Do you prefer a bigger parish or a smaller one? Why do you feel so?

[JesuXPIPassio]

I prefer a smaller one. I went to a Coptic Orthodox parish once and I liked how it was a very familial sort of place. Also, I like the intimate feel of worship that smaller places provide. It matches my personality type better – I’m someone who just would want to be with a few close friends rather than a lot of people. And, it’s nice being closer to the altar area. I would imagine it could be harder for me to appreciate the Eucharist if I am too far from it as it is Consecrated. Lastly, smaller parishes mean less people, which would mean less disturbance and distraction. There would be less chance of someone’s phone going off (it isn’t so much ringing phones that bother me, but it’s annoying when they just let it ring and ring and don’t remedy it straight away).

There are, of course, benefits of having a bigger parish too. They tend to be grander-looking while smaller ones could feel as if they don’t recognise the solemnity of the event.

What do you prefer, and why?

 

[Letchitsa1]

I prefer a reverent one - regardless of the size. Unfortunately, small parishes can be just as guilty as the larger ones of allowing themselves to get sloppy in the celebration of the mass. To me, the most beautiful mass celebrated is one done with reverence and in which the message of the scriptures, homily and music comes together in a manner that is too beautiful for words to accurately describe it.

 

[puzzleannie]

the bigger the better, I would like to see my parish, no matter what size it is now, grow at least 10% a year through sincere, committed evangelization on the part of her parishioners, inspired by the Holy Spirit.

 

[thistle]

I prefer a smaller one. I went to a Coptic Orthodox parish once and I liked how it was a very familial sort of place. Also, I like the intimate feel of worship that smaller places provide. It matches my personality type better – I’m someone who just would want to be with a few close friends rather than a lot of people. And, it’s nice being closer to the altar area. I would imagine it could be harder for me to appreciate the Eucharist if I am too far from it as it is Consecrated. Lastly, smaller parishes mean less people, which would mean less disturbance and distraction. There would be less chance of someone’s phone going off (it isn’t so much ringing phones that bother me, but it’s annoying when they just let it ring and ring and don’t remedy it straight away).

There are, of course, benefits of having a bigger parish too. They tend to be grander-looking while smaller ones could feel as if they don’t recognise the solemnity of the event.

What do you prefer, and why?

How do you define bigger or smaller?
Our parish has 14,000 parishioners but I have no clue if that is considered big or small.

 

[acadian]

I love my small parish. I don’t know how many parishioners we have - but we have 3 Masses on the weekend and our church probably seats between 200 and 300 people. I like that you see the same people week after week, year after year. Though I like it when new people become part of the family, too. There is a cozy feel to our church.

I do miss that there are not enough youth to have a youth group and that there is not a large variety of ministries and happenings. But there also does not seem to be a lot of the drama and politics that you sometimes find in parishes.

 

[JesuXPIPassio]

How do you define bigger or smaller?
Our parish has 14,000 parishioners but I have no clue if that is considered big or small.

Whoa, 14,000 parishioners? That’s, like, a whole town. Do you live in a big city with a big, historical church (like a Basilica or something), or do you live in a town with just one parish, so everyone goes there? I’m curious, how many priests are assigned there? It’s fascinating to learn the mechanics of it all.

 

[ericka1701]

I echo Letchitsa1 sentiments… I like reverent masses, where everyone treats the church as a sacred place, not just someplace to meet with friends for an hour on the weekend (there is time after worship for that). Not everyone does this, but it’s the few who do that really bother me. Surprisingly I prefer the Latin form of mass. I really think I was born in the wrong year, though… give me a black and white movie and an LP (33 1/3) and I’m perfectly happy.

God Bless!

Ericka

 

[ChemicalBean]

I think I prefer a bigger parish because:

They are more likely to have many more mass times and have more than 1 priest serving it.

They are likely to have more financial resources to support staff in the parish (DRE’s, catechists, liturgy/music, lay associates, sacramental prep, etc.) and can offer more programming like scripture studies, retreats, service/justice projects, spiritual direction.

Instead of assuming that “We’re small; we’re close already” and then never getting to know people outside of your pew-handshake range, the parish has to actively culture a sense of community with social events, small groups, etc.

Most importantly: if the parish is expanding or holding steady membership, and bringing in money to the diocese or at least covering its expenses, it is not likely to be closed, clustered, or consolidated.

