interesting and engaging program at your local parish… what do you get? Naysaying old ladies and suspicious DREs and sleepwalking priests all saying “We’ll look into thaaatt mm-k?”

arrgh!
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I had the same experience myself this past weekend with a more or less “blah blah” atomosphere at Mass (don’t get me wrong, the miracle of the Mass blows all else out of the water), then i visited this huge vibrant Baptist Church that my friends go to (trying to open the door to evangelize them) and their church was awesome, even the sermon (given on moral relativism and the secular world view vs. a biblical world view) was invigorating and awesome! I told my friends wife that I thought the preacher would make a great Catholic. She didn’t like that (my friend is a former Catholic and his wife is a born and raised evangelical). I’m still trying to find a way to evangelize her or show her how awesome the Faith really is. It’s easy if someone is open to listening but its another story if the person already has a preconceived negative view and refuses to listen openly.
 
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ahimsaman72:
Not all EVANGELICAL churches have stageshows and rock bands. The Baptist church I frequent is low-key. We sing traditional hymns, pray and listen to the sermon. It’s not jumping, hollering, spitting, dancing, etc. etc.
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Sounds like you go to a pretty good Protestant church.😉 Most all Christian churches have at least some truth and good points in them, yours, based on what I’ve seen you write, seems to have more good in it then many.
Many conservative churches consider the mega-church approach to be quite offensive to God.
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Why? I can see the money abuse and such, but if they remain loyal to God…?
They realize that big productions, restaurants inside and other things are really distractions, not helpful parts of the church experience.
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Man alive! If my old Protestant sect churches (i.e. Baptist mostly) had great restaurants in them I’d still be livin there! Crickey Mate, guys LOVE food! Just think of the homeless population alone you could save! I’d go Wednesday nights if there was T-Bone steak for free with garlic potatoes and fresh buttery green beans. I’m a get’en sooo hungried up I could be Baptist again!:bigyikes:
I am one of those conservatives.

Peace…
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Peace,

JMJ
 
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Forest-Pine:
Heard about this, will pass it on: That Man Is You!
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Wow! What a sight. I emailed a few Catholic friends and both my Priests in an effort to “plant seeds”. There is a hunger in our parish but I am not sure what food is needed yet.

Thanks

Eric
 
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Forest-Pine:
Heard about this, will pass it on: That Man Is You!
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I watched their promo video and it sounds great. This may the sort of thing that lay Catholics need. It would be interesting to know more about the content of the program.
 
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Malachi4U:
Sounds like you go to a pretty good Protestant church.😉 Most all Christian churches have at least some truth and good points in them, yours, based on what I’ve seen you write, seems to have more good in it then many.Why? I can see the money abuse and such, but if they remain loyal to God…?Man alive! If my old Protestant sect churches (i.e. Baptist mostly) had great restaurants in them I’d still be livin there! Crickey Mate, guys LOVE food! Just think of the homeless population alone you could save! I’d go Wednesday nights if there was T-Bone steak for free with garlic potatoes and fresh buttery green beans. I’m a get’en sooo hungried up I could be Baptist again!:bigyikes: Peace,

JMJ
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Hahaha…well, it is a welcoming, conservative congregation. I have visited many that were not and really were watered down versions that could be compared to going to the local pub down the street.

The churches I have been involved with (both SBC and independents) view the megachurches with a cautious eye. When you see tithe money going to build a super-church with certain frills, then it becomes a big issue. The church budgets should be mainly missions and evangelism oriented.

What I have personally seen here is an example: I won’t name the church, but this church is immaculate - inside and out. The bathrooms have marble countertops - there is a sitting area, etc. This theme goes throughout the church. It’s like it’s a multi-million dollar subsidiary of Microsoft or something.

