RCC -1st impression - Why move to a desert?

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Alissa, I dont know what city you are from but in many cities there are now AU Churches. That is Anglican Usage Catholic Church. Very reverent and strong homilies. See www.atonementonline.com and it will direct you to different AU churches in the US
 
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Alissa:
On Christmas Even I visited a RC church just to see what it was like. My impressions:
  1. Tone/atmosphere: My church (Espicopal) - formal, reverent. This RCC -like many protestant churches - modernish, more like a social get-together.
  2. User friendly? Hmmm… No programs to follow, no missals in the pew.
  3. Sermon - generic (“Love your family”), 97% of it could have been delivered in a temple or a mosque.
  4. Ratio of parishioners to priest: Pack 'em in, say the mass, move 'em out. Then another mass with another huge crowd.
  5. Bored or distracted people (a higher % than in most Protestant churches I’ve visited).
  6. Attitude of priest: Seemed very overworked, in need of a long vacation…
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Uhm??? You must of really visited a catholic Church since this all seems like it could be true.😦

But here’s the rest of the story. One parish or one priest does not a Church make. The Catholic Church is the body of Christ and we are like cells and organs in that body. We each have a function and support each other. And yes, sometimes there is even cancer or illness in that body. That does not make the body bad, just the cancer or illness. We have white blood cells in our Church body that sek out and destroy that cancer whenever it is uncovered.

I am Catholic because Christ founded one body and told us to be of like mind and to be loyal. He is the head of that body. He promised us a great reward in the end for those who were loyal. He promised also that to follow Him would be difficult. Sometimes going to a mass with a boring preist in a church building that looks more Baptist then Catholic is difficult. I did not become a BORN AGAIN CATHOLIC for a priest or a building though, I crossed the Tiber and came home to Rome for Jesus.

Do not join any religion or denomination because it feels good. I watched Harry Potter movies and felt good but I did not become a witch. I enjoyed AWANA programs and loved going to Baptist social activities but I am not Baptist. I loved being in the Marine Corps but I am not out killing people today. Follow Jesus where ever He leads you, follow the Holy Spirit where ever He leads you, follow Heavenly Father where ever He leads you. Do not follow your feelings, they can be wrong and influenced by Satan. Follow Him and only Him. He did not promise you life would be easy nor did He promise it would feel good. He did promise those who followed Him and obeyed Him a great reward.

I do not like the parish church I go to now, it looks too protestant like a civic center for a stage show. The preists on the other hand have great homilies and are wonderfull people. The parish members have many problems like those you describe.

Why be Catholic? Because Jesus founded the Catholic Church on pentecost 33 A.D. I can think of no better reason then that. I go to mass for Jesus and to worship Him, not because it feels good. I am Catholic for my salvation not because it feels good or is easy. There is but one road and that road is Catholic. Take the good and fix the bad.

Perhaps you could be the spark in that parish that will fix some of the problems you mentioned. Remeber, Catholics aren’t the only ones with a few mediocre clergy or members. It is a human problem not a theological problem. The Dogma, Faith and Morals of the Catholic Church are perfect, its members are human and thus sinners.

Wish I could write more but my break is over.

God bless and pray about your choices,
 
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Alissa:
To Awfulthings9 - yes, I do continue to read the posts. I read much more than I post. --Alissa
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Wow, then you are already holier than most of us! Keep it up! 👍
 
I’m a convert from Evangelical Protestantism myself. (Well, not yet received…but soon: Jan 30!). I’ve been blessed with an orthodox, small parish, in which I have had many one on one sessions with my priest. Our pastor is very orthodox, and our liturgy is quite well done, in my oppinion. We only have one Mass Sunday morning, and only 300-350 people in attendance…which is nice for the fellowship factor. (There is a Saturday evening Mass as well, but only 100ish then). (400ish people is still large compared to what I’m use to in Evangelical churches…having usually attending small churches).
 
jmm08 wrote:
Similarly, I found that there was no time to bow in the lines for the Eucharist.
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May I ask, since you are in RCIA, why were you in the Communion queue? Why did you not remain in your pew and make a Spiritual Communion?

