Where is there a good Catholic Community to raise a family in?

[SusanL]

My husband and I are seriously considering moving out of New York State and looking for a more traditional Catholic community. You would think with all the Catholics in Western New York it would be the ideal spot to raise children. Unfortunetly, we live in a state that votes Democratic no matter what. That’s why this state has the economic woes that it does and why abortion is rampant here. And it will never change.

Does anyone know of a good traditional Catholic area in this country to raise a family in? We are considering Steubenville, Ohio based on the University that Scott Hahn teaches out of. I am just starting my research so I don’t know much about it. Is this a good area? Are there others that you can recommend?

Thank you in advance for your suggestions. Sue

 

[dhgray]

You could try Chicago-land. There are pockets of whatever you want. What does your husband do? What are you looking for besides a Good Comunity?

I’m here to help you and I’m not a realitor

Chicago also has a big Couples For Christ community. The CFC is a Vatican approved, Catholic based Catholic-Christian Family Ministry. OK, I’m playing up Chicago…CFC is all over the US (including NY) and in 117 countries. 1.4 million members and growing.

Let us know if we can help…we will ve praying for you.

 

[The_Rigbys]

SusanL:

Does anyone know of a good traditional Catholic area in this country to raise a family in?

There was a thread on this a little while back:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=6820

Hope that helps a bit.

 

[akemner]

A good Catholic area-Jefferson City, Mo. St Peter’s is tops, and getting better (though if you want a Mass in Latin, you won’t find it-though parts of the Mass are sung in Latin). There are about six parishes in town, many with gradeschools. The High School is the pits, but there is beginning be a movement to bring it back in line.

Steubenville seems decent (there is a gorgeous Baroque style church here, St Peter’s), though there is no work to be found (the economy in general here is bad, but if you can find work in Pittsburgh, that is good, since the 'Burgh is only 45 minutes away).

St. Louis Archdiocese and Jeff. City diocese are pretty moderate to conservative (especially in the rural areas-mostly folks who want the crops to do well, and priests to not mess with their religion). KCK is ok-they are having more Latin Masses there. Of course Lincoln Neb. is a stronghold of orthodox Catholicism. Stay away from KCMO.

In Christ,
Adam

 

[jmm08]

SusanL:

My husband and I are seriously considering moving out of New York State and looking for a more traditional Catholic community.

Susan: I grew up in Endwell New York. Near Endicott. The North side of Endicott has a great variety and richness of Catholic Churches. Including Orthodox, etc. And there are a lot of Catholic Churches in Johnson City and Binghamton. I understand from reading an antique book years ago that there was a great Protestant revival in that area in the later 1800’s. So there are so many old Protestant Church buildings as well (100 years old or older). I suppose the economy has fallen so low because New Yorkers have neglected their spiritual lives. Endicott and Endwell schools are good. And the Catholic schools there are also good. Someday perhaps the economy may be better.

True, NY is a democratic state. But abortion is in all the US.
Since you are Catholic, perhaps you could consider staying in New York.

Pray to Bishop Sheen – and encourage other New Yorkers also. Although he isn’t recognized by the Church as a Saint (yet) – he pleasantly surprised me with what I consider a miracle and I am signing up for RCIA. Perhaps he cared so much because I need the spiritual help and I was a New Yorker (and I’ve been out of work awhile). Get one of his books and read and study it. Then get another.

I grew up in the Methodist Church. But one of my joys in going back to visit my parents is to see how many beautiful Catholic Churches there are up there. In comparison, here in Northern Virginia seems greatly different.

Many of the Catholic Churches in the Endicott, J.C. and Binghamton area were ethnic. But since the ethnic groups are blending, there has also been a combining of some churches.

I am just now signing up for RCIA here. So I’m not great on giving advice.

Try thinking like this. But don’t put the burden on you. Ask Jesus to do it.

As a Baptist, I know prayer changes things. Pray the rosary and ask God for a miracle to begin.

1. Revival can start with me.
2. If I can have a revival, then revival can be in my family.
3. If my family can have a revival, then it can be in my Church too.
4. If my Church can have a revival, then it can be in my town too.
5. If my town can have a revival, then it can be in my county too.
6. If my county can have a revival, then it can be in my State too.
7. If New York State can have a revival, then it can be in the United States too.
8. If the United States can have a revival, then you know the world will change.

And message me back how it goes. Thanks.

