75. Join a parish closer to my new townhouse
I haven't found a parish that I really felt at home at since I graduated college and left the College Church. There, everyone was welcome and it was so amazing. We've lived in three places since then and all the churches that we were zoned to just didn't feel right.
A friend who used to live in the townhouse complex where we live now suggested a church that she liked so much that they drive a bit farther now just to attend Mass there. In fact, the pastor is going to be doing their wedding service in a few months - so she must really like it, right?
I took her up on her suggestion and attended Mass there a few weeks ago. Just walking in there made me feel at home again. Listening to the music and having the consecration sung (which not all priests do anymore) just felt right. It was a good mix of classic Church songs plus new arrangements that didn't let it feel stale. The homily spoke to the Gospel and modern life and left you thinking - always a good thing!
This morning, Husband and I went along with that friend and her fiancee and enjoyed Mass again. We became parishioners and I'm hoping to sign up for lectoring and other ministry opportunities. I feel that when I'm a lector in a parish, I'm much more connected to the community and more likely to attend Mass! Kind of like a public accounting, you know?
I'm just working towards my 101 in 1001 list goal. I think I'm doing pretty well so far! More to come... :)
That's great! I know how hard it is to find a church that you feel at home in. Sometimes you can feel like such an outsider- in a church!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog and I am really enjoying reading it!! We just found our church home here after moving in November, and it has been such a relief. I just signed up for lectoring and as a eucharistic minister...I agree, it is a public accounting plus a great way to meet other people/get involved with my community!
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