Web site which "rates" RCC parishes?

  • Thread starter Thread starter QDude
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
Q

QDude

Guest
Not sure how appropriate this would be, but I find myself wanting a website that in some way details how “traditional” RCC churches are in my area. I like to find different churches I can go to during the work week for mass and adoration. I try to find more traditional churches since they are more likely to have this and more often.

If the web site tracked the # of hours of Eurcharist adoration/Mass/Confessions/Rosary/… per week, it would be a great way to find “gems” in a large urban area.

masstimes.org is better than nothing, but I want to put in a city or area code and see a sorted list by some sort of rating.

Anyone know of a site like this? If not, would it be inappropriate? Not sure why it would but you never know …

Maybe I will work on this in my copious free time unless there is already something out there.
 
40.png
QDude:
Not sure how appropriate this would be, but I find myself wanting a website that in some way details how “traditional” RCC churches are in my area. I like to find different churches I can go to during the work week for mass and adoration. I try to find more traditional churches since they are more likely to have this and more often.

If the web site tracked the # of hours of Eurcharist adoration/Mass/Confessions/Rosary/… per week, it would be a great way to find “gems” in a large urban area.

masstimes.org is better than nothing, but I want to put in a city or area code and see a sorted list by some sort of rating.

Anyone know of a site like this? If not, would it be inappropriate? Not sure why it would but you never know …

Maybe I will work on this in my copious free time unless there is already something out there.
Click to expand...
There should be.
Want to start it with me?
Get some advertising and run it on that.
 
I understand some of the more “traditional” parishes, especially if they are located in a heterodox diocese, like to keep a low profile so a website pointing them out would not be a good idea. That would just make it easier for the progressive types in the chancery office to agitate and cause all kinds of trouble for them.

Word of mouth is the best way to spread the good news about “loyal” parishes. You put something like that out on the web and there’s no telling what kind of wickedness the ankle biters will rain down on the parishes listed there. :nope:
 
That is a huge chore you are undertaking and I wish you luck.

Pending its completion, may I suggest that you use the Mass Times web page and look at the web pages of the parishes in the area in which you are searching for new parishes to visit or for parishes in areas to which you are considering moving.

Those parishes with the most opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and also which offer such things as Novenas, Perpetual Adoration, Rosary Societies, First Friday and First Saturday liturgies, etc. are those that you would want to check out first.

Those that offer “communal reconciliation” might best be avoided.

Good luck in your project. You might start by borrowing from the Mass Times listing by visiting the web sites available there to begin your project.
 
Anyone know of a site like this? If not, would it be inappropriate? Not sure why it would but you never know
Click to expand...
It really isn’t that appropriate. Catholic parishes aren’t supposed to be in competition with each other.
 
40.png
Kielbasi:
It really isn’t that appropriate. Catholic parishes aren’t supposed to be in competition with each other.
Click to expand...
Why not? I understand the whole “One big church” thing but if a parish is putting innovations to the mass, then why not go to one that isn’t?
 
I found the confession schedules an accuate indicator of what to expect from the church/pastor. Check with your archdiocese and see if there is an “official” directory of parishes in your area or state. www.masstimes.org offers many links to local parishes and their schedules. I haven’t been able to get the “Adoration” feature to work for me though :o
Deborah
 
Why not? I understand the whole “One big church” thing but if a parish is putting innovations to the mass, then why not go to one that isn’t?
Click to expand...
You can certainly hear mass wherever you like, but your own parish (where you live) is where you belong and where you are a member.

The parish priests I don’t think are in any mood to fight with each other over parishioners, and they aren’t supposed to baptize , marry, bury or register folks who live outside their territory without the permission of the proper parish priest.
Its a cooperative , not a competitive situation.
 
40.png
Kielbasi:
You can certainly hear mass wherever you like, but your own parish (where you live) is where you belong and where you are a member.

The parish priests I don’t think are in any mood to fight with each other over parishioners, and they aren’t supposed to baptize , marry, bury or register folks who live outside their territory without the permission of the proper parish priest.
Its a cooperative , not a competitive situation.
Click to expand...
If you lived in my Vicariate, you would see that we need a little competition.
We have one EWTN type parish and 11 others. We are growing out of our church.
Sorry, but up until this time, begging, writing letters or standing ground has just gotten us ignored and made fun of. Why not be able to talk with your feet and wallet?

If anything I agree with Dr. Bombay when he said this…
'I understand some of the more “traditional” parishes, especially if they are located in a heterodox diocese, like to keep a low profile so a website pointing them out would not be a good idea. That would just make it easier for the progressive types in the chancery office to agitate and cause all kinds of trouble for them. "

It’s happened to us!
 
Perhaps the first question is, who is going to do the rating?

Given the fact that Archbishop Chaput of Denver has publicly said that the issue of holding hands during the Our Father is essentially a non-issue, and he is widely considered to be orthodox, and given that a number of people on this forum are very against holding hands during the Our Father, does a site that doesn’t discuss the issue or rate a church in relationship to that an orthodox site or not?

