Meeting more Catholics in my area

[praet0r]

Hi there,

Don’t have a clue where this post belongs, so my apologies if it doesn’t belong here.

After being a pentecostal for 2.5 years, I decided to convert to Catholicism about a month ago. Since the number of Catholics I know is quite limited (didn’t know any until the end of last year, none of my family have ever been Catholic), I’m wondering if there are any suggestions you have for me getting to know some more Catholics in my area? I live in Howick, Auckland, New Zealand if it makes any difference.

The parishioners in my home parish aren’t the most sociable bunch in the world - at the end of Mass, they usually run for the doors and 95% of them are gone in 2 minutes. Some people have suggested RCIA, as you get to meet other converts through that, but it’s more convenient (and probably more beneficial) for me to receive personal instruction from an Opus Dei priest in my area.

I appreciate your help. Oh, and of course I could use your prayers. Thanks

 

[jc-servant]

I would say to get involved in your parish right now because mass is not the place to really meet people. You normally don’t have to be received into the church to sing in the choir or to volunteer with fundraising activities like parish festivals or dinners, etc. I began doing adoration of the Blessed Sacrament while still studying and I met the other regular adorers for my hour. They are a lovely Hispanic couple who it turned out are total pillars in the parish.

My parish has things like softball teams, carnival, fine arts organization, young married group, singles group and supper club that don’t require that a person already be Catholic. I would suggest that you start with your parish bulletin if they have one and then ask the leaders if you have to be Catholic do participate in whatever catches your eye. Also check with your diocese regarding Catholic activities such as lecture, diocesan choirs or projects and Catholic Charities in your area where you could meet folks.

I came to my parish knowing only my sponsor in 2000 and I would say that I know 100’s of people through working in various ministries and organizations at the parish as a volunteer. There is something that most everyone can fit into their schedule if they really look around.

 

[angiegirl67]

Get involved in activities at the parish. Join a bible study, rosary makers, choir, anything that might interest you.