 

[mom2boyz]

I think St. Louis is a great Catholic community. We have one of the highest rates of children in catholic school for our size. We currently have a very strict Archbishop. The Archdiocese takes an active role in educating the laity. There are the typical parish schools, but we also have a number of independently supported catholic schools. There are very many choices for catholic high school education as well. I never feel embarrassed to mention that I am catholic and I often meet people who are catholic or have ties to the church. I have lived in this area most of my life and have always felt the church was part of the culture. The only place I have felt that more was when I lived in Mexico City, Mexico and went to see the Virgin of Guadeloupe. One of the standing jokes in St. Louis is that everyone will ask “What high school did you go to?” This is often an attempt to tell which part of the area you lived in and if you are catholic. Oh, yeah we are we just recently passed an admendment to our state constitution that defines marriage as between a man and a woman and we voted down increasing gambling in the state. We have also passed legislation that bans partial birth abortion, but as it is often the case the courts have intervened. That should give you an idea of our political leanings. Good Luck with your search.

 

[Nicole]

Another vote for St. Louis, MO. As the previous poster mentioned, there are many good schools. There are also active Lay Movements such as Marian Helpers and Regnum Christi. Archbishop Raymond Burke is awesome. I was floundering when I moved here and my faith has grown by leaps and bounds. I know God brought us here for that reason.

Good luck. I’m betting if you pray for God to direct you, the right thing will present itself.

Nicole

 

[daniellet]

Omaha, Nebraska is a WONDERFUL Catholic city. Omaha offers all of the benefits of city living- nice downtown, museums, dining, etc. But, it is also a very conservative area and is considered by most people who live here a great place to raise families. I can’t even count the number of Catholic churches and schools. My husband jokes that he used to think any Protestants he met were from out of town.

 

[Almeria]

Who hoo! Endicott! My mom grew up there, and I lived there until I was 10. My parents went through there in the last few years, and I believe they said that the parish school I had gone to has expanded. I know I loved it. Our Lady of Good Counsel

If you haven’t been to Steubenville, one thing you need to be aware of is that the pollution is really bad. There were days that even if you were late to class you couldn’t run–the air smelled and tasted too wretched to move a good amount of air. I knew several people who would have breathing problems there from the pollution. I love the campus and the community, but if I ever went back to live there, especially if I was going to be pregnant and have little ones growing up, I would live outside of town, upwind. The economy is also pretty bad there, so be prepared for a long drive to Pittsburgh (in rush hour traffic, it would take us 90 minutes for us to get downtown). If you’re ok with the pollution and the economy there, it’s a good place.

The place my husband and I want to live is Ave Maria, Florida. A town and university being built from scratch, and in the center of it all is the chapel. Wonderful! I’m just so excited at how that town is going to be a living, vibrant Catholic university community. My husband wants to teach university level history, and we can’t think of a better place to do it in. While it will be a while for everything to be built and get going, it would be such a rewarding place to grow a family. I don’t know what your husband does, but I think there will be big need for all types of work as the town grows. As there’s nothing there to begin with, what the town turns into will be a product of the early settlers, so to speak. What a wonderful opportunity to build a town up in a truly Catholic manner! (as you can tell, I’m very excited about this!) It’s also near Naples, and not too far from Miami, so other work opportunities should be available. You can read about the town plans here: www.avemaria.com

 

[Garret]

I’d have to say Sioux Falls, SD. There are several excellent Catholic churches, three of which have perpetual adoration. We have a great bishop and many holy priests. Sioux Falls has been featured in national magazines in the last few years as a great place to live for business, safety (very low crime rate) and community resources…AND no state income tax!!

 

[kwitz]

mom2boyz:

One of the standing jokes in St. Louis is that everyone will ask “What high school did you go to?” This is often an attempt to tell which part of the area you lived in and if you are catholic.

The what high school question gets a bad rap here sometimes but I always think it’s a way to make connections. Most often when you tell someone where you went, they’ll respond with “my sister-in-law graduated in '94 or my boss’s kids go there now, do you know them?”

I also love St. Louis and live in one of the suburbs. It wasn’t till I got older that I realized there was anti-Catholic prejudice in the world. I really never experienced it living here. There’s too many Catholics in this town for people to make too many remarks; chances are that your boss is Catholic!!

Kris

 

[perpetua]

Butte, MT has a giant statue of Mary (Our Lady of the Rockies) overlooking the town… Need I say more?

