Sarah Mitchell
Choosing a Catholic parish is a highly personal decision, and there are several factors to consider. Traditionally, Catholics would attend the parish within the geographical boundaries of where they lived, but today, many Catholics opt to join a different parish community. Location remains a key consideration for many, with 76% of Catholics citing it as an important factor. Other factors include the quality of sermons, the priest, the music, the architecture, and the sense of community. For some, the decision may be influenced by life events such as moving to a new area, marriage, or divorce. Ultimately, the choice of parish should be guided by what helps an individual or family understand and practice their Catholic faith and feel spiritually nourished.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 76% of Catholics choose a parish close to home |
| Community | A sense of belonging and unity with other members |
| Worship | Inspiring and beautiful spaces, music and art |
| Priest | A good relationship with the priest is important |
| Sermons | Quality of sermons is a factor in choosing a parish |
| Social Justice | Parish is concerned for the poor and teaches Catholic social teaching |
| Education | Nurturing the faith of adult members through education |
| Liturgy | Liturgy is important for spiritual nourishment |
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What You'll Learn
Consider the location of the parish
When choosing a Catholic parish, location is a key consideration. In the past, Catholics belonged to a parish if they lived within its geographical boundaries. While this is no longer a strict rule, location remains an important factor for many Catholics when choosing a parish.
Moving to a new area often triggers a search for a new parish, and proximity to home is a significant consideration. Many Catholics opt for a nearby parish, especially if they plan to live in the same area for a while. This choice may be influenced by convenience and the desire to worship in a familiar community setting.
However, location is not the only factor. Catholics may also consider the quality of sermons, the priest's style, and whether the parish community aligns with their spiritual needs and values. The parish community should be welcoming and affirming, fostering spiritual growth and encouraging members to live out their baptismal promises.
When choosing a parish, it is advisable to attend Sunday Mass at different parishes, read bulletins and newsletters, and talk to friends or neighbours about their experiences. These steps can provide valuable insights into the unique characteristics and opportunities offered by each parish.
While location plays a significant role in choosing a Catholic parish, it is also essential to find a community that nourishes your soul and aligns with your spiritual journey.
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Evaluate the priest and their homilies
When choosing a Catholic parish, it is important to evaluate the priest and their homilies. While it is unlikely that you will find a priest whose homilies impress you every week, the priest can significantly impact the parish community. To evaluate the priest and their homilies, consider the following:
Get to Know the Priest
Introduce yourself to the priest before or after Mass and at parish events. Interacting with the priest outside of Mass will help you understand their personality and leadership style. You might have preferences for how the priest celebrates Mass or delivers homilies, and getting to know them can help you determine if their style aligns with your expectations.
Understand the Purpose of Homilies
According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), the official document governing the celebration of Mass, the homily is part of the Liturgy and is strongly recommended for nurturing the Christian life. It should be an interpretation of the readings from Sacred Scripture or other texts relevant to the Mass and should consider the mystery being celebrated and the listeners' needs. Understanding this purpose can help you evaluate whether the priest's homilies align with the liturgical guidelines.
Evaluate the Content and Delivery of Homilies
Pay attention to the substance and presentation of the homilies. Do they draw on relevant knowledge, personal experiences, or theological reflections? Are they well-structured and delivered with clarity? Consider whether the homilies resonate with you and provide spiritual insight or guidance. Remember that some priests may have a more natural talent for preaching, while others may rely more on preparation and practice.
Consider Your Preferences and Needs
Reflect on what you and your family need to understand and practice your Catholic faith. Evaluate whether the priest's homilies help you deepen your faith and connect with the Universal Church. Remember that different parishes may offer distinct opportunities for spiritual growth and community engagement. Choose a parish where you feel welcomed and supported in your faith journey.
Be Open-Minded and Adaptable
Keep in mind that no parish is perfect, and there may be aspects of the priest's homilies or style that you prefer over others. Be open to adjusting your expectations and embracing new perspectives. Remember that the parish community is just as important as the priest, and your connection to the parish is a two-way relationship that requires your involvement and contribution.
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Assess the parish community
When assessing the parish community, it is important to remember that the parish is a local manifestation of the Universal Church, and your participation in it should help you experience and express your participation in the Universal Church. The parish community should be a place where you can deepen your faith in Jesus Christ and be challenged to grow spiritually.
Consider whether the parish community inspires you to worship more deeply or distracts and irritates you. The space and the people around you can have a significant impact on your worship experience. You might prefer a familiar community, or you might be drawn to certain styles of architecture, music, or art.
Get to know the priests and the parishioners. While the priest may be reassigned to another parish at some point, understanding their personality and leadership style can give you insight into how they will lead the parish community during their tenure. Attend Sunday Mass at different parishes, read bulletins and newsletters, and talk to friends or neighbours about why they belong to a particular parish.
