I can't stop comparing my Catholic friends to my LDS frinds

[Ridgerunner]

Sometimes the “community sense” varies from parish to parish. Not so very long ago, parishes were pretty “ethnic”. There were Irish parishes and Polish parishes and German parishes and Slovak parishes and so on. The different immigrant groups tended to settle in the same neighborhoods, and of course they had a greater sense of “community” than in urban areas now where Catholics move to some locale, don’t know a single person, and might or might not have anything in common with them. Oftentimes in urban areas, people have their own set of friends. But there are always ways. Church choir is one of them. Those always need people.

In rural parishes nowadays, it’s a little more like the old urban parishes used to be. Many of the parishioners have been there for generations, are related to each other, etc.

There was a time in this part of the country when a lot of Mormons came in. It was a sort of sub-group of Salt Lake LDS who believed that the Second Coming would be in SW Mo instead of NW Mo the way most of them believe. After some dealings with them, I decided there was a lot more “fellowship” exhibited toward potential converts than there was among the Mormons themselves.

I realize someone might be offended by my saying that, but I could say a lot more, including their “taxation” of members, but won’t.

To be an “equal opportunity” skeptic, this part of the country is Bible Belt all the way. Lots of those churches, particularly the big evangelical ones, are the same way. You’re their best friend until you join and the minister decides you’re not contributing your “fair share”. Then everything changes, and you’re shunned. I have known Mormons who got “shunned” and admitted it to me. “Jack Mormons”, they’re called.

I would be very skeptical about super-friendly approaches.

 

[anon82300119]

Yes I understand . Mormons are to view works or free agency as a important part of their eternal reward

Can you explain what you mean by this?

 

[Theo520]

All should remember that the OP was comparing the response of friends, not random parishioners.

I think one underlying cause of the difference is the disparate approach to membership between Catholics and LDS.

LDS are assigned to their local ward based on geography, they have no choice and can’t church hop. Also they are effectively all assigned church community duties. The obligation of providing mutual support in codified in how they operate.

As noted in this thread, Catholics will often hop between churches based on where they like the priest etc. Such an approach is bound to weaken the Church operating as a support infrastructure for members.

 

[Duesenberg]

I’ve been bothered by something for several months now, and I guess I’m just looking for a space to get it off my chest. A bit of background: For several years now, I’ve been friends with a group of Mormon moms. I’ve been active in my large Catholic parish, and I’m raising my family in the Catholic tradition…

I know what you mean. I think many times we Catholics (both clerical and lay) use God’s Great Gifts (the Church and the 7 Sacraments) as excuses not to extend ourselves here on Earth as Christians. We are quick to defend our non-action and that of other Catholics (particularly clergy) as well. That’s wrong.

I think it stems from the fact that the Catholic Church really has no competition. Devout Catholics have no where else to go. There’s really nothing driving us individual Catholics to strive in the manner you describe. Don’t get me wrong – I know there are excellent parish communities out there, but they are far rarer that unfortunate ones. In the end I think laziness, dampened expectations and corrosive politics take a HUGE toll on the faithful.

 

[Duesenberg]

Very true, Marie–thank you. I’ve never felt a relationship with Christ until spending more time with my LDS friends–I see Christ in their eyes. Of course, that is my ultimate goal–to have a personal relationship with Christ.

Your ultimate goal should be salvation – eternal life with Jesus Christ. Beware of catch phrases like “personal relationship with Christ” which appear no where in the Bible.