Whoever rates the churches is going to be immediately suspect as liberal if they don’t follow the opinions of those more conservative than the rater, and supect as conservative by the group on the other side.

Orthodxy itself is not the most easily defined issue; as two people can come up with different definitions, and still be within the group that can be considered orthodox particularly as their philosophical attitude toward laws (Germanic or Mediterranian) can be the deciding factor.

Essentially, it would be a somewhat meaningless exercise as the definition of orthodoxy can change depending on the person defining it.
 
40.png
otm:
Perhaps the first question is, who is going to do the rating?

t.
Click to expand...
How about we use this as a guide with stars?
Here’s the list:
23 Ways To Identify a Faithful Parish
  1. There is at least one daily Mass. Obviously, if a parish shares a pastor with other parishes, this may not always be possible. But barring that, a parish needs to offer daily Mass.
  2. Confession is offered for a set time… not just “by appointment only.” The absolute importance of that sacrament must not be diminished.
  3. The tabernacle is inside the main church in a prominent place. It’s always frustrating to have to play “Where’s Jesus?” when you walk into a parish for the first time. I recall once when visiting a church I’d never been in before, I confusedly genuflected to everything from the cantor to a statue of St. Therese before I figured out where the tabernacle was.
  4. The church has kneelers. Period.
  5. The church doesn’t have a sign in the front that describes itself as a “Catholic Community.” I know, this one seems petty at first, but it tends to be true. If a parish has an objection to the word “church,” that’s a good indication that a larger problem exists. And if that parish magnifies the nonsense with a sign that says something like, “An Open, Inclusive Community of Catholic Christians Who Care and Share,” stop, turn around, run.
  6. As you enter the church, you see people in the pews in prayer or, at least, reverent silence. If, on the other hand, it looks like social time down at the bingo parlor, that’s a bad sign.
  7. The Mass is not intentionally altered through the use of inclusive language.
  8. The Mass is said according to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal and the instructions of the local bishop. Improvisation is great in jazz. Mass isn’t jazz.
  9. The gospel is not being read, nor the homily given, by someone other than a priest or deacon.
  10. Latin has pride of place in the Mass. It’s right there in the documents of the Second Vatican Council. That should be reflected in the liturgy itself.
  11. The bread for the Eucharist isn’t made with added ingredients not allowed by the Church. Honey, for example.
  12. The liturgical music focuses on God, not the community. We are there, after all, to worship Him, not ourselves. And there’s never a good reason to sing songs about bridges over troubled waters. You can do that at home, Mr. Garfunkel.
  13. Extraordinary ministers do not outnumber the parishioners. There’s a reason, after all, that we refer to them as EXTRAORDINARY ministers. We only use them when there are too many people for the priest and deacon to handle.
  14. If you’re able to find the mission statement of the parish (it’s often carried in the bulletin), make sure it says something about fidelity to the Magisterium of the Church.
  15. And while you’re thumbing through the bulletin, see if there are other good groups there, like the Knights of Columbus, Legion of Mary, St. Vincent de Paul, and Holy Name Society. A faithful Bible study group is also a great sign.
  16. The parish offers some form of Eucharistic adoration.
  17. The parish has an active Pro-Life ministry, as well as a ministry that cares for the poor.
  18. The priest wears his collar. Now, obviously, if you see your local pastor jogging one morning, he’s not going to be wearing his clericals. But a priest should generally look the part. It’s an important witness to the secular world and a sign that he recognizes the great value of his own vocation.
  19. The pastor isn’t afraid to preach on the tough issues: abortion, divorce, contraception, cloning, etc. That’s not to say that every homily should cover those topics. But a priest should truly believe the Church’s teaching and defend them without pause.
  20. The parish’s marriage preparation program includes instruction in Natural Family Planning (NFP). And if someone involved in the program describes NFP as “the rhythm method,” go immediately limp and drop to the ground. With luck, he’ll think you passed out and will take you to the emergency room, far, far away from that parish.
  21. The church has a vibrant religious education program for both children and adults based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. You might also try to find out who’s involved in the program and where they received their own formation.
  22. The church’s Website doesn’t link to dissident groups like Call to Action, Voice of the Faithful, or Catholics for a Free Choice.
  23. If there’s a literature rack in the church, look at the publications the parish is carrying. Dissident magazines or newspapers tend to go hand in hand with a dissident parish.
 
40.png
Kielbasi:
You can certainly hear mass wherever you like,
Click to expand...
True.
but your own parish (where you live) is where you belong and where you are a member.
Click to expand...
Not true. Since the Code of Canon Law of 1983 you can register wherever you like. THAT is your parish.
The parish priests…aren’t supposed to baptize , marry, bury or register folks who live outside their territory without the permission of the proper parish priest.
Click to expand...
Similarly not true. We are not bound by geography.

So, find a church which meets your needs, check it out, register, and be a fine parishoner.

