Protestant "liberal' Catholic Parishes In America

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This may sound while, I am surprised myself, but, basically, many parishes where I live are liberal with a great Protestant influence. I know the sacraments are valid though, because I experience their effect spiritually. But, aside from that these parishes have a great Protestant influence and are very liberal. The priests and staff do not really promote Catholic teachings.

History:
A couple of decades agos, I once went to the office of the Cathedral to find out the hours for masses. The women told me at that time that they don’t call “Mass” but “Service.” I never forgot as there was almost hatred in her eyes and she seemed almost hateful at calling 'Mass." I thought it was a region thing/language etc… But, I learned that we actually do call it Mass and not service.

About five years ago, I was working near the Cathedral and was attending daily noon Mass. I got to spend some time with a young priest who had recently been ordained. I told him about the incident and he thought about and said; Oh, yes, around that time we had a problem here, etc…

I told him about the parish I was attending and how the catechist was teaching the youngster that sex out of marriage was okay (the attitude is that it part of the course of the society we live etc…) and living together heterosexuals relationship or in a homosexual relation is fine.And, she knows priests that are actually practicing it and are fine priests etc… In her estimation the Church is being old fashion etc… He agreed that there are many liberal parish and there are problems. I told him that is the reason I go to the Cathedral because I some of the stuff at my parish really bother me. I told him that it bothers me to see, especially the youngster chew the Eucharist like it was a wafer or a piece of chewing gum etc…

I did concern changing parish, but, I also thought I could give an example as some others do… So, I stayed.but, recently I was thinking of checking out another parish but due to a situation this is not the time.

Anywho, I met with the priests and I don’t want to give more details as I want to keep my identity confidential and don’t wish to be identity. Suffice to say, I had to warn my children about how liberal it all is - but, they know. I told them if they are going to stay at that parish to protect themselves and practice Catholicism or get another parish. Plus, he recommended in passing something I actually searched here at CAF only to find an article noting that x is used by Protestants to proselytize Catholics into leaving the Church. I found this a bit much.

Then, finally, I met the knew bank manager and he is Catholic. He is living in an upper middle class town and he said that at the school his daughter are picking up the whole mainstream culture and he doesn’t know what to do. He said that he stopped going to Church because at the parish it is the same thing and that it was not even a “Catholic” parish. I was surprised at his comment as I thought my parish was just an exception. But, the banker said no that he is having a problem finding one. I told him that the sacraments are still valid and while he is looking to take the girls to Mass. I told him that I would help him find one. I thought I may be able to find one of those that offer the tradition latin - at least I don’t think they would be liberal.

Maybe a couple of decades ago the bishop was Catholic/Protestant and this is what the priest was noting?

What is going on? And what can be done?
 
Who ever rated this thread ‘terrible’ with no comments seconds after I posted; why don’t you let me know why you think it is ‘terrible’ if the reason has any thing to do with my concern? Is it that you think all its well when Catholic teachings are not being upheld at a parish? Do you think it is okay to teach youngsters that sex out of marriage is okay? It’s like the banker I met with yesterday said; it’s okay for the youngsters to be taught all this stuff at school as it is the culture but not at the Catholic parish, yet, the teachings are just continuations of the same.
 
Hi.

The Mass is the Mass. It is also a service.

My feelings on the matter are, that as the Catholic Church opens its gates wider and wider, or rather, appears to, more and more people come to her, and in turn, a kind of bringing together happens, wherein, the Catholic Church and Protestant denominational branches, move closer together. This means that there is a cause and effect at work, one eventuality possibly being that the Catholic laity starts to become influenced by those ‘outside’.

Unity is a good thing but letting slip Catholic truths are not and this includes awareness of those truths. A lack of awareness means that people lack the discernment of the things of the Spirit.

What to do:

Be patient within yourself.

Be patient to inter-denominational Christians.

Be patient but firm when at Church about how you present yourself there. You can also involve yourself within the Parish.

Through these means, God will guide you and make use of your presence in order to make the impression, He desires you to give.

There can be many annoyances, and I’m not going to list them all, and there are definitely proselytizers about the place, so what you need to do, is know your faith, keep-up-to-date, but also be kind and loving. This way your charity will shine in the hearts of those around you. But also, pray…

Pray for priests. People complain about this and that. But priests are probably the first to come under spiritual attack and they are overrun and over-worked (most likely). They NEED prayers. It is the duty of the laity to do this. And this will, with trust in the Holy Spirit, ensure that they remain firm. Sometimes, it can be easy to think that things are going to get worse, in terms of a lack of respect for ‘holiness’, but one has to be hopeful, and believe it is all in God’s hands. But do pray for your parish and priest. And be active or at least make yourself available if and when you can.

