Where is Evangelism?

[lizferg]

I hope to be brought to better understanding about this matter. I am a Protestant and I have recently been very drawn to the Catholic faith. My problem is, the times I’ve been to Mass, people aren’t very welcoming there. I am left to wonder that they assume I’m not Catholic and leave me alone. But what happens when newcomers visit? It seems like there is a pride factor in not wanting to reach out to the average person looking for answers. (I know they are great at feeding the poor/cummunity service)
I recently attended my friend’s son’s first communion. I was approached by a lady making a comment about how quick the priest was doing the service, I smiled at her and said “I’ve never been to a first communion before” Well, needless to say, she was through talking to me and went on her way.
I have another friend considering leaving the Church because she says you are looked down on and outcast if you can’t send your kids to Catholic school. I would really hope that I could visit a different Parish and not experience the same thing, but it seems that the Catholics keep to themselves and don’t want to bother with finding people to bring to Christ.
Liz

 

[tundramom]

Hi Liz,
Welcome!!

I know that it’s really difficult coming from a Protestant background into the Catholic church because the social structure is so different. I’m also new to Catholicism and found the same thing. One thing that I found was that I couldn’t wait for someone to talk to me. I had to be the one to approach them.

I don’t know about the Parish you are in, but in mine, there is little time during Mass to socialize. The very structure of the Mass is more about the vertical relationship with God than the horizontal relationship with the rest of the Body of Christ.

That being said, there are so many other opportunities to socialize. There are Bible studies, RCIA, committees, different ministries, etc. I’ve found that for me there are so many ways that I can develop relationships that I need to be careful in not doing everything!

Reach out. Talk to the Priest. Ask him how you can get involved.

I started out as the Janitor. I was there 20+ hours a week and there were so many people in and out of there during the week that I met so many other Parishoners. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes!

I’m so glad to hear that you have a desire to become Catholic. I can tell you that for me, I’m finally HOME!

Welcome to the forum and God bless you in your journey.

in Christ
Steph

 

[puzzleannie]

many non-Catholics are used to an atmosphere of more fellowship, and coming to church where there is always someone assigned as greeters, and where there is gathering and welcoming before and after services. Most Catholic parishes for whatever reason (usually parking and the need to prepare for the next service) don’t do this on a regular basis, and it can be jarring for someone used to another atmosphere. Because the Body of Christ is present in the tabernacle, Catholics have been taught to observe a climate of silence and reverence in the actual church building itself, and to focus on Him. and it is true that presents an appearance of ignoring others. However different parishes have different climates, some do not observe this reverence, and there will be more talking and conversing. In neither case do I think many Catholics recognize that this is an occasion for evangelizing (sadly).

I would not advise shopping for another parish, but call the office of the closest parish, explain your situation, and ask to speak to someone about learning more about the Catholic faith.

welcome home, and do know you are welcome anytime you step into a Catholic church, even if no human says so, you know He is there waiting for you

since fewer than 25% of Catholic families can afford Catholic schools, the perception that others are looked down upon may be only a local one, and that only on the part of a few people.

 

[lizferg]

Thank you, That does make sense with the quietness and reverence. My husband and I have always had the expectation of being greeted and acknowledged. That can be viewed as self centered and not really what we are supposed to come for.
I do plan on going to a women’s Bible study there with a friend this fall. Hope to make some connections there.
liz

 

[Brenda4God]

Oh, yes. I’ve heard people complain about this before. I wonder if its because Catholic parishes are so much bigger than usual Protestant churches. I don’t think I could tell you if someone new came in or not. There’s just so many people!

I agree with tundramom, though. She’s got the right idea.

Good luck and blessings to you!

 

[ibkc]

I suppose I am an oddball, because I prefer the reserved environment of the Catholic Church, and I prefer to be the one to make the first move. In fact, we visited one ultra-modernist, megachurch-like parish which made newcomers to the mass stand up to applause, and I was really horrified. I couldn’t wait to get out of that church and I have never been back.

