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Hesychios
Guest
Always nice to hear from you Eucharisted.
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Claire_from_DE
Guest
As an RCIA team member I find it interesting that people are attracted to the Catholic Church and/or to my parish for widely different reasons. Some people read themselves into the church. Some like the friendliness of the pastor or some of the people. Some want a ‘church family’. Some feel led there by God. One was a Satanist and wanted to get as far away from that as possible. One ‘felt something’ upon walking into the church.Hi Claire - no, as a family I guess you’d say we’re not the church type.They know I go to various churchs though, but make nothing of it. It’s my thing. They’re not much interested except for funerals and weddings
As for making friends, I don’t think I got my point across clearly. I have no problem saying hi to people, and introducing myself. But I’ve found a really big difference between the catholic and protestant church in terms of how they deal with strangers.
I was more getting at the perceived external differences in the churchs and people. And if that in some way affects some peoples desire to explore the church further.
I think it’s true that many Protestant churches make an effort to identify and welcome visitors and this is something we could improve on. In my travels the most friendly Catholic church I visited was near Emporia, Va. In general, the friendliest churches I’ve visited have been Black churches. Of course, it was obvious that I was a visitor.
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Reuben_J
Guest
There is always a section of the adherents of a denomination that become its own worst enemy. Do not make that a factor for you to choose churches, if ever it comes to that. Believe me, whether it’s the Church of England, Evangelical or even Islam, none would be spare of this human failing.
I still suggest you try the prayer meeting in your Catholic parish, if there is one. Or some other lay movements that tailored more to gathering and fellowship of lay people. You can make friends there and even involve in church works and ministries. It would make your going to mass more at home knowing someone there whom you had met and worked with outside the liturgical worship.
You will find that, together with those Catholics that put you off, there would be many more Catholics that edify and love you the way that you want them to.
May God bless you and show you the way in your spiritual journey and life.
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RoryMcKenzie56
Guest
I must disagree with your assertion that “the stated theory of Humanae Vitae that essentially says sex is solely for the purpose of creating life.” Rather, the document itself clearly states as does Scripture, that the marriage act is in and of itself, even in circumstances where infertility is certain remains noble and worthy.The issue over birth control is way overblown.
The Roman Catholic church is not the last word on the meaning of sex in a marriage, and it approves of birth control using the rhythm method, which completely contravenes the stated theory of Humanae Vitae that essentially says sex is solely for the purpose of creating life.
The issue of ‘politics’ in reference to Holy Orthodoxy is a non-starter.
But I will say that if you cannot get passed those two minor fluffs to actually examine what the Orthodox teach and believe, you probably should not consider it.
—Humanae Vitae 2:11
I would even agree that procreation is the primary purpose of married love as a final end. But to say that it is the sole purpose seems unwarranted in light of the actual text.
As for your assertion as to whether the Catholic Church is the last word on the meaning of sex in marriage, our questioner might as well get used to the idea that the Catholic Church so claims to be:
—Humanae Vitae 4,
As to the original concern which is mainly about Catholics being unfriendly after Mass, I would plead guilty, except for the fact that I deliberately introduce myself to visitors as often as possible and thank them for coming. But I will not judge my fellow Catholics who come to Mass and then go home without doing what I do.
But the socio-cultural junk is a non-issue anyway. If you agree with Pope Paul VI about the authority of the Catholic Church to interpret natural and supernatural revelation, you should be Catholic regardless of how unfriendly the parishioners are where you go. If you don’t agree with Pope Paul, you shouldn’t be Catholic regardless of how friendly the people might seem if you came to my parish.
Rory
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reen12
Guest
Guyonthestreet, maybe I can offer a view of parish life, well over 50 years ago,
that may be of assistance.
City parishes were taken for granted as the center piece of our lives.
No one went to Mass to hear the short ‘sermon.’ We went to ‘hear Mass.’
Usually, one’s brother was an altar boy, Aunt Clara helped in the Altar Rosary Society to keep the altar linens fresh and bright. Grouchy Uncle Thomas may have been a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which members cared, quietly, for the needs of those who were doing without. Uncle Thomas would get even grouchier if you mentioned his work to him. Then there were the church ushers. With 5 Masses on a Sunday morning, these men needed a shoe horn to fit everyone in the pews.