Faith, hope and love.

🙂
 
Who ever rated this thread ‘terrible’ with no comments seconds after I posted; why don’t you let me know why you think it is ‘terrible’ if the reason has any thing to do with my concern?
I agree 100% with your response to the rating. People shouldn’t be able to rate a thread without leaving a name, at least, and preferably an explanation.

Having said that, I’m afraid that I do have some concerns about this thread. Your story does sound like it has been taken out of context to make a point - maybe. Maybe, or maybe not. I certainly won’t rate or criticise it on first impression. Strange things do happen in modern Catholic parishes.

Also, please be careful of the word “liberal”. There was a time when “liberal” meant someone who questioned whether Saddam Hussein had WMD’s. I notice that you put it in quotes, however 🙂
 
Sounds like it might be time for you to start visiting new parishes.
 
I never forgot as there was almost hatred in her eyes and she seemed almost hateful at calling 'Mass." I thought it was a region thing/language etc… But, I learned that we actually do call it Mass and not service.
So you’ve been letting one lady get under your skin for years? Pray for her.
I told him about the parish I was attending and how the catechist was teaching the youngster that sex out of marriage was okay (the attitude is that it part of the course of the society we live etc…) and living together heterosexuals relationship or in a homosexual relation is fine.
Talk to the Religious Education Director so the catechist can be corrected and youngsters may properly be informed. If that doesn’t work, talk to the pastor. If the pastor agrees with this incorrect teaching, report it to the bishop.
I told him that is the reason I go to the Cathedral because I some of the stuff at my parish really bother me.
Sounds like you found a good community! If I’m not mistaken, a cathedral is considered the seat of the arch/bishop or parish of the diocese/archdiocese and the laity can attend this as a regular Sunday Mass rather than their designated parish (I think that was when geographic boundaries were more enforced).
I told him that it bothers me to see, especially the youngster chew the Eucharist like it was a wafer or a piece of chewing gum etc…
For many people, this is due to the thickness of the Host. Thinner Hosts tend to “dissolve” and are easier to swallow. Thicker Hosts may need to be chewed in order to be consumed. And that’s the point of Communion: to consume the Host. Jesus said take and eat, he didn’t say don’t chew or tell us how to eat it. Youngsters are, well, young, and are not quite as developed physically as adults in terms of chewing. Don’t be so harsh on them or let this continue to get under your skin. Take a cue from the Baltimore Catechism and keep your eyes on prayer rather than watching people in the communion line. Look down at your hands, at the altar or a statue, or close your eyes.
I told him that the sacraments are still valid
Yes! Remember this, no matter where you go. The sacraments are the focus. The other issues you described are distractions.
 
Who ever rated this thread ‘terrible’ with no comments seconds after I posted; why don’t you let me know why you think it is ‘terrible’ if the reason has any thing to do with my concern? Is it that you think all its well when Catholic teachings are not being upheld at a parish? Do you think it is okay to teach youngsters that sex out of marriage is okay? It’s like the banker I met with yesterday said; it’s okay for the youngsters to be taught all this stuff at school as it is the culture but not at the Catholic parish, yet, the teachings are just continuations of the same.
Abba, I know how you felt when you saw a member rate your thread “terrible.” It was done to me on here once too. It’s not a very kind and charitable thing to do to a sister/brother in Christ who is asking a sincere question or looking for help/answers.
 
Abba, I know how you felt when you saw a member rate your thread “terrible.” It was done to me on here once too. It’s not a very kind and charitable thing to do to a sister/brother in Christ who is asking a sincere question or looking for help/answers.
I never rate threads and do not know where to go to see how the thread is rated. This is new to me.
 
Also, please be careful of the word “liberal”.
I think the OP meant ‘modernist’ attitudes, rather than “liberal”, which, having stemmed from deterioration in understanding, regarding the mystical aspects of the faith, alongside other external influences, duly manifest into obvious lack of reverence for all things holy.
 
I am fairly ‘‘progressive’’ in some areas but this is not good, they can not teach a doctrine that goes against church teachings.

