Catholic in community

[Philena]

I’ve only been a Catholic for three years, but I embrace the Church’s teachings and try to live my life in accordance with those teachings.

However, the one difficulty that I’ve had is how to be a Catholic in my parish. Cradle Catholics have the advantage here, they know the programs and the people. I just don’t know where to fit in. Because I’m divorced, a single parent, and work full time, I feel excluded from the parish life. Nothing calls to me or seems to fit my situation.

Any suggestions?

 

[Toni]

The only real advantage the cradle Catholic’s have is time. They know the parishes they know what needs to be done, and they know what interests they have. But as far as the last one we all know our interests.
To get involved call whoever is in charge of Christian Service and see where they need help. In the parish bulletin there is often a list of people needed to work in different areas. Last week they were looking for decorators, quilters, Eucharistic Ministers, etc.
Most parishes usually have a list just call jump in and have fun. I will warn you though the Church is in dire need of people to work in so many areas. For myself I had a difficult time saying no so I was running the Parish picnic, volunteer appreciation dinner, cooking for funeral luncheons, sacristan you name it and after a while you get burned out and then stop doing all of it. So pick and chose. But your parish I am sure would be thrilled to have you help out.

 

[Pug]

Philena, I can sympathize with not having a good way to plug in to the parish! I was Catholic for years before I connected, sort of all at once, like an avalanch! I don’t have children though, so it was easier for me time-wise.

For you, I would suggest a committee (building committee, education committe, etc). I know, what a drag, but that way it is only one evening a month for an hour or so, and you can talk with the people who are the most involved in your parish. You’ll find out what they do and they will quickly hook you up with other volunteer opportunities, I swear! Plus you will get into the nitty gritty of what runs a parish.

Or, if you don’t like that idea, try the St. Vincent de Paul society (many parishes have a chapter). you could do phone work for them, which you can do at home. Plus you would have the meetings to go to for meeting folks. The key to hook up in a parish is to get to know a certain critical amount of people who are the involved type.

If you are lucky, your parish office has a time and talent sheet with a list of all the opportunities in the parish. You could walk in one day and ask about it if neither of these appeal (or have them fax it if you can’t ever come during hours). But I have tried to give you two fast track opportunities for community. Good luck!

 

[puzzleannie]

volunteer for CCD or youth ministry. Don’t think “I don’t know enough” is a reason to avoid it. This is the fast track to learning more about your faith, and an instant connection to the other catechists and the families of the students. These are the very people likely to share your interests and situation, and to be connected to other parish ministries and activities.

 

[aurora77]

Definitely try to get involved with a group. Several of our PSR teachers are parents of kids in the program–if you’re taking your children for religious ed., why not stick around and teach? Are retreats offered? That’s what got me into the parish family, by going on a weekend retreat, I met a number of wonderful women and it just escalated from there. Most of all, pray that God will direct you in that area. I can understand your feelings. I was in my parish for about 3 years before I really got to be involved. These things just take time. Good luck!

 

[Dorothy]

Philena:

I’ve only been a Catholic for three years, but I embrace the Church’s teachings and try to live my life in accordance with those teachings.

However, the one difficulty that I’ve had is how to be a Catholic in my parish. Cradle Catholics have the advantage here, they know the programs and the people. I just don’t know where to fit in. Because I’m divorced, a single parent, and work full time, I feel excluded from the parish life. Nothing calls to me or seems to fit my situation.

Any suggestions?

If your parish doesn’t have any groups meeting for divorced people then find out what some neighboring parishes have in that regard.

Meanwhile, there may be some adult education programs, or CCD teaching that you could look into in your own parish.