Should we choose which Catholic church we attend?

[Marsu54]

The parish in which we live where the come lates, leave earlys, talk throughouts (incl. during the consecration) along with the homilies that go on and on and say nothing have caused us to attend other parishes. Also the pastor thinks a new church is called for. I think it is an ego trip, that they just want a fancier building. The people left standing are doing so so that they can exit fast. There is sufficient room for all to be seated. This parish is in an affluent area. Sometimes it seems people are there to be seen.

We have begun to attend two other more humble parishes where the congregations are more respectful. One in an area where there are not a lot of Catholics in the neighborhood, but was the church where my husband grew up and another church not too far from where we live. The contrast of worship is like the difference between day and night. I am about to contact the latter to see if we can register even though we are not in the boundaries. From what I have been reading here there should not be a problem.

 

[goat]

I’d just like to add that some of us in rural areas don’t actuallly have a “local church.”

Where I live, I’d guess what would technically be my local church is about a 30 minute drive, but it is in a nearby metro area…not really part of my community.

So, I joined a parish that is also about a 30 minute drive, but is actually in a different archdiocese. But, it is more part of my community, such as it is.

So, here’s a question: who is my archbishop? The archbishop of the area where I live, or the archbishop of the parish to which I belong?

 

[larryo]

I think the reply by CatholicNerd in #5 is excellent and comprehensive. There’s not much more to say.

 

[Middlefork]

toutestgrace:

I would encourage anyone to find a parish in which to settle for the long haul. It has taught me about mission, suffering, patience, joy, and love.

I agree!

 

[The_Rigbys]

Karl Keating:

Simple answer, folks: There is no requirement to attend your local parish. You may attend any Catholic church you wish.

I have a question about this.

According to Canon Law, the ordinary layman doesn’t get to choose his diocese. If we live within the boundaries of, say, the Diocese of Whoville, then we belong to that diocese, and are under the care of its bishop. (See Canons 209 and 369-372.)

Because of this, I’ve been told that each of us should be registered at a parish in his own diocese. If we were to attend mass in a neighboring diocese, it would be as “guests,” not regular members. To do so on a regular basis would be out of keeping with the spirit of the law.

Is this correct?