"Parish" vs. "Catholic Community of . . . "

[djrakowski]

I don’t even know which parish is the one in which I live, and the topic never came up in RCIA. In fact, I’ve searched the archdiocesan webpage, and there’s no reference to territorial parishes, so I don’t even know how I’d figure that out.

As an aside, I attend an ethnically-Slovak parish that’s less than 3 miles from my house, and it is my understanding that ethnic parishes are non-territorial. Considering that I’m not Slovak, is it wrong for me to attend this parish?

 

[Catholic90]

I made that comment ("it is God’s Church) in response to this:

We cannot chase out a priest – that is what the Corinthians did. If you feel you have a bad priest, you may (and should) petition the Bishop.

Remember, a significant number of people who object to their priest do so not because he is wrong, but because they are.

I object to priests who have abused people. The people are NOT wrong.

By chasing out a priest, I mean exactly that - contacting the Bishop and having the priest replaced. Our priest is leaving. Ironically enough, he is leaving after my DH and several other parish members contacted the Archbishop several times regarding this man.

And yes, you CAN go to parishes other than what is in your backyard. In fact, where I live, I have 3 parishes, all within 7 miles of my home. In my neighborhood, it about equally divided in thirds where everyone goes, based on what they feel comfortable with.

 

[vern_humphrey]

I object to priests who have abused people. The people are NOT wrong.

When a priest does wrong, it is the duty of the** Bishop**, not the laity to replace him.

By chasing out a priest, I mean exactly that - contacting the Bishop and having the priest replaced. Our priest is leaving. Ironically enough, he is leaving after my DH and several other parish members contacted the Archbishop several times regarding this man.

That’s fine – you have a perfect right to complain about a priest.

And yes, you CAN go to parishes other than what is in your backyard. In fact, where I live, I have 3 parishes, all within 7 miles of my home. In my neighborhood, it about equally divided in thirds where everyone goes, based on what they feel comfortable with.

Nevertheless, parish shopping is wrong – one reason is that it places pastors under competitive pressure, and the way to “win” the competition is to be more lax in teaching Catholic morals.

 

[PKinsale]

Nevertheless, parish shopping is wrong – one reason is that it places pastors under competitive pressure, and the way to “win” the competition is to be more lax in teaching Catholic morals.

Those Catholics I know who have changed parishes have done so for the opposite reason … the territorial parish is the one that is lax.

When one leaves a parish or faith community, it should only be after discussions with the pastor about the problems one has with the parish. And then perhaps it would be wise to finally explain why you are leaving to the pastor, in writing, with a copy sent to the bishop.