I mean I always say its my own opinion, but never that it is a actual church doctrine, and I am not even a priest, who is supposed to speak for the church. 🤷

Contacting your bishop or diocese may be a good step. 🙂
Just in case.
 
I always “chew” the Eucharist.This in part,so I may receive the Precious Blood without having to shift the host around in my mouth in order to do so.🙏
 
Who ever rated this thread ‘terrible’ with no comments seconds after I posted; why don’t you let me know why you think it is ‘terrible’ if the reason has any thing to do with my concern? Is it that you think all its well when Catholic teachings are not being upheld at a parish? Do you think it is okay to teach youngsters that sex out of marriage is okay? It’s like the banker I met with yesterday said; it’s okay for the youngsters to be taught all this stuff at school as it is the culture but not at the Catholic parish, yet, the teachings are just continuations of the same.
Abba, I know how you felt when you saw a member rate your thread “terrible.” It was done to me on here once too. It’s not a very kind and charitable thing to do to a sister/brother in Christ who is asking a sincere question or looking for help/answers.
I rated it as terrible.
 
Wow! I have not been on this site for months, and I see ratings and discussing of them. Can I use them and boost the number of posts I get credit for? Let me just rate everything posted today as, excellent. That’s thousands of posts. I should be a warrior or legend or saint or something! Or is that too liberal?
Blessings during Holy Week.
 
I never rate threads and do not know where to go to see how the thread is rated. This is new to me.
Neither do I ever rate threads. I had no idea you could until I noticed the one star on a thread for help that I started and looked to see what it meant. I was shocked anyone could be so insensitive especially when the member was asking for help.
 
This may sound while, I am surprised myself, but, basically, many parishes where I live are liberal with a great Protestant influence. I know the sacraments are valid though, because I experience their effect spiritually. But, aside from that these parishes have a great Protestant influence and are very liberal. The priests and staff do not really promote Catholic teachings.

History:
A couple of decades agos, I once went to the office of the Cathedral to find out the hours for masses. The women told me at that time that they don’t call “Mass” but “Service.” I never forgot as there was almost hatred in her eyes and she seemed almost hateful at calling 'Mass." I thought it was a region thing/language etc… But, I learned that we actually do call it Mass and not service.

About five years ago, I was working near the Cathedral and was attending daily noon Mass. I got to spend some time with a young priest who had recently been ordained. I told him about the incident and he thought about and said; Oh, yes, around that time we had a problem here, etc…

I told him about the parish I was attending and how the catechist was teaching the youngster that sex out of marriage was okay (the attitude is that it part of the course of the society we live etc…) and living together heterosexuals relationship or in a homosexual relation is fine.And, she knows priests that are actually practicing it and are fine priests etc… In her estimation the Church is being old fashion etc… He agreed that there are many liberal parish and there are problems. I told him that is the reason I go to the Cathedral because I some of the stuff at my parish really bother me. I told him that it bothers me to see, especially the youngster chew the Eucharist like it was a wafer or a piece of chewing gum etc…

I did concern changing parish, but, I also thought I could give an example as some others do… So, I stayed.but, recently I was thinking of checking out another parish but due to a situation this is not the time.

Anywho, I met with the priests and I don’t want to give more details as I want to keep my identity confidential and don’t wish to be identity. Suffice to say, I had to warn my children about how liberal it all is - but, they know. I told them if they are going to stay at that parish to protect themselves and practice Catholicism or get another parish. Plus, he recommended in passing something I actually searched here at CAF only to find an article noting that x is used by Protestants to proselytize Catholics into leaving the Church. I found this a bit much.

Then, finally, I met the knew bank manager and he is Catholic. He is living in an upper middle class town and he said that at the school his daughter are picking up the whole mainstream culture and he doesn’t know what to do. He said that he stopped going to Church because at the parish it is the same thing and that it was not even a “Catholic” parish. I was surprised at his comment as I thought my parish was just an exception. But, the banker said no that he is having a problem finding one. I told him that the sacraments are still valid and while he is looking to take the girls to Mass. I told him that I would help him find one. I thought I may be able to find one of those that offer the tradition latin - at least I don’t think they would be liberal.

Maybe a couple of decades ago the bishop was Catholic/Protestant and this is what the priest was noting?

What is going on? And what can be done?
Check this out: ecclesiadei.org/masses.cfm
 
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