The choir members worked with might and main each week, getting ready for
Sunday, and worked even harder for Christmas and Easter Masses.
What I am trying to convey, possibly poorly, is that parish life was the culture in which we lived. 50 years ago. If one wished to convert to Catholicism, one met
with the parish priest on a regular schedule, for ‘instruction.’
Much has changed in 50 years. When I attend baptisms and confirmations,
I note how the priest ‘celebrant’] keeps heading back to a ‘presider’s chair’
constantly. [This continues to mystify me, no matter how this darting back and forth
is explained.] http://bestsmileys.com/nono/9.gif
I was drawn to Judaism, early in life, because I watched an elderly man, when I was 12, making his way to the synagogue on many days, to help form a minyan. He was charity itself, and most soft spoken. I knew that God was with him.
I close with the sentiments of St. Thos. More, in abbreviated form:
**Pray for me, **
**as I will for thee, **
that we may merrily meet in heaven.
Kindest regards,
reen12
that may be of assistance.
City parishes were taken for granted as the center piece of our lives.
No one went to Mass to hear the short ‘sermon.’ We went to ‘hear Mass.’
Usually, one’s brother was an altar boy, Aunt Clara helped in the Altar Rosary Society to keep the altar linens fresh and bright. Grouchy Uncle Thomas may have been a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which members cared, quietly, for the needs of those who were doing without. Uncle Thomas would get even grouchier if you mentioned his work to him. Then there were the church ushers. With 5 Masses on a Sunday morning, these men needed a shoe horn to fit everyone in the pews.
The choir members worked with might and main each week, getting ready for
Sunday, and worked even harder for Christmas and Easter Masses.
What I am trying to convey, possibly poorly, is that parish life was the culture in which we lived. 50 years ago. If one wished to convert to Catholicism, one met
with the parish priest on a regular schedule, for ‘instruction.’
Much has changed in 50 years. When I attend baptisms and confirmations,
I note how the priest ‘celebrant’] keeps heading back to a ‘presider’s chair’
constantly. [This continues to mystify me, no matter how this darting back and forth
is explained.] http://bestsmileys.com/nono/9.gif
I was drawn to Judaism, early in life, because I watched an elderly man, when I was 12, making his way to the synagogue on many days, to help form a minyan. He was charity itself, and most soft spoken. I knew that God was with him.
I close with the sentiments of St. Thos. More, in abbreviated form:
**Pray for me, **
**as I will for thee, **
that we may merrily meet in heaven.
Kindest regards,
reen12
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O.S.Luke
Guest
Wow… Kinda ironic given the OP’s question.
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josie_L
Guest
Not so much ironic as frustrated with Hescyhios’s misinterpretation of Catholic teachings (and not the first time either from what Eucharisted stated).
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Harpazo
Guest
Glory to Jesus Christ!
Don’t hold your breath on that. NFP is used for much, much more than medical reasons by Catholics. Just visit the Family Life forum here and you’ll know what I’m talking about.
Orthodoxy is completely against contraception. There may be a few priests here or there who dissent, but the Catholic Church has its own dissenters, too.
Below is what my priest told me in an email about the Orthodox position on contraception and that it is contrary to Orthodox Christianity:
My priest’s response is the general consensus that I have seen in Orthodoxy. Now, please let’s stop this senseless attacking of brother Michael.
In Christ,
Andrew
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Reuben_J
Guest
Misrepresentation of Roman Catholicism.The issue over birth control is way overblown.
The Roman Catholic church is not the last word on the meaning of sex in a marriage, and it approves of birth control using the rhythm method, which completely contravenes the stated theory of Humanae Vitae that essentially says sex is solely for the purpose of creating life.
The issue of ‘politics’ in reference to Holy Orthodoxy is a non-starter.
But I will say that if you cannot get passed those two minor fluffs to actually examine what the Orthodox teach and believe, you probably should not consider it.
I hope it is not one of those deliberate prejudice that is often shown unconsciously among non-Catholics.