John
 
I’m going to disagree with you Mr. Higgins, and I offer you this short piece from the Pittsburgh diocese website, diopitt.org/admserv/canonreview.htm#1
PARISH TERRITORY AND MEMBERSHIP
For approximately the first four centuries of the history of the Church, the bishop and his presbyters cared for the spiritual needs of the faithful within the diocese. With the end of the persecutions and the increasing number of faithful, provision needed to be made for those in outlying areas and villages. At first some of the cathedral clergy were assigned to permanent outposts creating parishes within the diocese.

The 1917 Code of Canon law described the common understanding of “parish” through the centuries. A parish was understood to be a territorial section of the diocese, with a proper church building, to which a Catholic population was assigned, under the leadership of a proper pastor, who was responsible for the care of souls. (canon 216) By way of exception, personal parishes were possible based on language, nationality or rite; but the clear preference in the law was the territorial parish. It was highly visible and practical as a basis for a faith community.

The 1983 Code of Canon Law stresses the parish as community above organization (canon 515) but continues to favor the territorial structure as a practical and necessary value (canon 518). The Pastor has the obligation to provide sacramental and catechetical ministry to all the Christian faithful within his territory and to collaborate in the building up of a Christian community. The faithful living within the territory of the parish have their own obligations to build up the kingdom of God by participation in worship and the life of the parish and to support its work.

The parish church is present in the community as a sign and rallying point for the parish family. Baptisms and weddings take place there because they are not only personal family events but also celebrations of the parish family of faith. The more parishioners attend the weekly celebration of the Eucharist the more real this faith community becomes. Parishioners have a right and obligation to be present and worship at the altar of their parish church. They have a right to receive sacraments, education and pastoral care from their parish. They also have the obligation to give good example by being present at liturgy as much as possible, to make themselves known to their pastor, and to be supportive of their parish with their time, talent and treasure.

In our mobile society people are used to traveling around to shop or dine according to their tastes. The official church regulations regarding parish boundaries seem arcane today. A recent study by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University indicated that about a quarter of Catholics regularly attend parishes outside of their neighborhoods. While it is true that you may attend Mass wherever you may wish,** it is not true that you can register as a member of a parish if you do not live there. Pastors cannot give permission for their parishioners to join another parish. Neither can the diocesan bishop grant such permission. **

The law of the church is not unlike civil law in determining membership in a given parish. While we might be free to make certain choices in our lives, some things are determined for us, and for good reason. Just as membership in a school district or township is governed by the territory in which one lives (one cannot freely choose to belong to some other township without moving), this same principle is applicable to membership in a parish.

Pastors should be welcoming to all who come to worship at their church. They should, however, encourage people to be active members of the parishes where they live. For the good of the Church at large, pastors should suggest that people be registered in their home parish, be known to their proper pastors and supportive of their territorial parish even if they have good reasons to frequently worship elsewhere. It can be tempting and flattering to ignore the issue of territory in signing up new members. Yet, neighboring pastors working together in respecting parish boundaries can foster a greater spirit of Unity and Church.
Click to expand...
 
40.png
Kielbasi:
I’m going to disagree with you Mr. Higgins, and I offer you this short piece from the Pittsburgh diocese website, diopitt.org/admserv/canonreview.htm#1
Click to expand...
When I was a child in Cleveland. m mother’s Uncle was the pastor of a Polish church in Berea, OH. When we moved to the westside, we just went there.
They built a new church in our city of Brook Park and reps from the Parish were sent to tell everyone was to register at the new church. My mother simply stated that she was not leaving the other parish. Even with a change in Pastors upon the death of my Great-Uncle, no one ever said a word about being two suburbs over.
Who is going to tell you to leave the new parish?

Even here in Detroit, we church shop. It’s that simple.
 
When I was a child in Cleveland. m mother’s Uncle was the pastor of a Polish church in Berea, OH. When we moved to the westside, we just went there.
Click to expand...
That’s old-school, and an old school I liked by the way, but really isn’t analogous.

Back in the day not so long ago, the Poles went to the Polish church, the Slovaks to the Slovak church , the Slovenes to the Slovenian church, etc.

That really wasn’t church shopping , it was Catholics attending in their own community identified by their national origin.

A Pole might hear mass at the Lithuanian parish, but he sure wouldn’t join there, I don’t think.
 
40.png
Kielbasi:
I’m going to disagree with you Mr. Higgins, and I offer you this short piece from the Pittsburgh diocese website, diopitt.org/admserv/canonreview.htm#1
Click to expand...
Then the diocese has it wrong, of course this article quotes Fr Greely, so its no surprise that the article has its facts wrong. Even in the Pittsburgh diocese, you have a fairly big example of people not attending their local parish and being registered at another parish, St. Boniface being the prime example.

In my diocese, there are a few parishes where registered parishoners live outside the parish boundries.
 
If you read Canons 515 through 518, you’ll see nothing that binds an individual to a geographic parish. It does say parishes should be geographical, unless they’re not.

I guess Bishop Wuerl can do what he wants, but it sure is a stretch to say canon law makes it mandatory.

John
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top