J
Junebug999
Guest
Hi there. I think I perceive that in trying to find a place of service in my parish, that there is sort of a hierarchy where you are not as welcome because you are “new.” Sometimes it seems those in charge of various things are sort of territorial about this also. Now that does surprise me, because for instance in my parish that serves thousands of families, there are VERY few people (couple or few hundred at most) who do all the work (we run about 8 Masses each Sunday). I’d think they would be happy to sign up someone who voluntered. 
It seems like it is considered to be too new for bible study, too new for anything other than bench warming…and yes, benches need to be warmed too, but having grown up a pastor’s daughter, I’m used to WORKING. So I have prayerfully considered different areas of where my talents fit in a parish, and before I’ve led Bible studies, and have done administrative work, and I’ve fixed food, and cleaned up, and have been in music ministry (organ and piano accompaniment, music leading, etc.), but I feel a reluctance among the “old-timers” to let me in and let me work too. It isn’t my theology – since I’m super-glued to the Holy Father, the Cathechism, the Magisterium, the Church, hook, line and sinker. You know, a protestant minister’s daughter is given piano lessons almost before she can READ! haha. Sooooo for the first year in the Catholic Church I have been practicing away on the hymns, learning the Mass musical responses, etc.
Things are said about my enthusiasm, people say, “oh she’s ‘on fire’” but I’m not finding a place of service. I had volunteered recently in music ministry and was politely turned away today. The music director had acted like he was helpful, but right before I played the piano with him today, (he was on the organ), he disconncted the digital piano from the P.A. system.
(This was certainly his right to do, he is the music director but it really did feel awkward. I played last week also and when I found out the digital piano was disconnected, I thought it was a mistake. But then this morning it was done right in front of me.)
What started me thinking is that recently I had gone to another parish on a weekngith that offered an Ascension Press Bible study (Bible Timeline), and I went there because my girlfriend wanted to go. Because I’m not known there, I was welcomed with open arms and put to work as a group discussion facilitator when I volunteered when the leader of the Bible Study asked for volunteers. I’m enjoying that too.
But that is where I started noticing there is a different treatment between the two places, and I just don’t feel the same welcome at my parish.
I’ve given this thought and prayer, and I would hope you would think and pray also before responding. I have wondered if maybe at some point I wouldn’t belong or fit in better at a parish where it isn’t known I have only been a Catholic since 2009. Oh, also, it is known at my parish I have longed to be Catholic since 1985 and have studied everything since that time – needless to say by the time I crossed the Tiber…I was very ready. I also did it in answer to God’s Call to His Church, the fullness of Christ’s truth for Christians, and did so at personal cost of course (but I don’t count the personal cost as loss but GAIN for God’s glory).
I wonder if anyone else has encountered this or has ever thought about this or heard about this?
I will not be discussing this with ANYone at my parish since I think in parishes and churches there is always plenty of going on and people like to talk and gossip. If it were known I feel this way in my parish, I have friends who would be upset and be knocking on office doors…and I don’t think that is a good idea. The pastor, priests, music director have enough to do without answering this question.
So…I thought maybe I could get some viewpoint here. Thank you in advance for your prayerful response. And please do keep me in your prayers, I’m a little sad about this. (I’ll get over that too
)

It seems like it is considered to be too new for bible study, too new for anything other than bench warming…and yes, benches need to be warmed too, but having grown up a pastor’s daughter, I’m used to WORKING. So I have prayerfully considered different areas of where my talents fit in a parish, and before I’ve led Bible studies, and have done administrative work, and I’ve fixed food, and cleaned up, and have been in music ministry (organ and piano accompaniment, music leading, etc.), but I feel a reluctance among the “old-timers” to let me in and let me work too. It isn’t my theology – since I’m super-glued to the Holy Father, the Cathechism, the Magisterium, the Church, hook, line and sinker. You know, a protestant minister’s daughter is given piano lessons almost before she can READ! haha. Sooooo for the first year in the Catholic Church I have been practicing away on the hymns, learning the Mass musical responses, etc.
Things are said about my enthusiasm, people say, “oh she’s ‘on fire’” but I’m not finding a place of service. I had volunteered recently in music ministry and was politely turned away today. The music director had acted like he was helpful, but right before I played the piano with him today, (he was on the organ), he disconncted the digital piano from the P.A. system.


What started me thinking is that recently I had gone to another parish on a weekngith that offered an Ascension Press Bible study (Bible Timeline), and I went there because my girlfriend wanted to go. Because I’m not known there, I was welcomed with open arms and put to work as a group discussion facilitator when I volunteered when the leader of the Bible Study asked for volunteers. I’m enjoying that too.
But that is where I started noticing there is a different treatment between the two places, and I just don’t feel the same welcome at my parish.
I’ve given this thought and prayer, and I would hope you would think and pray also before responding. I have wondered if maybe at some point I wouldn’t belong or fit in better at a parish where it isn’t known I have only been a Catholic since 2009. Oh, also, it is known at my parish I have longed to be Catholic since 1985 and have studied everything since that time – needless to say by the time I crossed the Tiber…I was very ready. I also did it in answer to God’s Call to His Church, the fullness of Christ’s truth for Christians, and did so at personal cost of course (but I don’t count the personal cost as loss but GAIN for God’s glory).
I wonder if anyone else has encountered this or has ever thought about this or heard about this?
I will not be discussing this with ANYone at my parish since I think in parishes and churches there is always plenty of going on and people like to talk and gossip. If it were known I feel this way in my parish, I have friends who would be upset and be knocking on office doors…and I don’t think that is a good idea. The pastor, priests, music director have enough to do without answering this question.
So…I thought maybe I could get some viewpoint here. Thank you in advance for your prayerful response. And please do keep me in your prayers, I’m a little sad about this. (I’ll get over that too