Anyway, once you do that, no matter how learned and articulate your post is, it will be deemed worthless because of the prejudice and the ignorance. It is sad especially if it comes from a so-called intelligent non-Catholic – I don’t know how much that’s true, I mean the articulate part – see that in one of the posts – but if that’s true your post would be rendered useless as far as I am concerned.
Too bad for an inter-religious dialogue on all account.
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Louie1983
Guest
Glory always to Jesus Christ Andrew,
The catholic church is against contraception also, read the catechism of the catholic church - it specifically and unequivixally prohibits it’s use. Yes there are those who use for incorrect reasons but as you have stated there are dissenters in all faiths, Nothing different with catholics. The church is 100% against contraception.
I don’t think anyone is attacking michael, but it does get frustrating when people make incorrect and inflammotory comments about the faith. Wouldn’t you agree andrew?
Blessings.
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gurneyhalleck1
Guest
Eucharisted, “keep your mouth shut” is by no means the proper way to address someone in this forum and it doesn’t represent we Catholics very well. Guyonthestreet just got through talking about negative perceptions of Catholics. “Keep your mouth shut” only proves his point. You can disagree with Hesychios, but the verbage stinks.
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gurneyhalleck1
Guest
Hesychios is not a “so-called intelligent” Christian, he’s quite intelligent and not prejudiced or ignorant as you imply. I think this argument has run its course. Some folks disagree with his stance on NFP/contraception. Ok, let’s move on. He has a different view; that doesn’t make the guy Stalin…Misrepresentation of Roman Catholicism.
I hope it is not one of those deliberate prejudice that is often shown unconsciously among non-Catholics.
Anyway, once you do that, no matter how learned and articulate your post is, it will be deemed worthless because of the prejudice and the ignorance. It is sad especially if it comes from a so-called intelligent non-Catholic – I don’t know how much that’s true, I mean the articulate part – see that in one of the posts – but if that’s true your post would be rendered useless as far as I am concerned.
Too bad for an inter-religious dialogue on all account.
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Louie1983
Guest
I agree with you here Gurneyhalleck1 but you have to look at both sides here also.
Hesychios should never have made that comment knowing full well that the catholic church is against contraception, and also the fact the church can’t control disobeying lay people. why did he need to say it? i’m sure you would have explained it to on numerous occasions what the church’s stand on contraception is, i think he needs to take some of the responsibilty as well.
Hesychios is an intelligent and faithful christian, i can see that from the discussions we have had. But when he makes comments like he did after the correct stance has been explained, it might tick a couple of people off.
God bless!
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Reuben_J
Guest
I apologize for my outburst. I am ashamed of it as it made me looked so shallow. At first glance his post sounded as if he misunderstood Catholic stand on birth control and purposely misintepret it. I guess he has a way of saying what he said and I had perhaps completely misunderstood. I did not see it the way you saw it, and I am sorry if this cause my brother/sister Catholics some anxious moment. My apology too to Hesychios. Maybe my bad disposition is being brought forwards from the other thread though it should not be the excuse at all. I have only myself to account for what I do and say.
I am sorry.
May God bless us all.
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OneTrueCathApos
Guest
If Protestants want to knock and lie about the Catholic church then why the apologies? Guyonthestreet doesn’t realize that you go to Mass to hear the Gospel and most importantly to receive Christ’s Body and Blood. I don’t think that’s important enough for him to become Catholic. Because if it was, he’d be one and not care about “people” in the church.
Christ established the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic church, the Catholic church, and that’s all you need to know.
BTW, is charity here suppose to be only for Catholics? Because I notice that some Protestants here are extremely rude and sarcastic.
Christ established the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic church, the Catholic church, and that’s all you need to know.
BTW, is charity here suppose to be only for Catholics? Because I notice that some Protestants here are extremely rude and sarcastic.
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kalt
Guest
People, in general, are their own worst enemies.
