Suddenly confused

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kmcgonigle

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I have been attending my local parish and have been a member for a few years. As I become more and more mature in my faith, I have been researching different third orders I am interested in joining. I went to one of my priests for advice last fall, and he mentioned that I should possibly consider the Diaconate. I have been praying about this quite a bit. This priest has since transferred. I contacted the diocese about the process of becoming a deacon and they informed me that the bishop would be sending out a request for interest to the pastors in the diocese later in the year. I called the church office and mentioned that I needed to let my pastor know I am interested. He acknowledged my call the next Sunday at mass and said he would be calling me. I know that he is really busy, because now he is the only priest in our church, along with one permanent deacon. Maybe he will call sometime. I have also volunteered to become a lector, so the fellow in charge of lectors took my name and number, but hasn’t called me about training. Mind you, this has occurred over the course of the past year. It seems that unless you are active in KofC, its hard to get involved at my parish. I love the people I have met and I am not complaining, regardless of how it seems. Anyway, that isn’t what confused me…

Last Sunday I decided to visit another church in an adjacent county. It is a church run by conventional Franciscans. It was a wonderful mass with many, many parishioners so centered on the Holy Spirit and attentive to the sandal shod priest. Quite a contrast to the parish to which I belong. I had never been to a mass like this, and I found it to be so spiritual and special. My confusion is about whether it is o.k. to attend another church? They seem to be dedicated to getting lay persons involved in various ministries and reaching out. I suppose this is a result of the Franciscan influence.I don’t know the answer to this question, if it is necessary to attend only the church closest to your home? I never dreamed there would be such a contrast between two parishes in adjacent counties! I don’t want to be disloyal to my pastor. I felt like I was doing something bad just by visiting another parish. Any suggestions?
 
You can attend any Catholic Church that you like (provided it is in communion with Rome). Of course you should continue to be a good steward at your home parish provided you are still a member.
 
Thanks for replying. Are you basing this on your opinion or something more authoritative? I don’t want to sound picky, just curious. You are the first to offer any thoughts. Thank you very much.
Kevin
 
Thanks for replying. Are you basing this on your opinion or something more authoritative? I don’t want to sound picky, just curious. You are the first to offer any thoughts. Thank you very much.
Kevin
Hey there,

Chovy was correct. The old code of canon law required one to belong to the parish of the boundries in which you lived. The new code of canon law does not require this. So you are welcome to attend and join any parish that is in communion with the church.

Here’s a few posts from the “Ask the Apologist” forum that back this up:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=161130
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=162089
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=167888
 
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