How To Be A Traditional Catholic In A Liberal Parish?

[brigid12]

wow that’s horrible
I think there are only two things you can do… either stay in the parish and pray for the priest and the people there, and be a good example by treating the Eucharist with reverence. Or, consider going to a more traditional parish that’s further away - might mean more driving, but you’ll be happier there.

I was thinking though… that maybe God placed you here for a reason… I’m sure it’s hard and in a way even a cross to carry. Whenever I hear about, or witness, people watering down the Catholic faith…it always makes me feel very sad, but maybe that is how we share in God’s sadness - because of disrespect for the Eucharist… and maybe He wants us to humbly be good examples and pray for such parishes. Humility is key though… don’t draw too much attention to how you worship, because that might cause temptation and distract you from the Mass, but - don’t feel like you have to hide in the corner… of course, genuflect when you walk past the Eucharist, and pray before Mass, etc… maybe others might notice and it might make them think!

I hope you get this figured out… try to trust God… I hope one day you will get to go to a wonderful traditional parish. Pray…

God bless you

:yup:

I also agree with the poster above who said that, if you discern that you will enter the priesthood, you may get assigned to a parish that is similar to what you’re experiencing and you definitely can’t change it immediately! Maybe that can help you in your discernment.

As far as a SD for discerning your vocation - definitely need to discern with a practicing Catholic (as opposed to a liberal Episcopalian). You could call the Vocations Director of your diocese and see if you get the help you need there. Also, try any religious/consecrated in your area. Also, you could call the FSSP and the ICKSP (even if they’re not in your area) and see what suggestions they have for you. I’ll bet they’ve run across this type of problem many times and know of some orthodox resources.

 

[brigid12]

 

[istaru2001]

Hi Irishdude,

I understand what you are going through. I’m more traditional also. Most of the people in the church that I attend like to hold hands during the Our Father Prayer. I became a Catholic last March 2008. All three sacraments, and I’m in my 40’s. ( i’ve never been baptized before.) It was totally awesome!!!
I found this site online called Traditional Joe:- Locations of the Traditional Latin Mass. The list is by zip codes.

traditionaljoe.blogspot.com/2005/12/locations-of-traditional-latin-mass.html

Tennessee (37000-38500)

Corpus Christi Chapel
130 Old Liberty Pike, Franklin, TN 37064
Fr. Gregory Post, (615) 791-8776, 794-4203
SSPX, 1st/3rd SU 9 am

St. John the Evangelist Priory
300 Locke Ln., Benton TN 37307
(423) 338-2328, www.sovorderofsaintjohn.org, osj@wingnet.net
Independent, SU 11 am, M-SA 9 am

Mass Site
Bradley Square Mall, Cleveland, TN 37311
Fr. Neal Webster, (865) 693-1889, dierich1@yahoo.com
Independent, SU 9 am

St. Therese Lisieux Church
Cleveland, TN 37311
No celebrant announced
Diocese, SU 1st/3rd SU 3 pm

St. Stephen Church
7111 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga, TN 37421
Fr. Robert Fromageot, FSSP, (423) 892-1261
Diocese, 1st SU 5 pm

Mass Site
Outlook Pointe ALF, Gleason Rd., Knoxville, TN 37919
Fr. Neal Webster, (865) 693-1889, dierich1@yahoo.com
Independent, SU 1 pm

St. John Neuman Church
Farragut, TN 37922
No celebrant announced
Diocese, 2nd/4th SU 1:30 pm

St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church
28 Peebles Rd., Memphis, TN 38109
Fr. Gregory Post, (901) 826-0393, 755-5545
SSPX, 2nd/4th/5th SU 10 am

Church of the Nativity
5955 St. Elmo, Bartlett, TN 38135
No celebrant announced, gay.brigance@nativity.cdom.org
Diocese, SU 9 am

 

[brotherhrolf]

We have driven 25 miles (one way) since 1983 to attend a reverent NO cathedral parish. I wish I could kneel to receive Communion (I can at our neighboring TLM parish) but no one bats an eye about receiving on the tongue since significant numbers of us do. Even though the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in a side chapel, everyone still genuflects getting in and out of the pews; most certainly when crossing in front of the tabernacle; and many bow when crossing the main aisle in front of the altar.