And, the people who go there are very wealthy - nothing wrong with that. But, when you spend your money on frills like this I can only wonder at how many “souls” could be cared for and delivered if only they would have used formica countertops and less frills throughout. That may seem harsh, but I feel like (and many that I know) that the focus should be on teaching, evangelism and missions, not sitting around patting ourselves on the back and pushing back cocktails.

I suppose there’s nothing inherently sinful about having a nice church and everything. There’s nothing wrong with nice cars and nice homes either. But, if you are spending God’s money then I believe you must be accountable for it. I would not be a member of a church that had 5 praise music directors, marble flooring and countertops and 10 preachers on staff.

We do have some really good meals at church, though!!! They are all potluck type, but man they are good. After our first visit to the church and filling out the visitor card, the next day one of the deacons (a female) called and wanted to bring by a homemade apple pie!!! I said - bring it on!!!

And, sure enough, this great lady showed up at my door with an awesome homemade apple pie and asked if there was anything the church or she could do for us. I tell you - that means a lot when you are new in town and are needing a smile and helpful person. This group of people is truly loving and supportive and have always been that way.

That’s something that’s hard to come by at many churches nowadays - no matter what the name on the sign says. So, I feel blessed to know these people.

Thanks for making me laugh.

Peace…
 
We need not be afraid to speak the truth. Remind those who are leaving - like the original poster - of what they are giving up.

I also agree that we can offer Bible studies - in our homes if need be. There are plenty of good Bible studies out there. We need to accept that our parishes are not the entertainment place. If we are bothered by that, the Holy Spirit is probably calling us to make a change.

In the past century the Holy Spirit has raised up several lay movements within the church. He knew the laity would be needed in more active roles because of the priest shortage and the shortage of religious.

We need to restore the respect for the the role of our priests and for the religious life. How many of our young ever even consider if God is calling them to religious life? Our pastors can only be stretched so far. There is a shortage of priests and we as the laity need to step up.
 
I am a stay at home mom who “started” a bible study - primarily for other moms - at my parish. I just ordered the Scott Hahn and Jeff Cavins series “Our Father’s Plan” from EWTN. We watch, work out of the study guide and discuss. There is a core group that attends regularly, but others come and go. It has been such a blessing. The series references the Catechism, so we are learning our Faith along the way. We even watched a video series on the Theology of the Body over the summer. Nothing flashy, but for those who are hungry, it has been awsome. I personally think Catholic radio is setting hearts on fire, and we are going to increasingly see renewal in our parishes from little efforts like this. Go for it!
 
Why does God allow the megachurches to grow? Because they’re clearly filling a need–a void, really–that many people in our society sense: a lack of feeling deeply connected to God.
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I think what Paul warned Timothy about is right on the money-

2 Tim 4:3-4

3For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers
4and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths.

Far too many people want to be entertained and they want the clergy to do everything for them. They think Mass is “boring”-it is Holy Mass! How dare anyone be bored? I’m not saying you should be bouncing off the walls in excitement but being entertained just isn’t the point.
 
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EsclavoDeCristo:
I had the same experience myself this past weekend with a more or less “blah blah” atomosphere at Mass (don’t get me wrong, the miracle of the Mass blows all else out of the water), then i visited this huge vibrant Baptist Church that my friends go to (trying to open the door to evangelize them) and their church was awesome, even the sermon (given on moral relativism and the secular world view vs. a biblical world view) was invigorating and awesome! I told my friends wife that I thought the preacher would make a great Catholic. She didn’t like that (my friend is a former Catholic and his wife is a born and raised evangelical). I’m still trying to find a way to evangelize her or show her how awesome the Faith really is. It’s easy if someone is open to listening but its another story if the person already has a preconceived negative view and refuses to listen openly.
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This is probably the biggest attraction to both Catholics and Protestants. By and large Catholics are there for the Eucharist and in my experience the Homilies are usually not as riveting as the preaching that I have heard in Protestant services. On the flip-side the Protestants are there for the expository preaching; how to be better Christians by studying and applying themselves to the Word, but without the Eucharist. I think that Catholics can learn somethings from Protestants and that Proetstants can learn some things from Catholics.

