Why are Protestant Churches more friendly, helpful, and community oriented?

[jmcrae]

Hello,
You know, I started participating in these forums simply to learn more about Catholics and Catholicism. From what I have seen so far is complete intolerance of anyone who isn’t Catholic.

Religion attracts fanatics, and so does the Internet. Why is it so surprising, to encounter religious fanatics on the Internet?

But if a few Internet fanatics can derail your research on the Catholic faith, then maybe you aren’t as interested in it as you thought you were.

So you are all the first church? Big deal.

Yeah, actually, it is a big deal, because “the first church” is the one that Jesus made all those promises to - that the gates of Hell shall not prevail, that the Holy Spirit will guide it into all truth, that it will be fully protected from ever promulgating any error. That’s kind of a big deal, right there, yeah. Because Jesus never made any of those promises to any other church. Only to the first one.

 

[phoenix3212]

Hello,
You know, I started participating in these forums simply to learn more about Catholics and Catholicism. From what I have seen so far is complete intolerance of anyone who isn’t Catholic.
Do you seriously think that our friendliness is a deception? Could it be that we just like people and each other?
My exploration of Catholicism is over. So you are all the first church? Big deal. All Protestants should return to the authority of the Pope? Don’t think so.
I think I will stay with my Methodist church family with all its deceptive, satanic friendliness. Sure beats what I have found here.
See ya. Don’t want to be ya!

It saddens me that you’ve had such a negative experience at CAF. Normally I’d advise to just ignore intentionally provocative posts, but seeing as you’ve already made up your mind to leave, I guess that won’t be of any use to you.

Maybe you should’ve ventured outside of the Non-Catholic religions forum, as this section of the forum naturally attracts debate by its very nature. Emotions can run high during debates, so I’d be inclined to believe that the sentiment of “complete intolerance” you’ve witnessed isn’t shared by the majority of posters at CAF.

 

[Supercatholic]

Hello,
You know, I started participating in these forums simply to learn more about Catholics and Catholicism. From what I have seen so far is complete intolerance of anyone who isn’t Catholic.
Do you seriously think that our friendliness is a deception? Could it be that we just like people and each other?
My exploration of Catholicism is over. So you are all the first church? Big deal. All Protestants should return to the authority of the Pope? Don’t think so.
I think I will stay with my Methodist church family with all its deceptive, satanic friendliness. Sure beats what I have found here.
See ya. Don’t want to be ya!

Hello Danimal, I have a feeling you’ll check back to see if you got a reaction. Well here’s mine. Is it really that painful to you that Jesus started only one church? Is it more important to you that friendliness, sincere or not, takes priority over proper worship? Do you deny Jesus appointed Peter to be the head of church? Can you prove the Pope is not the successor of Peter? Can you trace back the history of the Methodist church back to the apostles? We do not have intolerance for the people who are not Catholic. We welcome all people. We have an intolerance for the deceptive practice of Protestantism. If you truly love Jesus you’ll learn the truth about His church and become Catholic. If you only love yourself or the comfortable way your denomination does things, then stay where you are. Your post just proves the comfort offered by Satan is where you’d rather be instead of taking up your cross and following Jesus. Don’t just rely on these posts to learn about the Catholic Faith. Learn from some of the apologetics. John Salza of Scripture Catholic is one of the best. Ask him a legitimate question. He will respond.

 

[KingAlfred]

“Why are Protestant Churches more friendly, helpful, and community oriented?”

Because they believe that their simple possession and celebration of the Bible are all they need. Everything else gets ‘trash-canned’ (no offense). Therefore, they have no traditions, formalities, sense of history or mysticism. Everything is a gigantic party, as long as they have the Bible. My question about Protestantism has always been this – which do Protestants really worship – Christ or the Bible? They can’t answer that question without saying, “The Bible is the word of God”, which tells me they subconsiously consider the Bible to be God. To me, this is very, very *misguided. *

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

I always shake my head when our church has vacation bible school and charges $25 per student, $45 for a family when the Anglican, Methodist, Lutheran, and other Protestant churches around here are FREE and our Protestant friends are all eager to invite our kids to come?