🙂 JMJ Jay
 
Alissa, definetly try going to a daily mass or on a normal sunday mass. Christmas Eve, not the best time to judge a parish I would think. You should see my church on Christmas and Easter. :whacky: There is literally like 5 rows of people standing in the back. It’s crazy. (It’s funny, your post kind of reminded me of me the first time attending a lutheran church when I was still “searching”. Having attended Catholic school and only Catholic mass my whole life my face kind of looked like this :eek: the whole time at the lack of reverance there. I think it depends a lot on the particular parish & stuff.) But anyways, welcome…hope you head back to that church again and give it another try!
 
Alissa,

If you don’t care for that parish, you can always try your local SSPX Chapel. 😃

Justin
 
Katholikos said:
jmm08 wrote:
May I ask, since you are in RCIA, why were you in the Communion queue? Why did you not remain in your pew and make a Spiritual Communion?

🙂 JMJ Jay
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Excuse me for jumping in, but when I joined the Catholic church (via RCIA) in the early 90s and when I returned to the church a couple years ago (long story but I did need to go to confession before I could receive communion at that point too), I could be in the communion line, but once I reached the priest or eucharistic minister, I would have my arms crossed for a blessing instead of receiving the host.

I can’t answer for anyone else, but that’s how I could get in line and not have to shuffle around the line of people going up for communion.

Just my 2 cents,
 
I definitely concur that the day and time of the Mass would make a difference. Christmas Eve may not be typical. Also our parish had a Christmas Eve ‘family Mass’ earlier where everyone brought their kids and so it was kind of noisy and probably to an outsider not very reverent. The later service was extremely beautiful, uplifting and inspiring with traditional music and a very reverent atmosphere.

Just to show the door swings both ways, a good friend asked if I’d come to her Episcopal church as she was doing the readings for the early service. This is a beautiful cathedral known for its incredible music, huge organ and talented choir. But the early service is held in the chapel. No choir. No music at ALL. Old priest droning an incomprehensible sermon. I couldn’t WAIT until it was over. OTOH this isn’t typical of the later services held in the larger cathedral. Had I judged this church by my one experience, I wouldn’t have had a positive impression at all. Just FFT.

Lisa N
 
One thing I have heard my protestant friends comment on is the homily part of Mass.
As Protestants, (baitists, seventh day baptis, pentacostils, church of christ) the main idea is that a preacher picks a verse and tells his reflections on it.
My church of christ friend marvled at the fact that a Priest had to talk about three certian readings only. She said because tho a priest did not go on and on about morals she felt there was something more.

Mass isn’t about how good a homilist a priest is. It isn’t about people’s opinions. Mass is about the Eucharist. Thats why I am for Lifeteen…becasue they enforce that alot.
 
When the focus isn’t on the eucharist then the sermon and music become very important. It is important but it is the icing not the cake. John 6 (53 -56)

Good luck with you’re search and journey.🙂
 
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ThornGenX:
Excuse me for jumping in, but when I joined the Catholic church (via RCIA) in the early 90s and when I returned to the church a couple years ago (long story but I did need to go to confession before I could receive communion at that point too), I could be in the communion line, but once I reached the priest or eucharistic minister, I would have my arms crossed for a blessing instead of receiving the host.

I can’t answer for anyone else, but that’s how I could get in line and not have to shuffle around the line of people going up for communion.

Just my 2 cents,
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“Blessings in lieu of Communion” are an abuse of the Eucharist and the Mass and should not be permitted. This once-common practice has come to a screeching halt in my diocese (thanks be to God) with the arrival of a new, orthodox bishop. It’s against the law of the Church.

Here’s the notice my parish now puts in the bulletin: “All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another.” In other words, they’re to stay in the pew and make a spiritual communion.

If anyone should present themselves with crossed arms, the priest merely says to them: “May Jesus be in your heart.” No blessing or gesture of any kind is given.

Eucharistic ministers are not ordained and should never bless anyone in the context of a Mass. Lay people can bless their children or friends if they wish, outside of Mass. But they cannot bless on behalf of the Church, which is what they appear to be doing if they give “blessings in lieu of Communion.”

This practice made my blood boil, and I’m glad it has been corrected. Nothing personal, I hope you realize, but it should never have been permitted, much less encouraged. Everyone gets blessed five minutes later at the dismissal. This practice meant some people were getting blessed twice. What’s the point? I complained to Rome about this, and so did millions of other Catholics.