I experienced the same thing in 1983. We generally went to the earliest Mass on Sunday morning in our geographic parish to avoid most of that which I did not agree. (The Glory and Praise hymnal ranking up there on my list). I was invited to join the cathedral choir by a Protestant co-worker who was a paid member of the choir. I did and we as a family simply quit attending the geographic parish.

Number 2 son was born in late 1984 and we sought to have him baptized at the cathedral. No could do. We needed to be released from the geographic parish which would not let me go lightly without an interview with the pastor.

I was very respectful. I explained that I had been invited to join the cathedral choir and that I enjoyed singing chant and motets and little things like the Asperges before Mass in Ordinary Time and the Vidi Aquam during Easter and that I simply could not stand Glory and Praise. I didn’t even mention Fr. J. leaving the altar and running up and down the aisles during the sign of peace.

The pastor said “Very well. If that is how you feel, go. I’ll send a letter to you to give to the cathedral rector.” I got the letter. “If you are sick, I will not attend. If you are dying, I will not attend.” There was more. You get the drift.

When I gave the letter to the cathedral rector, he turned red in the face and said, “Give this to me. I will take care of this.” I’ve not looked back.

Sometimes, you have to stand up for the strength of your convictions. There may be sacrifice involved on your part. No. 2 son was baptized at the cathedral and both boys made their First Communion and were Confirmed in the cathedral parish. My kids grew up hearing chant and sacred motets in Latin. My oldest (now 27) floored me last year…he took it upon himself to learn how to recite the Pater Noster in Latin.

Psalm 27 Vs. 14: Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!

 

[SemperFidelis]

Hi Irishdude,

I understand what you are going through. I’m more traditional also. Most of the people in the church that I attend like to hold hands during the Our Father Prayer. I became a Catholic last March 2008. All three sacraments, and I’m in my 40’s. ( i’ve never been baptized before.) It was totally awesome!!!
I found this site online called Traditional Joe:- Locations of the Traditional Latin Mass. The list is by zip codes.

traditionaljoe.blogspot.com/2005/12/locations-of-traditional-latin-mass.html

Tennessee (37000-38500)

Corpus Christi Chapel
130 Old Liberty Pike, Franklin, TN 37064
Fr. Gregory Post, (615) 791-8776, 794-4203
SSPX, 1st/3rd SU 9 am

St. John the Evangelist Priory
300 Locke Ln., Benton TN 37307
(423) 338-2328, www.sovorderofsaintjohn.org, osj@wingnet.net
Independent, SU 11 am, M-SA 9 am

Mass Site
Bradley Square Mall, Cleveland, TN 37311
Fr. Neal Webster, (865) 693-1889, dierich1@yahoo.com
Independent, SU 9 am

St. Therese Lisieux Church
Cleveland, TN 37311
No celebrant announced
Diocese, SU 1st/3rd SU 3 pm

St. Stephen Church
7111 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga, TN 37421
Fr. Robert Fromageot, FSSP, (423) 892-1261
Diocese, 1st SU 5 pm

Mass Site
Outlook Pointe ALF, Gleason Rd., Knoxville, TN 37919
Fr. Neal Webster, (865) 693-1889, dierich1@yahoo.com
Independent, SU 1 pm

St. John Neuman Church
Farragut, TN 37922
No celebrant announced
Diocese, 2nd/4th SU 1:30 pm

St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church
28 Peebles Rd., Memphis, TN 38109
Fr. Gregory Post, (901) 826-0393, 755-5545
SSPX, 2nd/4th/5th SU 10 am

Church of the Nativity
5955 St. Elmo, Bartlett, TN 38135
No celebrant announced, gay.brigance@nativity.cdom.org
Diocese, SU 9 am

As an update to this list, the TLM is no longer offered in Farrragut. It has temporarily been moved to St. Therese in Clinton, TN. The Mass is a High Mass offered every Sunday at 1:30 P.M.

www.knoxlatinmass.net

 

[Fludgecow101]

I was baptized and confirmed on Easter 2007 after going through the RCIA program. I live in rural Tennessee. There are not that many Catholic parishes around here. The only one that is a viable option is an extremely “open” liberal parish. I drive to the Cathedral every once in a while and attend a latin novus ordo mass occasionally at another parish far away but neither option is practical.