We didn’t even have VBS in our parish until about 10 years ago? We have around 7,000 Catholic families in our parish, too?

I have to agree with several folks in here that our parish experience has been similar in that we had WAY MORE connection to parishoners through fellowship and interaction in our old Anglican church. We’re struggling right now with a frustration about that. I am like a few other folks in here who feel that pull toward Catholic truth and the Eucharist but the actual experience on Sunday is not what I felt in my “former life” as an Anglican.

The Eucharist is the one and only discussion and focus of EWTN and CAF and every excited Catholic I speak with. But, to me, Christ encounters us as followers through His Word, through others, and through prayer, not just the Eucharistic meal. Protestants seem to excel so much in bringing Jesus to us in word, in fellowship through one another, and through the passion for the scriptures.

No, church isn’t supposed to be a fun park but what is wrong with making it fun for kids? When I was a kid CCD/catechism was so bland, boring, and uninteresting that the fascination I had with Jesus actually waned after the whole experience and I fell away as a Catholic really starting at about ten.

As a sixth grade teacher in public education, I am big into making learning fun. My class is heavy on technology, power point teaching, making the day funny with my sense of humor, and encouraging a closeness and trust/sense of family in my kids. I wish I had had myself as a catechism teacher! lol

We closed out our classrooms yesterday and today with a “teacher workday.” The kids finished the school year Wednesday. I had 18 kids show up to want to help me and be with me as I closed my classroom out and did my work. The other teachers had no helpers, the school was empty. But in my class it was like a normal school day. The kids are always like that with me. We have FUN. And yet I’m also the most demanding teacher on campus sticking so hard to standards and teaching to the top. I’m known to teach like a high school teacher more than a sixth grade instructor. I think keeping high expectations and being tough but also being funny, a cut-up, and making the day interesting is what wins kids over. My kids this year are the best ever.

My point is not to toot my own horn. My point is that fun isn’t necessarily bad. Our parish is bland in catechism. The kids are bored. They’re made to memorize over 70 prayers!! They’re tested on prayers? They’re drilled on church history and theology instead of being given opportunities to do research, maybe make a powerpoint presentation, or use Microsoft Moviemaker to create a church history video, or learn Bible/Church history through online virtual tours, etc. They’re given a corny textbook instead of authentic, interesting, first-hand literature, etc. There’s no hands-on, no tech, and definitely no fun.

There’s never any meeting in the parish hall after Mass at our parish like I’ve heard in here. And the Mass itself is often full of Novus Ordo coombaya and strumming guitars or tunes in Spanish like “El Cuerpo De Cristo” that get under my skin.

While I feel a strong affinity and love for Catholicism, the actual local real-life application of worship could be better to me and the lack of good education as well as fellowship is a major minus.

We Catholics should not just bash and laugh at Protestants dismissing them as non-serious-minded funsters who are just feel-good countryclubbers. They really love the Lord by and large and they’re innovative. Instead of just mocking, maybe we should look at some of their bright sides and emulate? No, I don’t want a Benny Hinn evangelist wacko healing people at Mass this week or a roller coaster/ferris wheel behind St. Mary’s here, but some improved fellowship, more dignified music, better CCD, good childcare (we have NEVER had childcare like the Protestants have) and a FREE vacation bible school might be a nice place to start…

 

[marco95330]

When we attend Mass we are re-living the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Its the last supper and his passion at calvary. Also catholics know or should know that the real precence of our Lord’s body blood soul and divinity are present in the Eucarist which is in the tabernacle in the church. Jesus deserves total reverance and respect. When you walk into a catholic church there is no doubt that you feel the precence of GOD and thats why a feeling of silence comes over you. And you don’t socialize because your attention turns to the LORD! With our protestant brothers the main focus is the preacher and the sermon. One of the main goals is to leave with a happy feeling and a sense of community which is fine but lets not forget what Jesus did for us. Catholics are reminded daily at mass. God bless, AMEN>

 

[SpiritMeadow]

Actually there is some truth to what the OP said, but only some. In the RCC’s that I was a member of, I didn’t see a lot of ministry that involved real activity. We gave money, donated things, but we didn’t work in food pantries or work in the free clinics. But really mostly I see that as a function of how the priest wants things.

