Techniques to transform your heterodox parish into a model of orthodoxy

[Walking_Home]

This is “free-wheeling”? So, are you are against any form of community in parishes? Mass and being religious is supposed to go beyond buildings. That is one reason Vatican II came about, as there was a “bunker mentality” in the RCC at that time, nothing else mattered beyond the walls of the building. Things were overly-ritual focused and over time they become almost reflex and loose their meaning to many people. While some religious groups can focus on endless ritual, the average person cannot as they chose not to live that type of life, so their church and mass expierence needs to transcend that to day to day life.

While it can seem overwhelming looking at all the world’s problems, you learn enough about yourself to see your strengths to do what you can do, it encourages public service. To think that one person, one priest can carry the entire burden for the entire parish is not good for either.

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You mean the “Spirit of Vat II” that took over. Where anyone can use “spirituality” as a crutch—to do as they will. Where they see the Church as rigid and ungiving. A Church that suppresses the “spirit”. If this is where the “spirit” is leading people–to view the Church in this manner----it is the wrong “spirit”.

 

[Teelynn]

There is a way to lead a parish back to the “real church” as I call it and a way not to. People in a parish that have been moderately led for many years really have to be brought back to orthodoxy a little at a time. It does take the correct leadership. I compare it to trying to discipline a child that has been spoiled for some time and suddenly the parents decide that they need to get a handle on this child and enforce the discipline he/she needs. Any professional in the field would tell you to start with the important rules 1st and be consistent. In other words, don’t sweat the small stuff at the beginning. When that is pretty well under control you move on to the next. If you come down on this child with a sledge hammer all at once, guess what’s going to happen? Rebellion big time. Alot of these parishes have been so moderate for so many years that the culture shock of total orthodoxy would actually be foreign to them. It’d blow them away.

The general idea is to “steer” God’s people back to the CATHOLIC CHURCH. I know of a priest in a neighboring parish that came in (new assistant) and started coming down very hard on ministers of the altar for improper procedures according to Canon Law. He came close to loosing all his help. Once the new pastor had a heart to heart with him on this, he started to understand that this parish had been moderate for so many years that these people actually were clueless on certain things. He lightened up and started to “gently guide” in the proper direction with a little love and understanding and guess what happened? The response from ministers and parishioners in general was MORE THAN POSITIVE. The Holy Spirit is moving big time and actually bringing this parish back the Catholic Church as Christ meant it to be. IMHO “the proof is in the pudding.”

 

[Yes]

…The general idea is to “steer” God’s people back to the CATHOLIC CHURCH. I know of a priest in a neighboring parish that came in (new assistant) and started coming down very hard on ministers of the altar for improper procedures according to Canon Law. He came close to loosing all his help. Once the new pastor had a heart to heart with him on this, he started to understand that this parish had been moderate for so many years that these people actually were clueless on certain things. He lightened up and started to “gently guide” in the proper direction with a little love and understanding and guess what happened? The response from ministers and parishioners in general was MORE THAN POSITIVE. The Holy Spirit is moving big time and actually bringing this parish back the Catholic Church as Christ meant it to be. IMHO “the proof is in the pudding.”

What the heck is a “minister of the altar?” Was that a made-up ministry at that parish? The only “ministers of the altar” I know are bishops/priests and ultimately, Jesus Christ.

 

[Teelynn]

What the heck is a “minister of the altar?” Was that a made-up ministry at that parish? The only “ministers of the altar” I know are bishops/priests and ultimately, Jesus Christ.

It is I am sure not the correct terminology technically for: Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers, Proclaimers or Readers or Lectors, Altar Servers, Sacristans, Acolytes, Ushers. (or Ministers of Hospitality) I have heard people lump this all together even at my own parish to call these people “Ministers of the Altar.” or “Lay Ministers”. (interchangeably) We could have a whole separate thread (of which I believe there is already one going) on what is the correct terminology for these people, but that was not the point of my post. That would be opening a whole new can of worms.

 

[Pax_et_Caritas]

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You mean the “Spirit of Vat II” that took over. Where anyone can use “spirituality” as a crutch—to do as they will. Where they see the Church as rigid and ungiving. A Church that suppresses the “spirit”. If this is where the “spirit” is leading people–to view the Church in this manner----it is the wrong “spirit”.

Right. The spirit that seeks to be free from the “rules” of the Church is not the Holy Spirit. It’s the unholy spirit. The spirit of rebellion… the same spirit that told Eve she didn’t have to obey God’s rules.

 

[Marian_Carroll]

GENTLE REMINDER:

The topic of this thread is:

Techniques to transform your heterodox parish into a model of orthodoxy

If you have suggestions to assist others or success stories in your parish(es) please do share them. Please do NOT however turn the thread off topic into personal rants and editorials. Thanks very much for helping to keep the discussion on track.

 

[schatzi]

GENTLE REMINDER:
If you have suggestions to assist others or success stories in your parish(es) please do share them. Please do NOT however turn the thread off topic into personal rants and editorials. Thanks very much for helping to keep the discussion on track.

My husband and I observed a complacency in mediocre liturgy and teaching in our first years in our parish. When our bishop was transferred, we earnestly began praying daily (for four years) for a good and holy new bishop. We brought this prayer to our parish fellowships, and to the Eucharistic conferences we’d attend. We had an answer to our prayer that was stupendous. Bishop Robert Morlino was with us for only four years, but he really pushed for authenticity in our Catholicism. And did he shake things up!
And the outcry! Who didn’t like him, who didn’t like his preaching - the personal vendettas were plenty and petty. I’d tell his detractors, “Bishop Morlino is obedient to our Pope. All he’s asking you to be is obedient also.”
As fast as people left for “greener fields”, our parish census never diminished. Vocations increased. Liturgical abuses diminished, and Catholics who cherish the true faith could worship untroubled.
Was this the same all through the diocese? Unfortunately, no. But for us, praying for our bishop yielded such a treasure.
Pray without ceasing; it’s scriptural.
(I hope this is helpful)