I have tried to be as traditional and conservative as possible in my parish and I stick out like a sore thumb. I am one of a few people who wears a suit to all the masses. I am one of a few people that receive communion on tongue, etc. When I tried to receive communion kneeling it caused a scene and I have not attempted since. The priest has asked that we not do that, so I haven’t. I am trying to discern a vocation to the priesthood, so I naturally went to my priest for spiritual direction, I knew he was liberal but had no idea until I talked with him for this long. He is for a married priesthood, ordination of women, further liberalization of the mass, referred to the Vatican as a good 'ol boy’s club and explained that was the reason we did not have women priests. He thinks it is odd that I go to weekly confession and come to mass numerous times a week. He thinks its odder still that I want the tridentine mass and am drawn to numerous aspects of pre-Vatican II ure. He has bluntly stated that I cannot long for these things because I have never experienced them. I am now seeking another spiritual director who I hope is more conservative but it just isn’t practical to attend another parish. The masses are loud and distracting and people attend wearing soccer jerseys and swim wear. I will not even mention the lifeteen masses, but I think you can imagine. No one genuflects when passing the Blessed Sacrament. I have only heard three hymns that even sounded Catholic thus far. The rest of the hymns seem to be those “praise band” types. The crucifix is so small and the church design so modern that I can safely say that I have been to Methodist churches that looked more Catholic.

Perhaps I am over-sensitive to perceived “protestanization” because I have been around Protestants my entire life but perhaps not. All I have done since converting is study thelogy, philosophy, Church history, and latin. As I have studied I have become more and more conservative and more and more uncomfortable in my parish. Yet as a convert and teenager I am out of place to make any kind of open criticism of my parish, much less of my priest so I keep silent but is there anything I can do to be traditional in this very non-traditional parish?

pax vobiscum

It’s sad to see preists and parishes like that today. stay strong in your beliefs and continure to pray for them. but i would like to know, are preists allow to even teach things like that because it goes against the Churches teachings?

 

[IrishDude45]

but i would like to know, are preists allow to even teach things like that because it goes against the Churches teachings?

Thanks for all the responses! They have helped me make up my mind to try and make it to the Cathedral as much as possible.

Surprisingly, Father is not even the most liberal priest in the diocese. There is another who is even more liberal but he has gotten into trouble with the bishop before. As far as I know my priest has never been in serious hot water with the bishop. And you are exactly right about him though I had always thought that it was the priest’s job to teach the faith not their personal viewpoints.

Refreshingly, those were the first words out of the new priest’s mouth when I asked him for spiritual direction! (Thanks Be To God!)

Pax Vobiscum

 

[TotalResolve]

Why not? You don’t have to attend mass if the only nearby mass is harmful to your spiritual life because of the preaching and type of people there.

The Mass is still the Mass. If it’s a valid Mass the savific graces flowing from it far outweigh the distractions mentioned. Either move to another parish or learn to ignore these distractions.

 

[rayne89]

Why not? You don’t have to attend mass if the only nearby mass is harmful to your spiritual life because of the preaching and type of people there.

Um yes you most certainly do if that is the only Mass available.

 

[The_Prodigal]

The only one that is a viable option is an extremely “open” liberal parish. I drive to the Cathedral every once in a while and attend a latin novus ordo mass occasionally at another parish far away but neither option is practical.

I have tried to be as traditional and conservative as possible in my parish and I stick out like a sore thumb. I am one of a few people who wears a suit to all the masses. I am one of a few people that receive communion on tongue, etc. When I tried to receive communion kneeling it caused a scene and I have not attempted since. The priest has asked that we not do that, so I haven’t.

As far as the other parish or the Cathedral are concerned, perhaps you are dismissing those other options too lightly? If you really can’t get past the distractions at your current parish, why not sacrifice a little bit and make the journey on Sundays?

On the other hand, don’t let it bother you if you choose to stay and stick out because you display more traditional forms of piety and reverence. (“Do not be conformed to this world.”) Pray for grace to have tolerance of and patience with those who are less reverent than you feel is appropriate.