This subject belongs on a different thread. Sorry.

Peace be with you, Jay
 
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Alissa:
On Christmas Even I visited a RC church just to see what it was like. My impressions:
  1. Tone/atmosphere: My church (Espicopal) - formal, reverent. This RCC -like many protestant churches - modernish, more like a social get-together.
  2. User friendly? Hmmm… No programs to follow, no missals in the pew.
  3. Sermon - generic (“Love your family”), 97% of it could have been delivered in a temple or a mosque.
  4. Ratio of parishioners to priest: Pack 'em in, say the mass, move 'em out. Then another mass with another huge crowd.
  5. Bored or distracted people (a higher % than in most Protestant churches I’ve visited).
  6. Attitude of priest: Seemed very overworked, in need of a long vacation.
    Because of the liberal positions of the overall Episcopal church, I’ve started reading and learning about the RCC. Why should I leave an oasis (my own local church, which is not liberal) for a desert (my first impression of this local RCC)? Even if I should someday come to an intellectual agreement with all that the RCC teaches, what are the chances that other RCCs (twice as far away) would be the same?
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Here I am. Welcome.

I don’t know who said it, but somebody once said that the answer to Jesus’ question, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith in the earth?” is that he will find it in the desert.
 
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Alissa:
On Christmas Even I visited a RC church just to see what it was like. My impressions:
  1. Tone/atmosphere: My church (Espicopal) - formal, reverent. This RCC -like many protestant churches - modernish, more like a social get-together.
  2. User friendly? Hmmm… No programs to follow, no missals in the pew.
  3. Sermon - generic (“Love your family”), 97% of it could have been delivered in a temple or a mosque.
  4. Ratio of parishioners to priest: Pack 'em in, say the mass, move 'em out. Then another mass with another huge crowd.
  5. Bored or distracted people (a higher % than in most Protestant churches I’ve visited).
  6. Attitude of priest: Seemed very overworked, in need of a long vacation.
    Because of the liberal positions of the overall Episcopal church, I’ve started reading and learning about the RCC. Why should I leave an oasis (my own local church, which is not liberal) for a desert (my first impression of this local RCC)? Even if I should someday come to an intellectual agreement with all that the RCC teaches, what are the chances that other RCCs (twice as far away) would be the same?
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Alissa:

I was born and raised in what was then called PECUSA (Now ECUSA), and Yes, the liturgy is reverent and more beautiful, but the BODY IS DEAD! I must confirm everything said about ECUSA and its parent, the Church of England:
acahome.org/tac/news/pr041018.htm (Commentary on its latest document by the Primate of the Tadition Anglican Church)

I was once granted the priviledge of reading in St. Ignatius Church on the Campus of the University of San Francisco during a Mass that was more reverent than many other parishes I have seen. A couple of of the more “Orthodox” Priests once held a Reqium Mass for my mother even though I wasn’t a Catholic at the time, and I’m still quite grateful.

Have you heard of EWTN? It’s an orthodox Catholic network that has good solid inspirational programming that we can watch instead of the regular garbage on TV, and they’re not just giving generic “God loves you!” messages. I’ve found much of their programming to be quite edifying.

Do you have a smaller church meeting in an older building not too far from where you live? If you do, check their bulletin and see what type of time they provide for their Masses. See also what they PRINT in the commentary.

Do you have a parish in your vicinity licensed by the POPE and the local Archbishop to do the older Tridentine Mass? Some Archbishops have made it a point to have parishes where the “Indult” Masses are done - Others haven’t. If yours has, you might be in for a treat. Check around!

The one person who wrote about trying one of the various Churches that are in union with Rome suggesting that you might want to check them out had a good idea. I happen to belong to a Church trying to become one of those Churches. You might find an Anglican Catholic Church in union with Rome in your city in the next few years if the Pope and the Primate of the Traditional Anglican communion have their ways. You can read about this in the thread started by HagiaSophia "Anglicans to Rome?"
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=28244

Regarding you description of an RCC Mass - Ouch! I’ve seen a couple like that, but I’ve also seen the other. I’m sorry you went to one where the priest didn’t understand that people have to understand why they need the Gospel and just how great the Gift of God really is.

