Mickey's_Girl Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 Sojourner and I were talking about this yesterday, and I'm curious: how did you find what Protestants call a "church home" (a particular one, not the Catholic church in general)? It probably depends upon the way you came into the Church (through a friend, through reading on your own, etc.). Share your stories! MG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homeschoolmom Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 We go the parish that is in our suburban community. It's a very large parish, but that may play against it in the long run. If it had been unorthodox, we would have looked elsewhere, but it's pretty good that way. We are getting a new priest this summer, so we'll see. We have our "backup" parishes... My second choice would be the smaller and older parish in a nearby farm community-- which is quickly becoming an exurb. It is orthodox and traditional. The families of some of my former students go there, so that would be fun, too. It's a lovely church. My dh's second choice is the parish in the next suburb over. One of the really nice things I have discovered about Catholicism is it is truly one big church. You can have one as your "home church," but you can feel just as "at home" in any of them, if you are able to adjust slightly to the different styles. (Unlike Protestant churches where you really have to follow the program or you won't know what's going on-- ironicly I thought Catholicism was that way). You can attend your home church, but be invited to go to mass at another parish or visit while on vacation or whatever... it's all pretty much the same. Anyway, my advice would be to try out a few, but stick relatively close to home. Your parish should be a part of your community. Unless all of the parishes are horribly unorthodox, you shouldn't have to drive all over the place to find a good one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sojourner Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 As you know, MG (or I think you do), I started RCIA at a different parish than the one I'm attending now ... I originally chose one within walking distance; however, my sponsor and my quasi-sponsor (she would've if she'd had more time) both attend the parish I now attend, so I switched pretty early on in the process. I've thought a lot about switching again for many reasons, but I decided I really need to stick it out where I am and really get involved -- part of that whole building community thing. I really think in the end you have to just pick a place within 5 or 10 mins. from your house and pitch in. It is fun to visit other places, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellenita Posted June 18, 2004 Share Posted June 18, 2004 I felt completely drawn to my parish church without realising it was my parish church since there is another very close to where I live, and of course there was no logical reason why. This feeling started long before I had the courage to actually go to a Mass there, though I had checked out the times of the Mass weeks previously. When I finally decided I felt brave enough to go I asked my best friend to come with me - she had been raised a Catholic but hadn't gone to church for many, many years, and really knew very little about her own faith. We walked in, sat down in a pew and then she leaned towards me and said in an excited voice 'I don't believe it, there's St Martin'....a statue in the church....he is a patron saint of Peru (where my friend is originally from) and is rarely found in churches in the UK! Some people might say this is coincidence, but since we both feel completely at home there and haven't missed Sunday Mass from that day on, I think God's hand was definately guiding us.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traichuoi Posted June 18, 2004 Share Posted June 18, 2004 i work where i go but i also go to another church when i can because i love the priest and what he stands for... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justfran Posted June 18, 2004 Share Posted June 18, 2004 We drive right past my church just about every time we go shopping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St. Catherine Posted July 13, 2004 Share Posted July 13, 2004 Wow you all have options. There are not a lot of options here. I mean it is not like there is a ton of parishes to choose from. There is only one Catholic Church in Helper, so that is one choose to go to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homeschoolmom Posted July 13, 2004 Share Posted July 13, 2004 [quote name='St. Catherine' date='Jul 13 2004, 04:41 PM'] Wow you all have options. There are not a lot of options here. I mean it is not like there is a ton of parishes to choose from. There is only one Catholic Church in Helper, so that is one choose to go to. [/quote] Good choice... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basssoon Posted July 13, 2004 Share Posted July 13, 2004 [quote name='Mickey's_Girl' date='Jun 7 2004, 01:32 PM'] Sojourner and I were talking about this yesterday, and I'm curious: how did you find what Protestants call a "church home" (a particular one, not the Catholic church in general)? It probably depends upon the way you came into the Church (through a friend, through reading on your own, etc.). Share your stories! MG [/quote] I just attend the church assigned to me, I guess. It is very close to my house so I can walk to mass. Plus, I really like the one priest there. He is very welcoming to new people so I'll think I'll stay here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusader_4 Posted July 13, 2004 Share Posted July 13, 2004 I just went to the paris h that was closest to my house and it turned out the priest there was the brother of one of my teachers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Cube Posted July 14, 2004 Share Posted July 14, 2004 I chose the closest one. The great thing about Catholicism is that since we're all brothers and sisters in Christ, I should feel at home in any parish. :group: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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