 

[Lainey63]

I didn’t take the time to read the other posts…but maybe God has you there for a reason. I know that I always noticed & still do when someone is being reverent and for me when I was younger that left me in awe of that person’s relationship with God and wanted what they had. And also they gave me courage to follow that person’s example. I learned so much just by watching others who showed reverence and love to God. Even though you may feel uncomfortable & self-conscious keep this in mind you & your relationship with God is touching many hearts and getting many people to wonder & think. I’m sure in time you may see one by one people following your example. And if you listen I’m sure God is speaking & teaching you too & it will be by someone you least expect.

 

[CradleCath]

I feel your pain, Irish. Weekly, I feel your pain.

Your hope is that you are not settled down in that area. When you go off to college, you GO off to college. So, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

You can find help by visting this site. Explore it. Then contact the
COALITION ECCLESIA DEI. Tell them you’re discerning a vocation to the priesthood. We cannot continue to lose our young priests because of the liberalness that has entered our clergy.

COALITION ECCLESIA DEI. in Support of the Latin Mass of the Roman Rite … Coalition in Support of Ecclesia Dei P.O. Box 2071 Glenview, IL 60025
ecclesiadei.org/

BTW., as a cradle Catholic who has sat through 40 yrs. of “creative” Novus Ordo Masses, I’d advise you to do your very best…with the help of Ecclesia Dei…to stay away from this type of priest that you describe.

 

[graceandglory]

I am currently reading some volumes of revelations made to St. Bridget (approved by Pope Boniface IX)–it seems her experience was very similar to yours. Similarly, St. Catherine of Siena is another with similar experience in the same time period.

As St.Catherine said, you have to be able to find the rose out from amongst the thorns. See God’s will in everything. These are opportunities for virtue. Our Lord told St. Bridget he permits such situations as you describe for two ends–to give the elect the opportunities for heroic patience and also so the lukewarm (or downright evil) might be converted by the those more fervent souls.
.

Thank you so much for your participation in this thread. These are also my own personal questions, and my own current struggle. I will continue to read this thread with interest.

 

[graceandglory]

COALITION ECCLESIA DEI. in Support of the Latin Mass of the Roman Rite … Coalition in Support of Ecclesia Dei P.O. Box 2071 Glenview, IL 60025
ecclesiadei.org/

.

This makes me ask, are there, or are there not rules about attending and financially supporting the parish in which you live?

It** is** a sacrifice and an act of heroic virtue for me to sit through a noisy liberal mass a mile from my house. It is not a sacrifice for me to “church hop” and drive 12 miles to a holy faithful tradtional Dominican parish.

My greatest concern is that I’m sacrificing my own children’s spiritual development and catechesis on the altar of…what…? My spirit of obedience to stick it out at my local parish when I don’t want to be there?

 

[MartyMcFly]

I was baptized and confirmed on Easter 2007 after going through the RCIA program. I live in rural Tennessee. There are not that many Catholic parishes around here. The only one that is a viable option is an extremely “open” liberal parish. I drive to the Cathedral every once in a while and attend a latin novus ordo mass occasionally at another parish far away but neither option is practical.
pax vobiscum

Seems to me that you need to move to a bigger city where you have more options.

That may not be possible so here is my advice on how to survive with your current situation:

My advice at this parish is just focus on essentials and the interior life, that is the only way you will survive there, especially since you have no other choice. Eventually, it seems to me you should move to a bigger city where you will have more options. As long as the priest says the offertory and does words of Consecration properly you are all good, it is a valid Mass. Whether or not the rest of the Mass is done properly is on the priest’s conscience, not yours. You are doing your best. Just pray the Rosary quietly and indiscreetly during sermons if they are wacky (ie let them go in one ear and out the other). And I wouldn’t push the kneeling for communion thing, it will just draw attention to you and make your stay at that parish more miserable. Just receive communion on the tongue standing. That is not considered to be radical even by these liberals. And finally get yourself some good Catholic books. www.tanbooks.com

 

[CradleCath]

I can tell you for certain that the place to discern the priesthood isn’t at your current parish. You’re on the wrong track. You need to start looking into different traditional seminaries, such as FSSP or ICKSP or where you think God might be calling you and discern there.

