oh?

what's going on?

I am just not sure about this. I think I am looking for a church that is more open to new members

in what way?

Did you have a bad experience?

I called to ask about converting to Catholicism and I was told I am too late

Well, there is 'open' and there is open

Some parishes start their RCIA program only once a year.

Others will bring you in on the spot.

right. Most of the parishes have a really formal RCIA (Rite of Christain Initian Acceptance)

Typically the more progressive parishes have limited entrance.

schedule

I was told there was not anywhere else I could go

that was a poor choice of wording

because they need to get you ready by the Saturday before Easter

More traditional won't make you go through their program.

That is something new.

Eliza, that is not true. You can go anywhere

I didn't have to go through it.

And that was just a few years ago.

The actual RCIA program is usually rather structured, but that doesn't mean you can't meet with the priest to get questions answered.

There should be a period on inquiry before you begin RCIA

This vary quite a bit between parishes.

I visited a very lovely Baptist church. They seemed very happy to have me there.

No one at St. Vincent de Paul spoke to me.

it can take awhile to fit into a parish...it helps to start doing parish activities

Please don't give up on us yet.

I would like to join a faith where I feel welcome

also, remember the Catholic Church is a big tent, there are many different types of us

That was a very odd comment from them. You can't go to any parish you would like.

WE welcome you.

I know a few priests here in MA who run private convert classes instead of RCIA.

I watched a very interesting show on the tele a few days ago. It was Thursday evening.

really?

They have a very flexible program. You shouldn't be turned away for being too late.

The show highlighted their strong faith and that is more the feel I am looking for. They seem to welcome large familie.

we do welcome you

you would like msabeln's parish

St. Francis de Sales

Maybe you can stop by St. Francis de Sales. Lots of large families there, they have a homeschool co-op.

It seems you ran into an interesting parish. I can assure you they aren't all like that.

Yes. The program I watched had a family with several children and it showed them attending service and being welcomed and feeling

appreciated.

you can go there...as it is a personal parish

Mass is in Latin, though.

so it is open to everyone

But they have missals to read.

hmm St. Mary of Victories has the newer Mass in Latin

they were nice

where else have I been that I really liked

I am looking for a church that focuses on the teachings of the Bible.

I just don't think the Catholic churches offer that

perhaps msabeln, because he knows the area, could check around a bit and advise you later which parish has a program which might work for u

that will heavily depend on the individual parish. Some churches offer Bible studies while others do not

it really really depends

I know many parishes this year are doing a Church History course

I have been in touch with someone from here. She cautioned me to check out other churches as well.

she is wise, the right fit is important

The bible is important, but there is so much more to the Catholic faith.

we go to a different parish because we like Latin Mass

We got the Bible from the books that were used in the Catholic Mass.

You will find the parish that feels right for you. Different parishes offer different programs

If a book was quoted in the Mass, it was deemed suitable for inclusion in the Bible.

the other lady I spoke with, she told me I may call her Tiny, said she still has not found a parish she can really call home yet. She said

it is difficult and I should take my time before registering

Right.

snupnjake is taking three years to find out.

There is more Scripture in the Catholic Mass than in any other worship service.

elizarosethorn: It sounds like you should be looking around at different faith traditions before you decide on any one. And different

Just parish hopping can be a educational and faithful experience.

churches in those faith traditions. When you find the one that answers your needs, that is the one you want to join.

Growing in faith is a lifelong thing. Who knows, after finding one, you may later change to another... We obviously want to speak for

agrees with pennyante_9 ante

The Church is run by humans who are not always the most welcoming or the most compassionate and human frailties get in the way.

our Catholic faith because we believe it is the one that most speaks to who Jesus is. And the gifts he has left us... the Eucharist and

the other sacraments... God bless your search...

This reminds me of the workshop the diocese where I work had about how to deal with people looking to come ito the Church

It was really stressed how our attitudes can push people away even if we don't mean it to.

Tiny did not tell me she had a bad experience, nor did she try to tell me to stay away from the Catholic church. She just advised me to take

my time to find a home church, or parish is what she called it

I am sorry you were not welcomed as you should have been. Please be assured that is not the attitude of the Church as a whole

elizarosethorn: my prayers are with you and your family

Thank you. That is very kind.

I do not understand how a church can turn someone away

I agree with that advice. Not all parishes are equal.

elizarosethorn: because they are totally clueless.....

You shouldn't lose heart because someone did something wrong.

nor do they realize how their actions make them loose members

Tiny did say there were a couple of churches I should stay away from because they are snooty.

Each pastor sets the tone for his parish.

And the kind of people who live in the area have influence.

Chances are they think what they are doing is best, but they don't realize how they come across.

Saint Vincent de Paul parish is concerned with helping the poor and with social justice.

I will pray that the Holy Spirit leads you the the parish where you belong.

My church is concerned with the Latin liturgy.

I see.

St. Cecilia parish ministers to Hispanics.

St. Agatha to Poles.

So do I have to meet some income guidelines to attend?

Sts Peter and Paul operates a homeless shelter and food pantry

No not at all

There are just emphasis.

I see

I saw a beautiful church named St. Stanislaus Kostka. It is near where I live.

I would really like to go there, but I missed the service on Sunday morning

St. John Nepomuk, which is close to you, is a Czech chapel.

You might want to try the Old Cathedral, under the Arch.

I just do not know. I think I may try a church that is near a funeral parlor on Arsenal Street.

I do not know the name

St. Wencelaus!

that will be good!! they are having a parish festival on 11/7

you could go then and see

I think that is a pretty church.

or at least the festival

can anyone attend the festival?

yup!

I look up information

okay.

www.psichurch.com/church...

it doesn't have the fall festival info...but I will try and get

I saw a big sign for it