 

[BethanyJane]

I am a new Catholic, actually in the process, but I do know a bit about this! I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and all of my best friends were Catholic. There is a strong community of Catholics there and depending on how Orthodox you are or not, there is a parish that would meet your needs. We just attended Old St. Mary’s Latin Mass in downtown Cincy a couple weeks ago. Cincinnati was rated #1 place to live a few years back because the cost of living is reasonable, there is work to be found and plenty for the children. It was a wonderful place to grow up for me. There are strong Catholic schools all over the suburban areas and Xavier University is also right there too. Stuebenville is a driveable distance for participating in their programs. Covington, KY is right over the river and has the famous mini-Notre Dame cathedral! My parents still live there, but I am in Pennsylvania where my husband is from and in the middle of the “Bible Belt”. (It is harder here to find local bookstores and there is more prejudice against the Catholic faith). Cincinnati Airport is also a hub for Delta and you can get about anywhere from there. It is also within 5-6 hours driving distance to Chicago and going straight down I-75 you can get to Florida. You are close to the beautiful Kentucky horse farms and rolling bluegrass hills too! And the history of the Ohio River! Now I want to move back there!!!

 

[SusanL]

My husband works for the Federal Government. He used to be an economist in Washington, DC but then took another federal job up here in New York (before he met me) to be close to his family. His parents have since passed away and he has no siblings so he doesn’t feel the same ties. We live near Buffalo.

Some of these places sound really interesting. I know that we would find a lot of the same problems no matter where we went but we’re hoping to find a place a lot less Democratic. Upstate New York has been losing residents for years due to the depressed economy and yet they keep voting in the same politicians year in and year out. The kids grow up and have to move elsewhere due to lack of jobs. The increase in really bad behaviour among elementary age children (not to mention older) is also getting out of control. I feel like I’m fighting for my family’s soul.

Hence, the state has a bad economy and a very liberal agenda. (fill the blanks in here. You know the score).

---

JMM08: Thanks for the advice. I think that Bishop Sheen used to be the Bishop for Rochester which is also nearby. Praying is very good advice.

Almeria, did you say that Steubenville is 90 minutes from Pittsburgh? Isn’t Steubenville in Ohio?
-----------------------------------

If anyone has more ideas-keep 'em coming. This is a big decision that we have to weigh carefully and prayerfully. A big Thank You to all the posters so far. (smile)

 

[dhgray]

SusanL:

My husband works for the Federal Government.

I’m sorry…I too work for the Government.

Great Lakes Naval Base, the VA, USMEPCOM are all located in Lake County Illinois. Most of the Democrates (Jessy Jackson) lives south of the city.

Love to introduce you to CFC-Chicago. Children?

 

[Brad]

SusanL:

My husband and I are seriously considering moving out of New York State and looking for a more traditional Catholic community. You would think with all the Catholics in Western New York it would be the ideal spot to raise children. Unfortunetly, we live in a state that votes Democratic no matter what. That’s why this state has the economic woes that it does and why abortion is rampant here. And it will never change.

Does anyone know of a good traditional Catholic area in this country to raise a family in? We are considering Steubenville, Ohio based on the University that Scott Hahn teaches out of. I am just starting my research so I don’t know much about it. Is this a good area? Are there others that you can recommend?

Thank you in advance for your suggestions. Sue

My humble suggestion - don’t leave, we need you. I live in WNY also. Although I am frustrated by the politics at times, I know that God has me here for a reason and I need to part of the solution. And I have met many very good Catholics and Catholic families.

Some of my efforts to work towards solution. I have started, with a friend, a solid, orthodox Catholic Bible Study using as base material the studies from Catholic Scripture Study (Catholic Exchange - written in part by Scott Hahn). I’m also involved in a Men’s group. In fact, the Men’s conference locally drew over 1,000 men this past year and was outstanding!

I’m also considering Catechesis classes for adults of some kind and starting a chapter of Catholics United for the Faith, which I hope can blossom into a Catholic community of its own. We could have different presentations, videos, teachings etc. along with possibly some entertainment and fellowship. But I need help from other strong Catholics that want to make a difference.
I’m sure there are many in WNY starving for this - one reason the Men’s conference did so well.

Abortion? It’s a terrible thing but we cannot run from it - we must seek to sanctify the temporal order.

 

[Brad]

SusanL:

My husband works for the Federal Government. He used to be an economist in Washington, DC but then took another federal job up here in New York (before he met me) to be close to his family. His parents have since passed away and he has no siblings so he doesn’t feel the same ties. We live near Buffalo.

Some of these places sound really interesting. I know that we would find a lot of the same problems no matter where we went but we’re hoping to find a place a lot less Democratic. Upstate New York has been losing residents for years due to the depressed economy and yet they keep voting in the same politicians year in and year out. The kids grow up and have to move elsewhere due to lack of jobs. The increase in really bad behaviour among elementary age children (not to mention older) is also getting out of control. I feel like I’m fighting for my family’s soul.

Hence, the state has a bad economy and a very liberal agenda. (fill the blanks in here. You know the score).

