I hope you don’t mind if I ask a couple of related questions in your thread, Fergal. I was heart-broken when I read your first message - and I’m so glad that that prayer was toned down.
My questions: I’m moving to a city of many Catholic churches. I’m willing to make a lot of phone calls to try to find the best church for me - but what questions should I ask?
I was drawn to the Church for its solidity and timelessness. I am weary of being my own authority and lifted up with the liturgy and rites of the Church. I am willing to learn to bring God into every aspect of my life. (Though I know that some aspects are going to be much more difficult than others.) I’m fully prepared for the idea that I will have times of struggle -
but I want my parish to support me in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Father and the Church. I’m going to have enough to learn without having to deal with a pastor who does not support the head of the Church.
It’s the Church that calls me, not the anti-Church!
I do
not want to hear criticism of the Church leaders in masses or statements or church bulletins - I can get plenty of that in our leftist media, should I so choose - and aside from that, how can I learn the kind of obedience that God wants from me from they who are not obedient?
How can I find out in advance if a particular parish teaches what the Church wants them to teach? Is there any way for me to learn which parishes are most likely to be traditional Roman Catholic and which are likely to be filled with rebellion?
Any advice for me on what specific questions to ask when I call the parish offices? Thanks in advance and I apologize if my questions are misplaced.
Elizabeth