In Him, MIchael
 
Alissa - have you heard of the Pastoral Provision for Anglican Use? Catholics are permitted to use a “Catholicked” Book of Common prayer . . . You can look it up on the Internet.
 
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mercygate:
Alissa - have you heard of the Pastoral Provision for Anglican Use? Catholics are permitted to use a “Catholicked” Book of Common prayer . . . You can look it up on the Internet.
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Here is an HTML file of the Anglican Use Mass. I have the pdf “sommers”, but can’t find it right now.
walsingham-church.org/mass.htm
 
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DaveBj:
…since it’s the only parish in the county. On the other hand, if we had to vote with our feet, we’re only 20 or so miles from the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament.DaveBj
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YoooH!
I felt Cullman, AL rang a distant bell.
On Thanksgiving morning I was riding thru that area in 2003. Raining and dark. Near dawn I stopped at a place called Christ the King Abbey, An old Benedictine Monastery, and went in to Mass.
What a step back into the past!
They had these ancient Missals in the pews from the 1950 era, and lo and behold the Mass was essentially the same as the TLM I went to in Dallas. Except the monks were all hooded,
It was some experience!
Thanks for reminding me!
 
Whenever I see a post about a parish such as this I am very greatful to God that he allowed me to be just around the corner from a wonderful parish. The abuses that I hear of on this forum I don’t find in my church. I wish all were like mine.

Alyssa,

Many of the posters here have their locations posted, maybe someone in your area can help you with finding another parish to try. The AU mass is one option if there is one in the area, but if not I am sure there is a wonderful parish somewhere close. Also I would try that one again on a regular Sunday, as another poster said, you find many people on Christmas eve who are not regulars, or maybe aren’t even Catholic but came with friends, or relatives. At my church on Christmas eve we had a mass at 4:30 pm, the childrens bell coir played. One of the women who is very involved in the church, and a very faithful woman brought some of her relatives to see her daughter play in the choir, she was also assisting them. Well, I was in the row in front of them, and one of this womans sisters didn’t shut up the whole time. After the kiss of peace the lamb of god started, and usually everything quiets very quickly, but she talked even more then, at this point we are all preparing ourselves for the Eucharist, how irritating.:mad:

Well, I am in the Detroit area, if you happen to be here you could PM me, or maybe try to PM someone who is in your area from the description of their location on this forum.
 
Katholikos said:
“Blessings in lieu of Communion” are an abuse of the Eucharist and the Mass and should not be permitted. This once-common practice has come to a screeching halt in my diocese (thanks be to God) with the arrival of a new, orthodox bishop. It’s against the law of the Church.

Here’s the notice my parish now puts in the bulletin: “All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another.” In other words, they’re to stay in the pew and make a spiritual communion.

If anyone should present themselves with crossed arms, the priest merely says to them: “May Jesus be in your heart.” No blessing or gesture of any kind is given.

Eucharistic ministers are not ordained and should never bless anyone in the context of a Mass. Lay people can bless their children or friends if they wish, outside of Mass. But they cannot bless on behalf of the Church, which is what they appear to be doing if they give “blessings in lieu of Communion.”

This practice made my blood boil, and I’m glad it has been corrected. Nothing personal, I hope you realize, but it should never have been permitted, much less encouraged. Everyone gets blessed five minutes later at the dismissal. This practice meant some people were getting blessed twice. What’s the point? I complained to Rome about this, and so did millions of other Catholics.

This subject belongs on a different thread. Sorry.

Peace be with you, Jay
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Jay- I’ve seen that done, but I didn’t know it was against the rules. (It’s done in a lot of Anglican parishes, too). Anywho, I can see that any abuse is an abuse, but is there something in particular about this that bothers you? Also, as far as getting a double blessing, is that a bad thing in and of itself? Seems like I just saw a thread about folks receiving communion as often as allowed, so they get the most grace possible.
 
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1962Missal:
Alissa,

If you don’t care for that parish, you can always try your local SSPX Chapel. 😃

Justin
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Justin,

Pardon my ignorance, but what is SSPX?

Michael
 
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