Sanctus, I copied your comments from the Pagan thread to here, because I think you raised some points out of context with that thread. And to be honest, I was a bit surprised and dismayed to read your comments about a parish, which is the lifeblood of the Church. Can you elaborate on your post? Honestly, i was somewhat insulted. I take a very active role in my parish and would hate to think my priest reflected the same thoughts about us as you have expressed here!
You wrote:"Well, we agree here 100%. Catholics are funny people, in my experience. So ingrained are the early lessons of the Church, that when-ever something eventful happens in the life of an adult, the first thing they wish to do is contact the Church, for a wedding, baptism, Last Rites, etc. These people often do not live their faith nor do they attend Mass with any sense of regularity.but the minute they want something, they run to the Church. Personally I despair of this very much. I make it a point to teach people, as much as possible, what it is we believe and why it is important for them to believe it and call themselves Catholic.
Most of them let my words, or the words of others, rush through their minds. They are intent on "getting the deed done" and could care less about instruction into why it is important.
A priest in seminary once stated to our class that he would rather have 12 actual Christians as a congregation than a parish of 2,000 Sunday Catholics. He claimed that with 12 devout, serious Christians, he could accomplish more for God then with a lukewarm and passive mass of people.
This thought stays with me often. I actually am not all that fond of parish ministry. Most people do not see beyond the Mass and realize how much drudge work is involved in pastoring a parish. Most of the issues people bring to me have nothing to do with the faith at all. Mostly they are complaining about something to do with the building.
I feel most satisfied in outreach ministry to Senior's and my new task with the Half-way house. Here I can reach people actually thirsty for the Gospel and pastoral care. "
You wrote:"Well, we agree here 100%. Catholics are funny people, in my experience. So ingrained are the early lessons of the Church, that when-ever something eventful happens in the life of an adult, the first thing they wish to do is contact the Church, for a wedding, baptism, Last Rites, etc. These people often do not live their faith nor do they attend Mass with any sense of regularity.but the minute they want something, they run to the Church. Personally I despair of this very much. I make it a point to teach people, as much as possible, what it is we believe and why it is important for them to believe it and call themselves Catholic.
Most of them let my words, or the words of others, rush through their minds. They are intent on "getting the deed done" and could care less about instruction into why it is important.
A priest in seminary once stated to our class that he would rather have 12 actual Christians as a congregation than a parish of 2,000 Sunday Catholics. He claimed that with 12 devout, serious Christians, he could accomplish more for God then with a lukewarm and passive mass of people.
This thought stays with me often. I actually am not all that fond of parish ministry. Most people do not see beyond the Mass and realize how much drudge work is involved in pastoring a parish. Most of the issues people bring to me have nothing to do with the faith at all. Mostly they are complaining about something to do with the building.
I feel most satisfied in outreach ministry to Senior's and my new task with the Half-way house. Here I can reach people actually thirsty for the Gospel and pastoral care. "