My Episcopal church, is very service oriented. We have more than 60 ministries. We actually visit prisons and jails, work in pantries and clinics. We have several ongoing bible study groups, all kinds of youth ministries, as well as the standard church ministries.

Contrary to what some RC’s claim here, we don’t go to have a good time. The service, at least in my church is almost exactly the same as as a RCC. It is before and afterward that we engage. I think the community aspect is important, since it helps us see Christ in each other. We find out we don’t all agree on some things, but we do on others. We find tolerance and generosity. We find means to use our individual skills. We feel part of God’s people, and I know it has had a marvelous effect on me.

I’m all for solemnity in Church at the appropriate time. We are there to recall our God and to spend time with him, celebrating the wonder of our loving relationship and recalling the sacrifice Christ made so that we could be one.

I’m not sure it can be laid at the RCC’s feet that there is a anonymity, coming in, worship and leave mentality. That can occur anywhere where worship has become rote and it is where I believe a living church is dying. Vibrant, active, service is what denotes a living church, RC or otherwise.

Perhaps those who have churches of any denomination that are fulfilling that, should request it, and keep requesting it until it’s done.

 

[Supercatholic]

I always shake my head when our church has vacation bible school and charges $25 per student, $45 for a family when the Anglican, Methodist, Lutheran, and other Protestant churches around here are FREE and our Protestant friends are all eager to invite our kids to come?

You bring up a lot of good things in your post. But my main focus will be your opening paragraph. Anglican, Methodist, Lutheran, and Other Protestant churches. Let’s call that four different denominations. Four different set of practices, four different set of beliefs, four different interpretations of the bible. Which one would you attend? Which one would you send your kids to? Who would you trust to have divine knowledge of what the scriptures really say? Remember, if you don’t already know, the original Holy Bible is a Catholic Book. Protestants use an edited version to conform to their standards. Since the Catholic Church was the first to give us the complete unedited bible and had direct link to the original scrolls and translators, I only trust her interpretation. I too was a religious educator one time. I made my class very exciting also. I implemented game show style ideas like Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy,(I wasn’t a stickler for answering in the form of a question) Role playing games, and any other idea I thought would make the class learn the week’s lesson. My daughter assisted me and we gave the kids a party at the end of the year. One final thing, 7000 families you say? Either your parish was Madison Square Garden or they held a lot of masses. Are you sure all the masses were held the same exact way as you described. We have our daily mass, and of course weekend mass. One on Saturday evening, three on Sunday morning, and one one Sunday evening. All presented differently. That strummy goombaya stuff gets on my nerves too. Well anyway welcome, or is it welcome back, to The Church.

 

[Supercatholic]

Jesus did teach us to take care of one another, even when he was present. He did not tell the Apostles to spend all their time worshipping him, focusing on him, etc. Can you really mean to say that Jesus prefers or expects us not to welcome people because he wants us to only be paying attention to him? Is this the same Jesus Christ that we are talking about here?