You’ll only be spinning your wheels where you are. In a way, your priest is right? How can you long for what you’ve never experienced? Life is to short. Go find out if you really have a vocation. God bless you, and I’ll pray for you!

:angel1: :angel1: :angel1:

One **can ** “long for that which they haven’t experienced”. The longing is like an emptiness. One knows there is more. He/she may not even be able to name the “more”, but a feeling of lack is real indeed.

 

[Iowa_Mike]

Seems to me that you need to move to a bigger city where you have more options.

That may not be possible so here is my advice on how to survive with your current situation:

My advice at this parish is just focus on essentials and the interior life, that is the only way you will survive there, especially since you have no other choice. Eventually, it seems to me you should move to a bigger city where you will have more options. As long as the priest says the offertory and does words of Consecration properly you are all good, it is a valid Mass. Whether or not the rest of the Mass is done properly is on the priest’s conscience, not yours. You are doing your best. Just pray the Rosary quietly and indiscreetly during sermons if they are wacky (ie let them go in one ear and out the other). And I wouldn’t push the kneeling for communion thing, it will just draw attention to you and make your stay at that parish more miserable. Just receive communion on the tongue standing. That is not considered to be radical even by these liberals. And finally get yourself some good Catholic books. www.tanbooks.com

God bless all of you for your charity with regard to the advice given on this matter. I also live in a liberal parish but…I ain’t leaving! I feel like I have the right and responsibility to be a counter weight to those who want to lead the religion into the land of Oz. I am outspoken but try to be charitable in my approach…I try to be firm, fair and friendly. I have as much right as anyone to voice my opinion and level charitable critcisms.

Since I have become more outspoken and visible…a funny thing has happened; quite a few other people have approached me and are also speaking up. There is hope.

Because the parish is so liberal I attend a trendentine mass a couple of times a month…awesomely reverent with very solid homilies. After I get fed I feel refreshed and go back to my home parish.

My advice is to stay and be the voice of reason…

Iowa Mike

 

[piejesu]

I have had a similar experience to the OP. I’m a convert confirmed in 2006, and became an official member of a very liberal parish, where I had attended mass with my cradle Catholic wife for many years. My conversion is a long story, but in short; when I was drawn back to faith in Christ in 2004 as a former Pentecostal I was immediately concerned about where I should worship, as I was still thinking like an evangelical and knew from experience that the parish where we attended mass was very liberal and Catholic to boot! After the Lord straightened me out on the truth of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic church, I knew that was where I needed to pursue holiness and service. Serve the Lord where you find yourself when given the grace to trust Him as Lord of your life. I did that, and the first thing that happened in the diocese was that we were blessed by a new bishop, very orthodox. My parish is the Cathedral, so changes began to take place. There is a lot of work to be done. I speak the truth as I understand it in love, where I am, praying constantly for humility, mercy, and compassion for those suffering through the changes. I will stay here until the Lord tells me to go somewhere else. It is a wonderful place to do penance. My faith has grown by leaps and bounds. I can’t say this is a template for everyone in similar circumstances. I do think that those who have the faith and assurance from God for remaining where they are should do so. Like the church universal, each parish is not a country club for saints, but a hospital for the sick. I think we need to stop running off to the most pleasant places when things are hard or uncomfortable. Serve the Lord where you are at. St. Paul said it. I think it is a good saying.

 

[Fludgecow101]

??? , I wouldn’t consider that option.

I agree, mass is the greatest form of prayer. Nothing like this situation should stop people from going to mass.

 

[Sarabande]

I agree with many of the posters here. If the mass at your parish is badly affecting you spiritually, perhaps making a sacrifice and travelling farther for mass would be a better option. I travel almost an hour to my parish which is the cathedral for the diocese. The reason being is that is one of the more reverent and orthodox masses. The only time we stay in the area for mass is if we are running late, don’t have enough money for gas to travel (when the gas prices were up - we were spending almost $80 a week on gas at one point just for one car) or if we had commitments in the area and couldn’t go down town. But for almost every parish we’ve been to for mass in our area, the reverence just didn’t compare to that of our parish. Before then, it was hard to go to mass at the local parish. God bless and my prayers for you.