An update on my church dilemma

[resqgeek]

Last month, I wrote about the issues I was facing after my parish announced that they would not be offering CCD classes on Sundays next school year. With our daughters' various activities, it would be very difficult to attend classes on weekday evenings, so I began searching for a solution that would allow us to keep the girls in Sunday CCD classes.

It turns out that the answer was just around the corner (almost literally). I'd heard people comment about the neighboring parish, usually noting that it was a very welcoming and open community. It turns out that they also offer CCD classes on Sunday, not once, but at two different times! (They also offer CCD classes on Monday afternoons and Wednesday evenings, in a clear attempt to be as accommodating as possible.) It all sounded promising, so I decided to start attending mass there, to get a feel for the parish.

Wow! I should've come here years ago. This parish is such a contrast to where we had been (and, in fact, to most of the parishes I've been to in this diocese). To give you an idea of the contrast: In my old parish, the last announcement before mass is a sternly worded reminder to silence our cell phones. At the neighboring parish, the last announcement is an invitation to introduce yourself to those around you! There are so many little differences, its hard to pinpoint all of them, but the cumulative effect is to make it an atmosphere where I actually can feel comfortable, which is something that has been sorely missing from my church experience for several years now.

Needless to say, I have already filled out a parish registration form to join the neighboring parish, and signed my daughters up for Sunday CCD. It's a longer drive, but I expect it will be well worth the effort. My only regret is that I didn't explore this option earlier. Now I just need to write a letter to my old parish telling them I've changed parishes and asking them to remove me from their registrar.

Comments

[buffra.livejournal.com]

Oh, good.

I went to a really nice, really friendly church last week. I think I'm going back again.

It's a good feeling, isn't it?

[mojosmom.livejournal.com]

Better late than never! I remember your previous post on this issue, and it's wonderful that you have found a church that suits you in more than just scheduling (important as that may be). It sounds like a very welcoming parish.

[kiptrix.livejournal.com]

How nice that you have been able to find a new parish, where you feel welcome and comfortable. I hope their music is satisfying to you, that can be important, I think.

[melydia.livejournal.com]

Good to hear.

Weird about them not offering CCD classes on Sundays. As far as I know, that was the only time CCD was offered at my childhood parish.

[wubbarub.livejournal.com]

I'm happy that you've found a welcoming church. I know Mass is an obligation to most people, but I've always felt that it should also be somewhat of a social occassion. An opportunity to meet new people, and bask in the love of Christ.