I almost cried

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As a few of you know I have been having a few misgivings about my parish lately. Its getting better, but I do not feel like it is feeding me like I need any longer. Well, I am off this week and I try to get to daily Mass when I am able and being off I can most certainly do this. I figured I would his Our Lady of Good Counsel for Mass.

Now, OLGC is in a most interesting section of town. Westport is notorious with the new age crowd (in fact the business across the street is the NA Neiman Marcus) and with the more fringe communities. As such, this parish has suffered in the past with a tiny congregation. Recently this has changed, mostly due to a resurgance of faith filled young families and orthodox seekers, all drawn to the devotion of the priest Msgr. Blacet. THe Liturgy there is wonderful. Well enough history.

What had me in tears was what I saw yesterday and today. As far as I can tell there is Adoration before each daily Mass, as well as confession. Yesterday I saw a good sized group of every age and class sitting in Adoration of our Lord, with some 7 or 8 in line for Confession. And today, probably 20 people were in line for Confession!! Most well under 30 years of age!! I was blessed with a good confession and Msgr Offutt (subbing for Msgr Blacet) gave such clear and incredible insight into a problem I have been attempting to overcome.

Well, time ran out and Mass had to get going so a few people were unable to make in to Confess. This parish is also our Diocesan Shrine to the Divine Mercy, every Mass is followed by a recitation of the chaplet. Well Msgr. Offutt offered that anyone wishing to make a confession he would hear them after chaplet. I really almost cried as I saw those young folks get back into a line and wait to confess.

Folks, there is still hope that the Faith will pass through this trial and will come out stronger. Just have to keep praying.
 
I’m so happy for you!!!
I know that you were hurting so bad and Our Holy Lord answered your prayers!
(trust me, I broke down in tears in my pastor’s office when I joined the parish and every holiday after)

Now you have a job. Pray, pray, pray for those you left behind. They are hurting like you whether they know it or not.

A miracle happened to me yesterday. I still launder Altar linens at my old Catholic Community. One thing my wonder Pastor (God Bless him and give him long life) charged me with was to continue with my duties at the old church. Volunteers are at a premium there and if I didn’t do this, one of the office staff would have to take another month. My Pastor said that we are all part of the Body of Christ, no matter what kind of innovations they use.

Well, I walked in to get them and Low and Behold, where there used to be a blank wall behind the free standing altar, what was there but a Crucifix!!!
In talking to a neighbor, who lasted longer than I did trying to change things, the Adoration on Fridays that she got them to do, is now standing room only.

Pray! You may be able to go back to your old parish some day!
 
chotock-

Praised be Jesus Christ!

I am overjoyed for you!

Heck, I nearly cried reading your post.

We have a wonderful parish similar to OLGC here in our Archdiocese- Old St. Mary’s.

Actually, most of what you described above occurs at OSM.

Praised be Jesus Christ!

They have a very holy priest there- Fr. Lawrence Juarez. An AWESOME CONFESSOR!

I love going to confession there because of him, but also because you are sure to be surrounded by many fellow penitents. (And to be standing in line, surrounded not just by our elder brothers and sisters, but also the little children is absolutely beautiful!)

Enjoy the rest of your vacation in the Lord!
 
i think I will continue to attend OLGC, but I am going to remain on the RCIA team at the Cathedral, someone has to keep order.
 
We’re Back!!!
Waaaa Haaaaaaa

Sorry I couldn’t resist! Perhaps the most telling sign of the times is the youth of today thirsting for the Word… Such a beautiful thing to witness! I am blest with 3 teens that take their faith seriously. All around me I see wonderful signs…public school kids debating their faith with each other, starting community service projects to help others…all in the name of Christ, and our Lady is guiding them! I am so happy you are seeing it now too!!
 
If God wills that I be ordained in three years, one of my priorities is to offer confessions as often as possible and preach frequently about the beauty and necessity of this amazing Sacrament. One hour on Saturday afternoon is simply insufficient for most people today, and in parishes I’ve visited where confession is available and encouraged, there are always lines waiting to get in.
 
