This is for Laura T who commented to me that attending a Catholic parish like mine "would be sad." I thought others might see something to this analogy --
In Dances with Wolves, Lt. John Dunbar orders Timmons to unload the wagon when they arrive at the deserted outpost, Fort Sedgewick.
Timmons balks, "There ain't nothing here, Lieutenant" to which Dunbar says, "This is my post." Incredulous, Timmons asks (of himself mainly), "This is my post?"
"This is my post ... and these are the post provisions."
Because of Dunbar's commitment to duty, he experiences the American Frontier and Native American civilization in a transforming, mystical way. At the end of the story, Dunbar is hardly recognizable as an American soldier; he is American in a broader sense.
God has placed me in this outpost of a parish, on the edge of civilization (socially and perhaps spiritually). The parish lacked a full-time pastor until just recently! If I see it through, just maybe there will be a transformation along the way, mine and my church's.
The congregations of some are situated in Philippi or Philadelphia and the rest of us are in Corinth or Galatia. Thank God, Laura, for your "Philippi" in sunny Florida and I thank God for my "Corinth" in central NJ.
5 comments:
Thank you, Teresa for sharing.. I do understand your point. My previous church went through many transitions and sometimes it can be difficult. I did, like you, stick it out in my previous church because our family was committed to the teachings of the head pastor and believed in the vision. Many people did not, and sadly left to find their 'Phillipi'.
A more important question which I would hope you could answer is: What are you looking for in a church besides the liturgy. Are you looking for fellowship? I believe a church should have a balance.
Forgive me, if my comment offended you. And, I understood the analogy from Dances with Wolves.
I wanted feedback on my survey answers. I didn't post the survey thinking my parish perfect. But I want the answers to reflect our progress ... and your comment indicates that progress is imperceptible. I need to rework my survey answers so the progress is clear.
My initial reaction to the comment was "gee, did she read the survey answers?" because "how sad" sounds conditioned. I asked myself, "Is Laura a glass-half-empty type of person?" No, none of my initial impulses hold true: you read the survey answers objectively.
I found the comment frustrating because any reply sounds defensive. And I gave up defending Catholicism a long time ago.
I was sensitive to the fact that some inquiries are not seeking answers but, in challenging Catholic beliefs, striving to undermine the Catholic's faith by instilling doubt. I am naturally reluctant to engage in that type of contest, although I must allow myself to be "fair game" for it. I mean, I must allow myself to be vulnerable for Christ's sake and, so, you have my permission to ask with the intention of undermining my faith. I cannot stop you and I won't cry "foul," Lord willing. If I have already winced (and I think I have), I apologize - I'm not always as strong as I would like, but that is my goal.
And I don't want to undermine your faith, so I hope that I haven't done that. I need to re-read my posts and check my attitude. I may do some editing, as well, please forgive me that vain indulgence.
Let's just say that I have interacted with non-Catholic Christians for a couple of decades, so I'm not timid. But Michele got me with the Trent anathemas ... I'm still working on an answer for her!
All that said, we do need your prayers because a score of 36% is plain lousy!
Teresa,
I am humbled by your response. I am in no way trying to undermind the Catholic faith... My entire family is still Catholic, -- however, - they do not see the relationship to Christ as you do. I am thankful that you have such a wonderful understanding/knowledge of what our Lord did for us and can admit that you are a sinner in need of a savior... This point does not ring home for my fellow Catholics...
My questions are not aimed to undermine you at all. I never in my life met a (this may sound weird) - Christian Catholic... You have heart, love, soul, passion in your writing.. And, are much more educated in the scriptures than myself.
I believe, you are there for a reason -- to make a positive change in your church. To bring about fellowship and support for one another. I believe, this is what the Catholic Church is lacking.
Even in the Protestant Faith, there are many denominations that differ regarding doctrine. Catholicism is not different than my differing what the Pentecostal's believe, for example...
I believe we need to embrace what we do share in common. And, - also try to take the best from our congregations and share. You should not only visit other Catholic Parishes in your survey but also Protestant Congregation's as well. Take the best from all and try and invoke change. Hopefully, when you redo your survey, it will improve significantly!
:)
Hi Laura,
I just came across this from you and noticed that I had not commented. I am sorry ... you know that I have a comment, as always.
On Feb 23, 2006, at 8:29 PM, Laura T wrote:
You should not only visit other Catholic Parishes in your survey but also Protestant Congregation's as well.
Well, that might be an upcoming assignment, to visit Protestant churches and to learn what they do right. But my "homework" -- as a part of the diocesan-sponsored, 50+ hour, evangelization training that I am doing -- instructed me to visit three nearby Catholic churches and evaluate how friendly they are to newcomers. So, that's where I am right now, doing that.
And you notice that I haven't posted another survey result since the first one, because the church that I visited last weekend in Jackson was much, much worse than my own. I haven't the guts to put the results up. It was a really, really bad worship experience and, unfortunately, I attended with a close friend of mine -- it's her parish and, afterwards, she asked me, "So, are we friendly?!" and I just said, "Well, I need to sit down and write it out" because I couldn't tell her how deplorable the whole thing was. She's a glass-three-quarters-full type of person, let me tell you, and good thing, too, I guess. Tomorrow's church in Manalapan may be better - let's hope so.
Take care, blessed sabbath, Teresa
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