South Jersey Catholic Social Group

[tony-nj]

Hi everyone,
I was wondering if there would be an interest in starting some type of Catholic social group in South Jersey. Particularly in the Camden Diocese and primarily for people in there 40s and up. There is nothing available. Most groups cater to “young” people. For example Theology on Tap (ToT) is for 20s and 30s and on the Diocese website it clearly states that this age range be respected.

I suppose it would be similar to something that would be on the meetup website. I figured I would ask here since I would expect the majority of users here are in fact Catholic.

If there is enough interest, maybe we could make something happen. It could offer a variety events: Dining, events for singles in this age range… exploring different churches in the Diocese and perhaps beyond? Ha, kind of like a traveling band of Mass goers checking out different churches on Saturday’s, with coffee and a bite after. I suggest Saturdays as I have to have my Traditional Latin Mass on Sundays, the only time it is offered in my area (St. Gianna’s in Northfield).

Anyhow, anyone interested in doing something like this?

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Unfortunately I don’t live or work in the Camden diocese or I’d be up for that.

I would actually LOVE a Theology on Tap for older people. Those of us in our 40s and 50s are not welcome at the events for 20s and 30s as you mention. I understand why to some extent, but there should be something social for people 40+ to do that doesn’t involve either one’s kids (especially since some of us don’t have any) or a senior citizen bus tour. If I were a man I’d probably join the KoC as they have members in the 40-50 age range, but I’m the wrong gender.

Where I come from, a lot of 40-50-60 year olds enjoy going out to a brewpub or wine bar and if one could hear a theology talk there then so much the better.

Regarding your idea of visiting different churches for Mass, there was a group like that in my hometown diocese for some time, called the “Mass Mob”. Once or twice a month they’d meet up at a specified church, attend Mass, then write up a nice little summary with some history of the church, pictures etc. I thought it was a cool idea. Unfortunately by the time I found out about it, they had stopped doing it after visiting maybe about 30-40 churches, so I just started visiting different churches on my own when my schedule/ the weather permitted me to drive out of my neighborhood for Mass. I enjoy seeing the different churches and neighborhoods they serve.

 

[tony-nj]

I’m in the KofC, but the average age is… about 103.
That Mass Mob sounds pretty cool! I don’t know if I’d have the time to write a report, but a once or twice a month trip sounds like a great idea. Great way to explore the state, regardless of Diocese. And in Jersey, you can’t be any farther than 2.5 hours away. And that’s at the extremes.
May I ask what Dioces you are in?

 

[tony-nj]

I attended Mass at St. Patrick’s in NYC this past Good Friday, and would like to attend a Mass at St. Peter and Paul’s Basilica in Philly.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

I work in the Philly Archdiocese and I live in the Baltimore Archdiocese. I also spend time in the dioceses of Pittsburgh, Cleveland and occasionally those surrounding the other dioceses (like Youngstown Diocese, Harrisburg Diocese etc). I’m to the far west of Philly, so Camden is a bit of a haul given the traffic conditions.

St. Peter and Paul Basilica has some very nice TLMs during the year, you should come over for one if you enjoy that. Also some nice OF and Ordinariate Masses.

 

[tony-nj]

Thank you so much for the info! There are only 2 parishes that offer the TLM in my Diocese: Mater Ecclesia [sic] in Berlin and the parish I attend St. Gianna’s. While I was searching for aTLM Mass, I came across the M.E. website and saw they celebrated a Mass in the Basilica. Seems it was even televised on EWTN.
Again, thank you for the info. I will keep my eyes peeled for a TLM at the Basilica.