cheddar

Hi cheddar, I hope you see this. We are to take care of each other during the week. The time for mass is to be focused on Jesus. And yes that’s what he wants. You have to understand, many parishes can have as little as 4 and up to as much as 16 masses per week. So we can’t tell who’s a visiting Protestant or who just may be another Catholic attending a different mass time due to what ever reason they have. Maybe many visitors don’t want to be noticed. Maybe they’ve had a terrible thing happen in their life and just want to attend a service in peaceful solemnity. I have always had a curiosity as to how some of the major Protestant denominations actually worship. Anglican, Lutheran, Congregationalist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, and/or Episcopal. But my fear is the opposite of yours. I’m afraid they’ll spot me right away, be overly friendly, grill me with tactful kindness and find out that I’m a Catholic and possibly slightly alter their service as not to offend me. Which would destroy the reason for my visit in the first place. If you want to be welcomed to a Catholic church by simply attending a mass, then I suggest you stand outside at least 15 minutes before mass begins and tell people your a visiting Protestant. I’m sure many people will gently welcome you to come inside. But they’ll tell you, or at least should, you can’t receive the Holy Eucharist. Why? That’s too long to mention. But if you want to be truly welcomed into the Catholic church, contact a local parish sign up for RCIA, come and learn about the church. I think it’s about 6 months long. One or two sessions per week. And if your ever uncomfortable you can stop anytime. We never force any one. But if you make it through and want in, new members are brought into our church at the Easter Vigil, the most reverent, glorious, holy service you can ever witness, but not just witness, participate in. Not only would a few parishioners greet you, but the entire congregation of all in attendace would, including Jesus Himself with his arms outstretched on the cross saying “Welcome to my church, I Love you this much”. Now can Protestant friendliness beat that? I-don’t-think-so.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

gurneyhalleck1;5293192:

I always shake my head when our church has vacation bible school and charges $25 per student, $45 for a family when the Anglican, Methodist, Lutheran, and other Protestant churches around here are FREE and our Protestant friends are all eager to invite our kids to come?

You bring up a lot of good things in your post. But my main focus will be your opening paragraph. Anglican, Methodist, Lutheran, and Other Protestant churches. Let’s call that four different denominations. Four different set of practices, four different set of beliefs, four different interpretations of the bible. Which one would you attend? Which one would you send your kids to? Who would you trust to have divine knowledge of what the scriptures really say? Remember, if you don’t already know, the original Holy Bible is a Catholic Book. Protestants use an edited version to conform to their standards. Since the Catholic Church was the first to give us the complete unedited bible and had direct link to the original scrolls and translators, I only trust her interpretation. I too was a religious educator one time. I made my class very exciting also. I implemented game show style ideas like Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy,(I wasn’t a stickler for answering in the form of a question) Role playing games, and any other idea I thought would make the class learn the week’s lesson. My daughter assisted me and we gave the kids a party at the end of the year. One final thing, 7000 families you say? Either your parish was Madison Square Garden or they held a lot of masses. Are you sure all the masses were held the same exact way as you described. We have our daily mass, and of course weekend mass. One on Saturday evening, three on Sunday morning, and one one Sunday evening. All presented differently. That strummy goombaya stuff gets on my nerves too. Well anyway welcome, or is it welcome back, to The Church.

Hi Supercatholic,

I’m still in the Catholic Church, don’t worry. My wife and I came back to Catholicism back in about 2003 or so. We had been in the then Episcopal (now Anglican, broken off from the insanity of the liberal Episcopal Church) Church, St. Paul’s, since about 1994. We were very happy with our old church actually but the national level stuff bothered us greatly: the liberals like Spong, the lunacy of gay “marriage,” the loose and care-free attitude toward co-habitation and divorce and what bothered me the most is the virtual ABSENCE of the pro-life element of Christianity. Then they were talking about ordaining that evil openly-gay “priest” to the office of bishop even after he cheating on and divorced his wife to “marry” a man?!

But I won’t lie. The Anglican parish we were in had much better activities for children, bible study, fellowship days, get-togethers, better music and liturgy, and the priests were just outstanding about counseling, visitations, and pastoral care in general.

Our Catholic local experience has been a bland one and my wife and I have not been happy for several years now with our parish. The surrounding ones are not much better.