---

JMM08: Thanks for the advice. I think that Bishop Sheen used to be the Bishop for Rochester which is also nearby. Praying is very good advice.

Almeria, did you say that Steubenville is 90 minutes from Pittsburgh? Isn’t Steubenville in Ohio?
-----------------------------------

If anyone has more ideas-keep 'em coming. This is a big decision that we have to weigh carefully and prayerfully. A big Thank You to all the posters so far. (smile)

Just a few more clarification points. Steubenville is just on the border of Ohio with West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh is a nice town - I believe the wonderful Senator Santorum is from there. As far as WNY, I checked out the population figures in the Historical Museum. We’re not losing as much population as the media makes you think. The City has lost people in droves, but the metropolitan area is staying pretty steady.

I agree - the attitude and economic perspective in the area stinks - but overall, the people are very friendly and have great potential - they just need to believe in themselves and demand lesser government(except, of course, your husband).

 

[Almeria]

Almeria, did you say that Steubenville is 90 minutes from Pittsburgh? Isn’t Steubenville in Ohio?

Yep. Due west of Pittsburgh. Steubenville is on the banks of the Ohio River; fall down the hill behind the dorms, and you’re in the river. You drive through the panhandle of WV for part of the drive to Pittsburgh, about 30 minutes or so? I forget exactly. You can get to the airport and some shopping (IKEA! I miss it!) in under an hour, but downtown is longer.

I don’t blame you in the least for wanting to move. Where I’m living currently is very anti-Catholic, and there’s not a whole lot of us Catholics here, either. I don’t do well at debates or other confrontations face to face, and I can’t wait until we can move somewhere where people aren’t so venomous. I can do well at written apologetics, but debating isn’t my calling. Rational conversations I can do, but haven’t been able to have those here. Being able to have a nice Catholic community and support group would be so wonderful. Only another six months, hopefully!

 

[SusanL]

Goes to show you what I know. My husband is good at geography so don’t tell him my goof!

Brad: Believe it or not, my husband has told me he wouldn’t mind the govt downsizing his job. (Don’t know how we’d pay the bills though).

 

[jmm08]

SusanL:

JMM08: Thanks for the advice. I think that Bishop Sheen used to be the Bishop for Rochester which is also nearby. Praying is very good advice.

Yes. He was Bishop of Rochester. See bishop-sheen.org/Biography.html

Bishop Sheen said when he was a child, he was the “Prince of Wails” (which is why he was often sent to the Fulton home).

Bishop Sheen enthusiastically drew strength from his daily “Holy Hour”.

Bishop Sheen reveals in his “How to Talk” telecast that before each talk he goes into the chapel, kneels down before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, and prays the following prayer.

Bishop Sheen’s Prayer: “Give me strength, tonight, to speak Thy Truth, that Thou mayest be known, not me; the power to make others love Thee, but not that I may be loved. Instill in those who listen to me a love of Thee, so that there may not be only truth communicated but also a love of that truth.”

Bishop Sheen died on December 9, in his chapel before the Blessed Sacrament.

“Of all the pulpits from which human voice is ever sent forth, there is none from which it reaches so far as from the grave.” – John Ruskin, The Seven Lamps of Architecture, 1849

I am convinced that Bishop Sheen prays his prayer any time somebody watches him on a re-broadcast (EWTN) or any time somebody is reading one of his books.

Bishop Sheen strongly believed that miracles happen (I do too).

If you want more details of what Bishop Sheen did for me, see my post at Catholic Answers Forums > Forums > Spirituality > Bishop Sheen (a Saint? – a Miracle?) – July 21, 2004.

In 1950 Cardinal Spellman named Fulton Sheen to head the American branch of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. He is still working towards that end.

In New York State and in much of the United States, we are so ready for a miracle from God. To revive this nation we must each begin with ourselves. Don’t move somewhere else geographically unless God leads you there. Instead we can each move ourrselves spiritually closer to God.

Another private miracle from Bishop Sheen: August 2, just before going to sleep, I prayed some “Our Fathers” and “Hail Marys”. I tried to remember, but I couldn’t remember St. Augustine’s name (he had prayed “Give me chastity and continence, but not yet.”) So instead I prayed to and reminded Bishop Sheen that he said “and who in the name of God has not [sin]?” - his “Suffering” telecast. And I asked Bishop Sheen how he was able to get over sin in his life. With my eyes still closed and without delay, the instant reply was a very dim and very brief red flash of light. It looked like the small red light near the front of my Catholic Church Sanctuary. My mind knew the answer right away. Bishop Sheen made a Holy Hour before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament each day (Eucharistic Adoration).