July 2, 2010
The Christian Journey
What do you expect to find at an ‘ideal’ parish?
BY FATHER JIM SAUER
Parents often comment, “Well, I hate to see our children move away, but they have to go where they can find a good job.” This happens quite frequently in our mobile society.
Imagine now that the following event is taking place in your life.
You have just received notice from your CEO that you are being transferred to New York City, which means not only a large increase in salary but also a promotion in your corporation. If you do not accept this offer, this will be the last opportunity for advancement in your present career. You are to report for work in two months.
You have lived your entire life in Southern Indiana and, although you have taken many family vacations, not once have you ever traveled to New York City. You have some good friends in Washington, Ind., who have just returned from working and living in the Big Apple for eight years. You contact them because you assume they would be an excellent source of information regarding housing, parishes, schools, etc. One thing is certain, however, is that you want to live “outside” the city in a rural area; yet, you dread the long commute to work each day.
After visiting with your friends, you and your spouse decide to take two weeks to do some investigative work on your own. Before contacting a realtor, your most important value is the parish you not only will attend, but also want to be “involved in.” So you arrange your trip to be able to attend Masses on three weekends at different churches — let’s say six to 12 churches, where you attend one or two Masses on Saturday evenings and one or two on Sunday mornings. Your schedule will be hectic but you are willing to make this kind of commitment to look around for a parish because your Catholic faith is important to you.
(Unless I am mistaken, the 1983 Code of Canon Law no longer requires you to belong to the parish in the geographical area in which you reside; rather you may participate in the parish where your spiritual needs will be nourished).
Before leaving for New York City, you and your spouse sit down and discuss some of the “qualities” you will be looking for in a parish before making your decision to join a particular parish.”
This article requires you to do some homework before I share with you the responses of groups who have reflected on this scenario over the past 25 years. Try to find some time this week either alone, with your spouse, or even better with your family. Make a written list of as many “qualities” you would look for in the “ideal” parish where you would not only attend weekend Mass, but also be actively involved in. (It is important to remember “ideal” parish does not mean “perfect” parish! We must wait until heaven for perfection!)
Next week, you can compare your answers with the responses of groups with whom I have done this exercise in the past. Above all, have fun and enjoy your homework! You may be surprised what the Spirit evokes within you!