I agree with your points, however, and appreciate your warm thoughts and prayers.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

When we attend Mass we are re-living the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Its the last supper and his passion at calvary. Also catholics know or should know that the real precence of our Lord’s body blood soul and divinity are present in the Eucarist which is in the tabernacle in the church. Jesus deserves total reverance and respect. When you walk into a catholic church there is no doubt that you feel the precence of GOD and thats why a feeling of silence comes over you. And you don’t socialize because your attention turns to the LORD! With our protestant brothers the main focus is the preacher and the sermon. One of the main goals is to leave with a happy feeling and a sense of community which is fine but lets not forget what Jesus did for us. Catholics are reminded daily at mass. God bless, AMEN>

I agree with you, Marco. I would only say that the Eucharist, the Mass, is not the ONLY facet of being a Christian. A Christian should hunger for a good sermon, the Eucharist, worship, song, and being surrounded by others who feel the same way. We as Christians do need good, solid pastoral care, too. Sometimes we make the overly-simplistic analysis that “it’s not about US, it’s about JESUS.” Of course it’s about Jesus but we are His children and to understand Him and live out the life He wants for us, sometimes we need pastoral care. We need counseling from priests, a visitation in the hospital, a pep talk, advice, or admonishment. We need those things. We are God’s children. My experience, and this is only MY experience…the protestants in my life have done better in this area. My old Anglican priests pastorally did things for my wife and I that knocked my socks off. They truly cared and it was touching. In the clutch, in a pinch, when the chips are down or in joy, they are there for you. Our Catholic priests have been awful, slothy, lazy, and just plain don’t get back to you after multiple calls. They have not done a very good job IMHO. But like I said, that’s been my family’s experience. I’m sure there are priests out there that will blow your mind pastorally. But that hasn’t been the case here.

And I don’t see why we Catholics use the “why either/or” argument in favor of Mary (why can’t you love Jesus AND Mary?) and yet we use DO use an either/or argument when it comes to our parishes. I keep hearing, “don’t worry about fellowship, don’t worry about pastoral care, who cares if your priests stink or ignore everybody or that there’s an unmotivated and undynamic environment with little evangelization? Who cares if you they don’t come see you in the hospital! All that matters is Mass and Communion!” I say, why can’t we have BOTH? Why can’t we look at the protestants and say, “I disagree with a lot of their theology BUT I like that idea about how they run that youth group or how they have those soup fellowship nights on Wednesdays during Lent or that Halloween event or…” etc. etc.

I think we can always learn, grow, and improve. We don’t have to go full-on evangelical and start healings and testify, I just like some of the aspects of protestantism that I feel we’re lacking…

Sometimes we Catholics are so defensive and into apologetics that we practically screech, “oh yeah, well they don’t have the Eucharist! We do!” at the drop of a hat. That much is certain, that we have the truth and fullness. It’s just our delivery could be better in my area. Just my observation…

 

[Supercatholic]

Supercatholic;5295604:

Hi Supercatholic,

I’m still in the Catholic Church, don’t worry. My wife and I came back to Catholicism back in about 2003 or so. We had been in the then Episcopal (now Anglican, broken off from the insanity of the liberal Episcopal Church) Church, St. Paul’s, since about 1994. We were very happy with our old church actually but the national level stuff bothered us greatly: the liberals like Spong, the lunacy of gay “marriage,” the loose and care-free attitude toward co-habitation and divorce and what bothered me the most is the virtual ABSENCE of the pro-life element of Christianity. Then they were talking about ordaining that evil openly-gay “priest” to the office of bishop even after he cheating on and divorced his wife to “marry” a man?!

But I won’t lie. The Anglican parish we were in had much better activities for children, bible study, fellowship days, get-togethers, better music and liturgy, and the priests were just outstanding about counseling, visitations, and pastoral care in general.

Our Catholic local experience has been a bland one and my wife and I have not been happy for several years now with our parish. The surrounding ones are not much better.

I agree with your points, however, and appreciate your warm thoughts and prayers.

