How do I find a quality Catholic Mass?

[johnnybellino]

I was raised Catholic and many years ago became Protestant. My brother has been challenging my beliefs for the past few years and after much dialogue and reading, I want to now explore attending a Catholic church. Here is my problem: Growing up in the Church, the music and homilies were down right bad or lame! Experiencing excellent music and theologically challenging sermons at the traditional Lutheran church I attend make it hard for me to except the lesser goods in these areas. Living in Orange County, California, a major Protestant population center, I’m finding few Catholics that I know. Can you recommend to me a Catholic church with beautiful music and quality homilies?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

At the risk of sounding unhelpful, I must first point out that Catholics do not go to Mass for the music or the homilies. They go to Mass for the sacramental re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary. Even the most banal music and terrible homily pales in significance to the unbloody re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice, made present on the altar of a Catholic church. It is good that you want to attend Mass again, but please make certain that you are doing it for the right reasons.

I do not live in Orange County, so my advice is limited to what I have heard rather than experienced. Perhaps readers familiar with the area will send you suggestions by private message. That said, possibilities include St. John the Baptist Church in Costa Mesa, St. Kilian Church in Mission Viejo, and St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado. You may also want to visit various Catholic churches in your area until you find one where you feel comfortable.