I know what you mean about the Catholic Church. It is very hard to get people to volunteer to do anything. My parish has few extras. There is a coffee hour after Mass, but people tend to stand around in cliques, talking to the people they already know well. One could say that it’s up to the person to introduce himself, and I agree with that–to a point. When people are standing in circles, facing in, how is a stranger supposed to walk up to anyone to speak? Most people make eye contact first. Is someone supposed to crawl between their legs and stand up in the middle of the group? lol
IMO, the smaller Protestant churches have it all over Catholics in the welcoming department. And if that is the only way someone will feel comfortable, the CC will feel chilly. But I’m suspicious about the motives. People in Protestant churches have been welcoming to me–They wanted to get my name, address, and phone number before I left! They were definitley looking for a new member. Because of that, their welcome didn’t feel very personal. They would have been “all over” any warm body that walked in.
The congregation, though, is generally more friendly to new-comers in small Protestant churches.
It seems that they way to find friends in a CC is to volunteer.
FWIW, I prefer the CC way. I like to go to church and leave. Hanging out never interested me.
I know what you mean about the Catholic Church. It is very hard to get people to volunteer to do anything. My parish has few extras. There is a coffee hour after Mass, but people tend to stand around in cliques, talking to the people they already know well. One could say that it’s up to the person to introduce himself, and I agree with that–to a point. When people are standing in circles, facing in, how is a stranger supposed to walk up to anyone to speak? Most people make eye contact first. Is someone supposed to crawl between their legs and stand up in the middle of the group? lol
IMO, the smaller Protestant churches have it all over Catholics in the welcoming department. And if that is the only way someone will feel comfortable, the CC will feel chilly. But I’m suspicious about the motives. People in Protestant churches have been welcoming to me–They wanted to get my name, address, and phone number before I left! They were definitley looking for a new member. Because of that, their welcome didn’t feel very personal. They would have been “all over” any warm body that walked in.
The congregation, though, is generally more friendly to new-comers in small Protestant churches.
It seems that they way to find friends in a CC is to volunteer.
FWIW, I prefer the CC way. I like to go to church and leave. Hanging out never interested me.
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kalt
Guest
Can’t we attend Mass and be more open to new-comers? What good is listening to the Gospel if you can’t live it–not even as you’re going into and leaving church?
The OP’s observation is valid.
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JustaServant
Guest
Being Catholic is not about being part of a group in which we all agree. That is called a cult, or even worse, a political party
. With over a billion Catholics world-wide, do you actually believe you are able pigeon-hole them all? The CC is a different world than many ‘us four, no more’ sects out there. Take it from a former fundamentalist. The behavor of other Catholics is, sorry, none of our business. We pray for them and focus our attention on our own behavor, not the behavior of others.Have you been to every parish in your area? Have you investigated what those parishes actively do and what they offer? Have you gone to traditonal churches? Have YOU offered to start an activity in those churches? Those ‘old biddies’ can be the greatest blessing to you if let them.
Spiritual growth is dependent upon you, not other people.
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rotlex
Guest
Well, put, and to the point.
I’ll make one more. My family and I have the same issues as the OP regarding our local parish. Not that it’s not “friendly”, but 99% of the folks there come to mass on Sunday, don’t look at anyone on the way out, and aren’t seen or heard from again until the following Sunday. Pretty much the norm at 3 or 4 of the parishes we have been members of in our area as we have moved a bit.
Our solution? We attend mass and worship at our parish, but get together, regularly, at a local Calvary Bible Fellowship Church. Why? They are actually people, who enjoy sharing the Gospel outside of mass\church! (Imagine that, LOL). Our daughter even attends their VBS each year as our own parish, or any other close by, offer none.
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OneTrueCathApos
Guest
What is wrong with going to Mass and that’s that? Why mingle anyway? I mind my own business and go about my own way. Like I said before, we are there for one purpose and one purpose only. We are not there to be entertained.
Don’t get me wrong, everyone says hello to me and I to them, but s far as coffee and such, I skip it as I need to get home to cook my Sunday dinner.
I sometimes attend Mass during the week and I love that. Nice and quiet…
Don’t get me wrong, everyone says hello to me and I to them, but s far as coffee and such, I skip it as I need to get home to cook my Sunday dinner.
I sometimes attend Mass during the week and I love that. Nice and quiet…
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