 

[jmcrae]

I hope to be brought to better understanding about this matter. I am a Protestant and I have recently been very drawn to the Catholic faith.

Welcome to a very interesting journey!

My problem is, the times I’ve been to Mass, people aren’t very welcoming there. I am left to wonder that they assume I’m not Catholic and leave me alone.

Actually, they are probably assuming that you are a Catholic who normally goes to a different parish.

But what happens when newcomers visit?

Nothing. There is not really such a thing as a “visitor” in the Catholic Church - every parish in the world is “home” for a Catholic. There is no need for introductions, or greetings, or any sort of fuss to be made. The Mass is the Mass, no matter where you go.

It seems like there is a pride factor in not wanting to reach out to the average person looking for answers.

Well, they also might not consider it to be their role to answer your questions. For a lot of Catholics, they would say, “That’s why we have priests.”

I recently attended my friend’s son’s first communion. I was approached by a lady making a comment about how quick the priest was doing the service, I smiled at her and said “I’ve never been to a first communion before” Well, needless to say, she was through talking to me and went on her way.

Who knows what she might have been thinking. I wouldn’t worry about it, if I were you, since whatever it is, it’s her problem, not yours.

I have another friend considering leaving the Church because she says you are looked down on and outcast if you can’t send your kids to Catholic school. I would really hope that I could visit a different Parish and not experience the same thing, but it seems that the Catholics keep to themselves and don’t want to bother with finding people to bring to Christ.
Liz

Well, we think that Christ finds people and brings them to us. As He seems to be doing in your case.

 

[Yeshualuver]

I hope to be brought to better understanding about this matter. I am a Protestant and I have recently been very drawn to the Catholic faith. My problem is, the times I’ve been to Mass, people aren’t very welcoming there. I am left to wonder that they assume I’m not Catholic and leave me alone. But what happens when newcomers visit? It seems like there is a pride factor in not wanting to reach out to the average person looking for answers. (I know they are great at feeding the poor/cummunity service)
I recently attended my friend’s son’s first communion. I was approached by a lady making a comment about how quick the priest was doing the service, I smiled at her and said “I’ve never been to a first communion before” Well, needless to say, she was through talking to me and went on her way.
I have another friend considering leaving the Church because she says you are looked down on and outcast if you can’t send your kids to Catholic school. I would really hope that I could visit a different Parish and not experience the same thing, but it seems that the Catholics keep to themselves and don’t want to bother with finding people to bring to Christ.
Liz

I would go somewhere where the love of Christ is displayed freely and you are welcomed and you don’t have to beg for it from the priest or anyone else. The Scriptures say that believers are to specifically be hospitable to strangers. There are many churches out there that are much more welcoming.

 

[tundramom]

I was thinking a lot about you today at Mass, Liz. Particularly there was a point when we greeted each other (not all Parishes do this) and my friend, Barb, who almost always sits in front of me gave me a hug and said, “as if we need to be told to talk to each other.”

I talked to her a little bit after Mass about your feelings. She’s a life-long Catholic and she also said that she felt like we need to be more welcoming.

A good thing to do is keep yourself open. My family is usually one of the first ones there and one of the last ones to leave. Just because we’re standing there talking with everyone. Sometimes we go out to Breakfast with a few people afterwards. I am also a Cantor. As I stood there thinking about you, I realized that for me, I have found so many good friends from choir as well as all other aspects of the Music Ministry. Are you inclined to join this ministry at your Parish? It is a huge part of who I am and I know that people know who I am because I’m up there helping to lead them in song and Praise.

Put yourself out there, Liz. Don’t just keep your questions to the Priest. Talk to everyone and let them know that you’re new. Let them know that you’ve got questions. Get involved in any way you can. Every Parish has a need for more people to help behind the scenes. We’ve got a decorating committee and all so many more official committees that you just have to volunteer for.

I’m praying for you and my friend Barb is praying for YOU to find a “Barb” at your Parish.

in Christ
Steph