Imagine that you are now pastor of your parish. What are the top three things that you would change about it?

[brigid12]

As a female who’s quite accepting of God’s decision to make me one, that isn’t a possibility. I will pretend and try to retain due humility.
I would like to see in my parish: 1) Adult catechesis on orthodox Catholicism (in homilies and in other workshops and classes), 2) Adoration scheduled (especially perpetual Adoration, if possible), and 3) fully reverent masses for all of the masses.

 

[PoliSciProf]

More and better adult education and catechesis.

A ban on telling really bad jokes before, during or after the homily. A wry remark once in a while is OK but I have experienced too many priests who have Jay Leno Syndrome. It really takes away from the Mass. Ditto comments on the priest’s recent vacation, a favorite TV program, and so on. And, more work on sermons, both content and delivery.

More systematic assessment and data collection from the people of the parrish. Only once in my life (about 25 years ago or so) was there an attempt at general assessment. It was a survey ordered by the bishop to assess things like the usefullness and effectiveness of homilies, church hours, organization, pastoral quality, church activities, etc. It was diocese-wide. Any organization, but especially very hierarchical ones, needs feedback regularly. I am not talking about doctrine or dogma, of course, but the mechanics of operating a church. The success of this thread underlines the importance of assessment.

One more: The creation of a searchable data base of the talents, skills, jobs, education, training, etc. of all members of the diocese and parish. I think this would be a real asset for the Church.

 

[GailMac]

Oooooooo this is a fun thread! Ummmmm…let’s see? I cna change anything?

1. I’d add a Latin Mass every Sunday
2. I’d only use women once the men in the parish were all dead.
3. The Adoration Chapel would get enlarged
4. I’d insist that Sister don her habit for attending Mass at least.

Peace,

Gail

P.S. And that’s just for starters!

 

[GailMac]

Oh yeah, I thought of something else I’d like to see happen - I’d return all the altar rails so folks aren’t tramping all over the Sanctuary like it is the gym. There would be a gate and everything and those coming and going would genuflect before entering and exiting in honor of our God in the Tabernacle! The architecture could help bring a little piety back into the flock.

Peace,

Gail

 

[dandn5000]

Oh yeah, I thought of something else I’d like to see happen - I’d return all the altar rails so folks aren’t tramping all over the Sanctuary like it is the gym. There would be a gate and everything and those coming and going would genuflect before entering and exiting in honor of our God in the Tabernacle! The architecture could help bring a little piety back into the flock.

Peace,

Gail

I actually think that you may be onto something. I don’t have any real issues with lay people, say, reading the readings during Mass, but you notice that a lot of people just kind of stand off to one side and do a half-bow thing. Forcing them to go to the center, then off to the ambo on the side, may make them shape up some.

Just be careful with the gates - Grandma always tells a story of how one time at Mass when my dad was a kid, the priest was having trouble with the latch, fumbled with it for a moment, then just jumped right over it. Didn’t even bother trying to fix it.

 

[Cindy_Oliver]

1. Fix the youth ministry (because it is really awful)
2. Buy little placards to post to every door for people to silence phones
3. Invite all adult parish members to attend RCIA classes, and note what the topics of upcoming classes are in the bulletin. I would make it mandatory that parents of children in Sacramental grades must attend at least one RCIA class that year.

Wow, I think you are Spot On with your Recommendations. Your suggestions just might keep the youth in their faith into adulthood, if the parents live it better!