Cavaille-Coll said:
If God wills that I be ordained in three years, one of my priorities is to offer confessions as often as possible and preach frequently about the beauty and necessity of this amazing Sacrament. One hour on Saturday afternoon is simply insufficient for most people today, and in parishes I’ve visited where confession is available and encouraged, there are always lines waiting to get in.
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Doesn’t even have to be actively encouraged you know, just AVAILABLE! We have a wonderful church in my area that offers at least a couple of hours of Confession every day. Never heard it preached from their pulpit, but I think just seeing that little light on over the confessional door and seeing (usually) a sizeable number of people lined up in front of it is enough to prod plenty of consciences.
 
I am crying now for the opposite reasons,however your post gives me hope. Last night I was at my mentoring class I take a Church Ministry class and this was the mentoring session. Our Mentor is a nun who in the beginning I suspected as liberal or of the new age type and last night she confirmed my suspicions. We were talking about the Mass and she mentioned that at a funeral she was at Father mentioned at Communion time that only practicing catholics should attend and that all other should make a spiritual commuion. I personnally see no wrong and if fact think it was a good thing Sister was appalled and beleives that all should be able to come up and receive Jesus. Another is that we don’t teach that there is mortal sin anymore. Some in the class thought it was a joke while others couldn’t make it out and were left confused. I for one wouldn’t keep anyone from Jesus and I think that our example and Love of His Church is what is going to draw them in not live and let live attitude. Can anyone add any insight to this and maybe help me deal with it.

God Bless
Kathleen
 
It sounds like you have been blessed to have such a traditional parish!

I am a 21 yr old women who is very devoted to the Lord. I attend mass every week and try to go to daily mass as much as possible. I sometimes feel out of place being one of the only young people at daily mass. 😃
I have also encouraged two young women that I work to abstain from eating meat on Fridays, we have our support system! 👍

I truely believe that young people today are becoming more involved in the church again. I hope that the future holds great promise!

May God bless you all in the New Year!!
 
maryelizabeth1 said:
It sounds like you have been blessed to have such a traditional parish!

I am a 21 yr old women who is very devoted to the Lord. I attend mass every week and try to go to daily mass as much as possible. I sometimes feel out of place being one of the only young people at daily mass. 😃
I have also encouraged two young women that I work to abstain from eating meat on Fridays, we have our support system! 👍

I truely believe that young people today are becoming more involved in the church again. I hope that the future holds great promise!

May God bless you all in the New Year!!
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Mary Elizabeth…
Please don’t be discouraged. I was like you at your age. I thought I was the only young woman left on the planet that loved my faith. I am 43 now (shhhh don’t tell anybody) and I actually see women younger than me now… it is a very good sign.
 
That’s awesome that you had a great expierence. Being in RCIA and just being new to the Church I’m still learning but I know (mainly from asking and reading questions here at the forums) that the parish I attend doesn’t do some things quite right but we seem to be slowly getting better. We have confession 30 minutes before each weekend Mass and we are now starting to have it several times during the week too. We still join hands during the Our Father (which I don’t like, even coming from a Protestant background) and other things like that but I pray that things will change for the better just like the confession has!

:gopray:
-Kristy
 
maryelizabeth1 said:
I am a 21 yr old women who is very devoted to the Lord. I attend mass every week and try to go to daily mass as much as possible. I sometimes feel out of place being one of the only young people at daily mass. 😃
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If you can possibly come to our daily 9:00am Holy Mass, you will feel right at home.

Come to the 9:30am Sunday. Tons of young people.
 
Cavaille-Coll said:
If God wills that I be ordained in three years, one of my priorities is to offer confessions as often as possible and preach frequently about the beauty and necessity of this amazing Sacrament. One hour on Saturday afternoon is simply insufficient for most people today, and in parishes I’ve visited where confession is available and encouraged, there are always lines waiting to get in.
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I have never been to Confession on a Saturday afternoon. It involves going for just that purpose and that freaks me out. I go to a parish that has Confessions either before or after Mass. Then if I chicken out, which hasn’t happened yet, I can just easily be a Mass attendee. The safety out makes it so much easier (or possible). I’m just hoping you keep this in mind for us shy folk.
 
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