Please take this for what it is worth, I’m not assuming that your priest does not give great uplifting Homilies or that ALL Protestant preachers are superior sermon-givers to Catholics, I’m simply relaying my experiences.

Blessings,
Richard
 
This was a bit of a problem for me, despit the fact that our church covers a huge area, there is still nothing to do to feel a part of the church. The majority of the congregation are either middle aged to old women (this is not a bad thing) but I am literally one of only three youths who regularly attends mass. Having said this, it’s not even as if the other churches are more vibrant, there are five Anglican churches in my area, and they are all just as bad. The only churches that are slightly more entusiastic are the Baptist church (but the happy clappy style they have feels a bit too un church like) and the upper rooms church (anyone know anything about them?) We have got something to look up about now, because in September we received two new priests (one aged 28). The church also tried a “youth drop in” but nobody turned up so they had to close it (I was too old anyway). Has anyone else ever been to a church youth group or something of the sort.
 
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Libero:
This was a bit of a problem for me, despit the fact that our church covers a huge area, there is still nothing to do to feel a part of the church. The majority of the congregation are either middle aged to old women (this is not a bad thing) but I am literally one of only three youths who regularly attends mass. Having said this, it’s not even as if the other churches are more vibrant, there are five Anglican churches in my area, and they are all just as bad. The only churches that are slightly more entusiastic are the Baptist church (but the happy clappy style they have feels a bit too un church like) and the upper rooms church (anyone know anything about them?) We have got something to look up about now, because in September we received two new priests (one aged 28). The church also tried a “youth drop in” but nobody turned up so they had to close it (I was too old anyway). Has anyone else ever been to a church youth group or something of the sort.
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Ever been on a Cursillo?

They’re great!

cursillo.org.uk/

Blessings,
Richard
 
JP Augustine:
Why does God allow the megachurches to grow? Because they’re clearly filling a need–a void, really–that many people in our society sense: a lack of feeling deeply connected to God.

It seems as though many people–some Catholics included–simply drift into a spiritual slumber, and they need to be awakened. Often, it seems as though these megachurches wake people up and give them a sense of connection to God for the first time in a long time – perhaps ever.

For many of these people, the megachurch will simply be enough. And, honestly, I’d rather see people develop a connection with God in the context of a megachurch than live a life disconnected from God. Probably a bit better for their souls, yes? 😉

At the same time, I think a portion of these people who have been spiritually awakened will sense the overall superficial nature of the theology and worship to be found in the megachurches. These people will continue to seek, and I think these are the people who may find their way (or find their way back) to the Catholic Church.

We need to be aware of opportunities with people like this, helping them come to see that being truly Catholic can add a dimension to their worship that they’re not experiencing in their megachurch.

Really, we should be thankful for the work these megachurches are doing. They may be ultimately helping many to come to the Church. 👍

At least, that’s my prayer…

JP Augustine
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I think the guest on The Journey Home the other night made a key point. He said how his relationship with the Church shouldn’t depend on a feeling just as his relationship with his wife shouldn’t depend on just his feelings. Feelings can be misleading and things are not always going to be exciting. It doesn’t mean we should abandon them, just like we wouldn’t abandon our spouse if things got “boring.”
 
This is true, but at the same time a man’s realtionship with his wife shouldn’t be boring.
 
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bengeorge:
Well, that doesn’t help my friend much.

And why it should be left up to individual lay people to start their own Bible studies when we have a very wealthy Church and big buildings and people who are getting paid to be the educational leadership…

It’s scandalous.
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WE are the body of the Church…WE need to put in effort, too. Remember…‘time, talent, and treasure’…keep givin’…who know’s who’s life you’ll touch! 😃

I wish that there were more things to do, too…after all if we are ‘family’ we should have lots of opportunities to fellowship. 🙂
 
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