Thank You gurneyhalleck1, My prayers are also with you. I believe that if you can get enough people together you can have some of the things you mentioned. Bible study, get-togethers fellowship days. Our Parish does so many different things I would never see home if I tried to attend them all. I don’t really know what type of music you’re looking for, but our parish runs a wide gamut from “this is really embarrassing” to “WOW, someone should put this on a CD it’ll make millions”. Just yesterday at mass I heard a beautiful throat lumper called “I Danced In The Morning” We have several cantors. One of our lady singers performed Twila Paris’ “How Beautiful” twice during Holy week. She sang it so wonderfully, I cried like a baby. But always remember my friend what Jesus offers to us at the mass will always be the number one reason we should attend. I look at that crucifix on the altar and the indescribable joy that consumes me seeing Jesus’ arms outstretched, like when a child says “I love you this much” trumps everything else. I’m sure you’ve read it or heard it before, but The Prayer of the Christian Soldier would be very good right now.

 

[BernadetteM]

I feel that some people who have responded have had a very different experience than I had in the Episcopal church and also attending protestant churches in my youth with a friend several times a month.

Except for the Anglo Catholic parish that I attended, I found all the Episcopal churches very unfriendly, clickish and there were very little social gatherings. Yes one, a very large and wealthy one had many organizations to be involved in.

There were no youth groups as far I can remember. We had very bad homilies in one of them. The rector was to be honest having an affair and everyone was aware of it. As soon as his wife passed away, he married the other woman. Yes I know we have scandal in our Church, but it seems that only the Catholic Churches scandal are worthy of media coverage.

I am sure that many Episcopal parishes were not like these, but each of us have had widely different experiences.

In the protestant church I attended with my friend as a teenager I was jumped on for wearing a crucifix and was expected to go up for an altar call every time I attended on Sundays. I can say that I knew much of what went on behind the scenes at that church and it was not pleasant.

I am stating these opinions because I am tired of hearing all this negative stuff about Catholic Churches. There are all types of parishes in the Catholic Church and the same goes for protestant ones.

Also one poster said he/she thought that CAF was not a very pleasant forum. Well maybe he/she should start going to protestant ones. If they want to see mean spirited posts towards Catholics they are there.

For the majority of members on CAF I find them caring people, who are trying to defend the Faith.

Except for the mega churches, most protestant churches are small in number compared to the Catholic parishes. Of course there is more opportunity to meet people than when you have 500 to 800 attending one Mass.

Our parish has socials all the time. At least once a month there is lunch or a breakfast after one of the Masses. There are many children and they attend CCD. We also have many processions during the year and then a meal afterwards.

Your social life in a parish is what you put into it. When I attended other denominations I did not like people flocking around me. I didn’t want to be the center of their attention. It is fine to say hello and introduce yourself to a newcomer, but when I went I felt pressure to join. That is what I like about the Catholic Church, you can go and worship Jesus without being questioned about your beliefs.

I don’t mean to be uncharitable, but everyone’s experiences are not the same and fault can be found in any church.

Yours in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Bernadette

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

I feel that some people who have responded have had a very different experience than I had in the Episcopal church and also attending protestant churches in my youth with a friend several times a month.

Except for the Anglo Catholic parish that I attended, I found all the Episcopal churches very unfriendly, clickish and there were very little social gatherings. Yes one, a very large and wealthy one had many organizations to be involved in.

There were no youth groups as far I can remember. We had very bad homilies in one of them. The rector was to be honest having an affair and everyone was aware of it. As soon as his wife passed away, he married the other woman. Yes I know we have scandal in our Church, but it seems that only the Catholic Churches scandal are worthy of media coverage.

I am sure that many Episcopal parishes were not like these, but each of us have had widely different experiences.

In the protestant church I attended with my friend as a teenager I was jumped on for wearing a crucifix and was expected to go up for an altar call every time I attended on Sundays. I can say that I knew much of what went on behind the scenes at that church and it was not pleasant.

I am stating these opinions because I am tired of hearing all this negative stuff about Catholic Churches. There are all types of parishes in the Catholic Church and the same goes for protestant ones.

Also one poster said he/she thought that CAF was not a very pleasant forum. Well maybe he/she should start going to protestant ones. If they want to see mean spirited posts towards Catholics they are there.

For the majority of members on CAF I find them caring people, who are trying to defend the Faith.

