Interesting result of construction at two local churches

[Laura_B]

Hi:

There are two churches near me that are undergoing construction. Both about the same size. Both had been hoping to double the size of the church.

Church A has a pastor who is very good but is more “modern” (ie, seems to downplay Marian matters, no Saturday morning Mass, favors face-to-face confessions, which are pretty much Saturdays only etc.)

Church B is much, much more traditional (no EEMs, only priests give Communion, much emphasis on Mary, two Saturday morning Masses, Confessions before Every Mass etc.)

Church A has been trying to build a new facility for 10 years.

Church B, I’m not sure but I don’t believe it’s been nearly that long.

Church A had originally tried for a whole new building on a new property with social hall etc. After 10 years and much hassle from the Archdiocese over fundraising and also a battle over the placement of the Tabernacle), it is now settling for an much smaller expansion of its current building.

Church B is indeed building a whole new social hall and “worship space” (my term).

Church A, during construction daily Mass has been moved up one hour and is in the parish offices so as not to conflict with construction

Church B, as far as I can tell, construction stops during daily Mass, which had been moved to the future social hall while the “worship space” is gutted).

Church A there was no daily Mass late last week because of construction

so I drove (an hour away) to

Church B for its daily Mass, which had been moved that day from the social hall nto the Narthex (gathering space/hallway). Among the items moved into the hallway were all the statues, the altar, the organ and the tabernacle. The congregation was full (about the same number of people as usual) and very very reverent.

I could not help but be struck by the differences in the two churches.

Just had to share this.
God bless you and yours,

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Well the positive thing is, they’re building churches rather than closing them, as we have here in MA.

Jim

 

[maggiemary]

That is a very interesting story. It is amazing how different parishes can be even ones so close together. Our parish shares a priest, school, and parish staff with a parish across town. After 10 years we have really learned to play nice with others But the two parishes are still as different as night and day.

Jim, there is a lot of growth in the church in many places. Don’t loose hope. In my area we have 3 totally new parishes being built, none closing, 3 new catholic high schools, at least one new grade school that I know of. An this in the most “unchurched” state in the union.