 

[Letchitsa1]

Whoa, 14,000 parishioners? That’s, like, a whole town. Do you live in a big city with a big, historical church (like a Basilica or something), or do you live in a town with just one parish, so everyone goes there? I’m curious, how many priests are assigned there? It’s fascinating to learn the mechanics of it all.

One parish I was in when I lived in San Antonio, TX, had roughly 6000 families on its registry - roughly 24,000 people. I can’t speak for the parish that has 14,000 parishioners, but this parish had one priest, several weekend masses, and honestly, I was surprised to see that it was that big because it sure didn’t seem like it. I suspect a lot of the parishioners were either cultural Catholics or Christmas/Easter Catholics because they sure never seemed to be around.

 

[SeekerJen]

I think my current parish is in the middle- about 2000 families registered- and I really like it. It’s big enough to have both financial and human resources to get a lot of ministry work done, but small enough that I always see people I know regardless of which of the 5 weekend Masses I attend. We have a full-time pastor who lives in the rectory, along with a former pastor, now retired, who also lives in the rectory and splits the Mass and sacrament schedule with the current pastor. It means that in addition to the 5 weekend Masses, we can have daily Mass and regular Saturday confessions.

 

[Freshman88]

As long as the parish is orthodox and liturgically sound, I could care less. I have a lot of trouble finding both.

 

[LeapIntoFaith]

As long as the parish is orthodox and liturgically sound, I could care less. I have a lot of trouble finding both.

I read this sort of sentiment quite a bit on this forum. How does one who is learning about the faith know a parish is liturgically sound? Should I be visiting many parishes?

 

[Freshman88]

I read this sort of sentiment quite a bit on this forum. How does one who is learning about the faith know a parish is liturgically sound? Should I be visiting many parishes?

Exposure to different parishes will help, but your best defense is education. Read as much as you can about the mass, it will make each visit all the more fulfilling because there is a lot more to the mass then meets the eye.

One thing is for certain, don’t feel like you have to scout out the parish or assess it before you go, simply attend, observe, ask questions and learn. It will become obvious if the parish isn’t orthodox.

 

[LeapIntoFaith]

Thanks Freshman… I don’t want to hijack the thread anymore than I have. Appreciate the advice

 

[SMHW]

I think I like my mid size parish. It has around 2800 families. It’s big enough to have plenty of resources but small enough that I can actually get to know a substantial number of the people.

 

[thistle]

Whoa, 14,000 parishioners? That’s, like, a whole town. Do you live in a big city with a big, historical church (like a Basilica or something), or do you live in a town with just one parish, so everyone goes there? I’m curious, how many priests are assigned there? It’s fascinating to learn the mechanics of it all.

I live in Las Pinas which is part of Metro Manila, Philippines. It has a population of around 470,000. I don’t know how many parishes we have but I know there are at least 4 within 10 mins drive of my home but I’m sure there are lots more than that.
In our parish we have 3 full time priests plus regular “guest” priests.
By the way of the 14,000 parishioners we have approx 80% Mass attendence. That’s why we have so many Sunday Masses.

 

[JesuXPIPassio]

I live in Las Pinas which is part of Metro Manila, Philippines. It has a population of around 470,000. I don’t know how many parishes we have but I know there are at least 4 within 10 mins drive of my home but I’m sure there are lots more than that.
In our parish we have 3 full time priests plus regular “guest” priests.
By the way of the 14,000 parishioners we have approx 80% Mass attendence. That’s why we have so many Sunday Masses.

Oh, no kidding, I also have residence in Paranaque; I think we even share the same Bishop. You go to that parish with the bamboo organ?

 

[thistle]

Oh, no kidding, I also have residence in Paranaque; I think we even share the same Bishop. You go to that parish with the bamboo organ?

No. My parish Church is Our Lady of Fatima, in Philam Subd. but I’ve seen the bamboo organ.

 

[yellowbird]

The bigger the better - assuming all other things equal.

I like alot going on… plus I LOVE our elementary school & high school. We have something for everyone… lots of opportunities to get involved… moms’ groups, men’s groups, youth stuff, ethnic dinners & dances in the parish hall, picinics, adoration, two daily masses - sometimes three, confession almost every day of the week and I can almost always speak directly to one of the Priests via phone call.

I <3 my Parish!

 

[lizaanne]

I don’t care how big the parish is - as long as the teaching there is sound and free from error, and the liturgy is also free from abuse and is reverent.

~Liza