Almost perfect.

[damooster]

To make a long story short, I’ve been looking for a permanent place to attend Mass because I do not enjoy the parishes I’ve been to so far (there’s something major with each one I’ve visited). So, this morning I went to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in DC. I live about 15 minutes from the Shrine when there’s no traffic, so I decided to go to the 7:30 a.m. Mass. I thought it would be held in the main area but I was soon directed downstairs to the Crypt Church. It was beautiful and so was the Mass. There was no singing whatsoever and I absolutely enjoyed it.

It was almost perfect. But after receiving Holy Communion, I returned to the pew and knelt to pray when my prayer was interrupted by the Lector reading announcements. That’s right; she read the announcements while the Eucharist was still out and everyone was trying to pray after receiving Holy Communion.

I can’t go back to that! I thought I found my new parish but alas, it wasn’t meant to be.

(Thanks for listening to me grumble).

 

[CatholicZ09]

To make a long story short, I’ve been looking for a permanent place to attend Mass because I do not enjoy the parishes I’ve been to so far (there’s something major with each one I’ve visited). So, this morning I went to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in DC. I live about 15 minutes from the Shrine when there’s no traffic, so I decided to go to the 7:30 a.m. Mass. I thought it would be held in the main area but I was soon directed downstairs to the Crypt Church. It was beautiful and so was the Mass. There was no singing whatsoever and I absolutely enjoyed it.

It was almost perfect. But after receiving Holy Communion, I returned to the pew and knelt to pray when my prayer was interrupted by the Lector reading announcements. That’s right; she read the announcements while the Eucharist was still out and everyone was trying to pray after receiving Holy Communion.

I can’t go back to that! I thought I found my new parish but alas, it wasn’t meant to be.

(Thanks for listening to me grumble).

Maybe you could mention something about it. I mean, while the Blessed Sacrament is out and while people are receiving and going back to their pews, the area should be in a prayerful mood. I would mention something.

 

[damooster]

Maybe you could mention something about it. I mean, while the Blessed Sacrament is out and while people are receiving and going back to their pews, the area should be in a prayerful mood. I would mention something.

I’ve been thinking about this as well. I may “bring it up.” It really was perfect except for this.

 

[prodigalson12]

It could have been a fluke, or mistake they made on a one time basis. The main thing, you loved the rest of it, don’t let this one thing prevent you from going.

 

[CatholicZ09]

It could have been a fluke, or mistake they made on a one time basis. The main thing, you loved the rest of it, don’t let this one thing prevent you from going.

This is true. There’s always the possibility it was an accident. Plus, this could be the thing closest to perfect you could get.

 

[CB_Catholic]

Sometimes I think that trying to find the perfect parish is like trying to find the perfect wife (or husband). It might not happen, and meanwhile you may have missed out on some very good things.

It might be wise to not seek perfection, but find a place where you are comfortable spiritually and try to overlook little things that will inevitably crop up. Because, sooner or later, they will, even in the most “perfect” parish. And remember, most people are trying to do the best that they can.

 

[Bluegoat]

I think one needs to be very careful about church shopping. Not that it is never appropriate, but I think it can have real spiritual dangers. Remember the advice that Screwtape gave to Wormwood - if you can’t get him to avoid church entirely, send him church shopping.

 

[damooster]

Sometimes I think that trying to find the perfect parish is like trying to find the perfect wife (or husband). It might not happen, and meanwhile you may have missed out on some very good things.

It might be wise to not seek perfection, but find a place where you are comfortable spiritually and try to overlook little things that will inevitably crop up. Because, sooner or later, they will, even in the most “perfect” parish. And remember, most people are trying to do the best that they can.

I realize I sound picky. I shouldn’t say “perfect” parish, more like the right parish for me. So far I have not been able to find the right mix. For example, the parish I went through RCIA with has great parish ministries, but the members are very progressive and it shows in the Mass; forced hand holding during the Our Father, people wearing flips flops and other inappropriate clothing, pastor’s dog sleeping under the altar during Mass (not lying). My home parish has a great, reverent NO Mass but there are virtually no parish ministries. I’ve been hoping to find everything in one place but I guess it’s just not meant to be.

As it stands right now, I attend Mass at my home parish and any community activities (Knights of Columbus, Legion of Mary) at another parish. And I realize that there would be no parish ministries at the National Shrine, I just felt the Mass was exactly what I was looking for until the announcements part.

 

[damooster]

I think one needs to be very careful about church shopping. Not that it is never appropriate, but I think it can have real spiritual dangers. Remember the advice that Screwtape gave to Wormwood - if you can’t get him to avoid church entirely, send him church shopping.

I understand what you’re saying, and I see an obligation I have to home parish. If I’m not happy there I should stay and help rather than run. But I also have an obligation to myself and I want to find the right place to worship for myself. I still support my parish financially and attend daily Mass there.

 

[Bluegoat]

I understand what you’re saying, and I see an obligation I have to home parish. If I’m not happy there I should stay and help rather than run. But I also have an obligation to myself and I want to find the right place to worship for myself. I still support my parish financially and attend daily Mass there.

It is always a difficult line to draw. I’ve recently started attending a different parish, one I used to go to, because of the state of the parish I live in, but I am very uncomfortable about the whole thing. The Sunday school director brought some of the Sunday school materials over for my daughter today and reminded me that she is right around the corner if I need a hand while my husband is away. I felt like a bit of a jerk.