Look for a parish that nurtures the faith of adult members through education and spiritual practices. A good parish community should provide opportunities for spiritual growth and encourage members to live out their baptismal promises and Catholic social teaching. Consider whether the parish is welcoming and inclusive, and whether it is concerned for the poor and marginalized.
Remember that choosing a parish is about finding a community where you can belong and grow in your faith. It is about seeking a place that nourishes your soul and encourages you to become involved.
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Examine the parish's social teachings
When examining the social teachings of a Catholic parish, it's important to consider how well the parish community aligns with your understanding of Catholic social teachings and your personal values. Catholic social teachings are a rich tapestry of wisdom that guides the building of a just society and living in holiness amidst modern societal challenges. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Human Dignity and the Sanctity of Life
The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of each person is the foundation of its social teachings. This belief is reflected in the Church's stance against abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, and practices that threaten the value of human life, such as cloning and embryonic stem cell research. When examining a parish's social teachings, consider how they uphold the sanctity of life and promote human dignity in their teachings, practices, and community engagement.
Peace and Conflict Prevention
Catholic social teachings emphasize the importance of working towards peace and preventing conflicts. This includes the condemnation of intentionally targeting civilians in wars or terrorist attacks. Consider how the parish promotes non-violence, encourages peaceful conflict resolution, and supports initiatives to prevent conflicts and protect human life.
Social Institutions and Community
The parish should recognize the importance of social institutions, particularly marriage and family, and strive to support and strengthen them. The parish community itself is also a vital social institution that provides a sense of belonging and unity. Examine how the parish fosters community engagement, encourages participation, and promotes the well-being of its members, especially the most vulnerable.
Participation and Social Responsibility
Catholic social teachings emphasize the right and duty of individuals to participate in society and seek the common good. Consider how the parish encourages social participation, promotes social justice, and engages with the wider community to address societal issues. Additionally, examine how the parish interprets the responsibilities that come with rights, such as human rights and workers' rights, as outlined in Catholic social teachings.
Economics and Work
Catholic social teachings view the economy as serving people, and work as a form of participation in God's creation. Consider the parish's teachings on economic justice, the dignity of work, and the rights of workers. Examine how they address issues of poverty, wealth inequality, and the role of economic initiatives in promoting the common good.
When examining the social teachings of a Catholic parish, it's important to attend Sunday Masses, read bulletins and newsletters, and engage with the parish community. By understanding how the parish interprets and applies Catholic social teachings, you can make an informed decision about whether the parish aligns with your values and spiritual needs.
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Explore opportunities for spiritual growth
When choosing a Catholic parish, it is important to consider how the parish community can help you explore opportunities for spiritual growth. Here are some ways you can explore these opportunities:
Find a Welcoming Community
Look for a parish community that is welcoming and inclusive, where you feel a sense of belonging. This is important because, as a member of a parish, you become part of a community that challenges and affirms your spiritual growth while encouraging you to live out your baptismal commitment. Being part of a diverse community of believers and engaging in their care is an incredible opportunity to encounter God's love and grace.
Explore Faith Formation Programs
Your chosen parish may offer faith formation programs that can provide a structured way to deepen your understanding of the teachings of the Church. These programs can include courses on Catholic theology, morality, and the history of the Church. Immersing yourself in Catholic literature, such as "Introduction to the Devout Life" by St. Francis de Sales, can also enhance your faith formation journey.
Engage with Scripture and Reading Groups
Dive into the Scriptures and attend Bible studies or Catholic reading groups. The Word of God is a rich source of spiritual growth, and by dedicating time to explore it, you can gain a deeper understanding of the Bible's teachings and their relevance to your faith. The Catholic Study Bible, with its commentary, is an excellent resource for this purpose.
Connect with Spiritual Mentors
Consider finding a spiritual director or mentor who can guide, support, and offer insights on your faith journey. They can help you navigate the path to spiritual growth and provide personalized advice.
Attend Mass and Parish Events
Attending Sunday Mass at different parishes can give you a sense of the community and the priest's style. Get to know the priests and introduce yourself at parish events. While the priest may not be the primary reason for choosing a parish, interacting with them can help you understand their leadership style and how they guide the parish community.
Remember, your participation in a parish community should ultimately help you experience and express your Catholic faith more profoundly.
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Frequently asked questions
Belonging to a parish means being part of a community and making sacrifices for the good and unity of that community. It is important to choose a parish that nurtures the faith of adult members through education and spiritual growth.
Location is the top factor that Catholics consider when choosing a parish. It is convenient to choose a parish that is close to home, especially if you plan to live in the same area for a while. Other factors include the quality of sermons, a welcoming atmosphere, and the priest.
Before choosing a parish, think about what you and your family need to understand and practice your Catholic faith. Attend Sunday Mass at different parishes, read parish bulletins, and talk to friends or neighbours to understand why they belong to a particular parish.