Except for the mega churches, most protestant churches are small in number compared to the Catholic parishes. Of course there is more opportunity to meet people than when you have 500 to 800 attending one Mass.

Our parish has socials all the time. At least once a month there is lunch or a breakfast after one of the Masses. There are many children and they attend CCD. We also have many processions during the year and then a meal afterwards.

Your social life in a parish is what you put into it. When I attended other denominations I did not like people flocking around me. I didn’t want to be the center of their attention. It is fine to say hello and introduce yourself to a newcomer, but when I went I felt pressure to join. That is what I like about the Catholic Church, you can go and worship Jesus without being questioned about your beliefs.

I don’t mean to be uncharitable, but everyone’s experiences are not the same and fault can be found in any church.

Yours in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Bernadette

Thanks for your insights, Bernadette. I hear ya. All of our experiences are just that, our own personal local experiences. Trust me, the Anglican church I went to had many limitations and negatives. I don’t want to paint it as Valhalla! The main things I loathed about it were the total absence of a pro-life/anti-abortion group and the large number of people open to the idea of female priestesses (despite it being a “conservative” parish!). Some of the sermons were very poor and urbane at times. You’re right.

I can’t agree about the cliqueishness aspect though, at least around here. Those Anglicans are mega-friendly and will approach you, introduce themselves like crazy, and try to involve/include you in everything.

And my experience also is that most protestants don’t know the scriptures much better than Catholics. Each denomination has its stand-outs.

 

[BernadetteM]

Thanks for your insights, Bernadette. I hear ya. All of our experiences are just that, our own personal local experiences. Trust me, the Anglican church I went to had many limitations and negatives. I don’t want to paint it as Valhalla! The main things I loathed about it were the total absence of a pro-life/anti-abortion group and the large number of people open to the idea of female priestesses (despite it being a “conservative” parish!). Some of the sermons were very poor and urbane at times. You’re right.

I can’t agree about the cliqueishness aspect though, at least around here. Those Anglicans are mega-friendly and will approach you, introduce themselves like crazy, and try to involve/include you in everything.

Thanks for your reply. Although I was married, my husband did not attend with me, that could have influenced some of the cliquesihness as I think sometimes women who are alone are often ignored by couples. I am a shy person, but friendly and no matter what I did the women did not warm up to me. I did have a couple who were very close to me, but their background was charismatic and that made the difference. I am sorry if your parish doen’t have a priest that is devoted to his parishioners, but mine is a lovely older man. He is very humble. I have attended parishes that when the priest had to retire the new one brought in many new and protestant innovations. But God provided for me and actually led me to the perfect parish for my needs. I think it is harder for former Episcopalians to find happiness in a Catholic Church than others. Especially if you were Anglo Catholic as the liturgy was wonderful. But for others from a non ligurgical background they aren’t comparing the two. Also for cradle Catholics the NO mass is all they know. I will always maintain that no matter what the parish is like I feel complete within the Catholic Church. It is difficult to explain but I feel more of a community with the whole Church, whether people are friendly or not. It is a spiritual sense of well being when I enter a Catholic Church. No matter what we sinners do the Faith is found in the Catholic Church and to me that is the bottom line.

I feel that if people are honest there is no perfect parish, Catholic or protestant. People are people. I have been trying to reach out to others on a one to one basis and it has been very rewarding. I wish that all Christians would show the love of Christ to everyone. That love is what defines a Christian. I know that it is very difficult to love some people, but through Christ we can do it. I am not saying you must like what the person does or says, only show love as we don’t know what another is going through in life that makes them appear to be cold and mean spirited.

Just pray that our Holy Father will appoint more and more conservative Bishops who are strong in the Faith and have the courage to lead their sheep. Since you were an Episcopalian if you would like, also pray for an Anglican Use parish in different areas of California and all states. I think you would really love it.

God Bless

Bernadette

And my experience also is that most protestants don’t know the scriptures much better than Catholics. Each denomination has its stand-outs.