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Erin
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| Posted: June 17 2007 at 3:32pm | IP Logged
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Martha wrote:
It's that there is almost never a single event outside of Mass that the family can do AS A FAMILY. |
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Do you not have family groups in America? We have them here, in theory the idea is very good and can work well in practice too. It just depends on the group/parish.
They were designed to encourage more of a sense of parish community. You choose to join and they match several families together and they do activities/outings together. Ideally they are meant to join several families of cross ages sections, couples in their 60/70/80s, families with parents in their 50s, 40s, 30s etc. IMO I think that works better to build a sense of community than the way the one we are in now works. This time they have matched a whole lot of families with children together which has its positive and negative points.
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Erin
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Martha
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| Posted: June 17 2007 at 6:54pm | IP Logged
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Erin wrote:
| Do you not have family groups in America? We have them here, in theory the idea is very good and can work well in practice too. It just depends on the group/parish. |
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Not to my knowledge.
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Martha
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chicken lady
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| Posted: June 17 2007 at 10:09pm | IP Logged
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One thought is the Catholic church is the fullness of truth, we are not a church based on "fellowship". We are different in that our faith is about Calvary, not our feelings! I think so many people have bought into the protestant mentality of it is all about us and our feelings. I don't say this to say you are not feeling isolated and we the church need to reach out and minister to each other. I just wanted to seperate the two issues. I know I am blessed to live in a strong Catholic area, and I cannot imagine how hard it would be to feel so isolated Elizabeth, but I worry when people suggest that fellowship is something they would leave the "fullness of Faith" over.
Please Elizabeth know that I am not diraecting this at you, you have brought a serious hurt to us for support and believe me I am right there with you, praying for your support locally.
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Martha
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| Posted: June 18 2007 at 9:01am | IP Logged
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chicken lady wrote:
| but I worry when people suggest that fellowship is something they would leave the "fullness of Faith" over. |
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I agree and disagree.
I have often said that although we all have a our "cross to bear", even Christ needed help to carry his cross.
I don't think it's as simple as people leaving because they don't have that community feeling. Community is the vehicle that allows us to help each other.
I think people leave because they know if they don't find help carrying their cross, eventually they will set it down and walk away from it.
So when a mother is on bedrest, for example, and all she hears is "well you know you probably shouldn't have anymore" and no one visits or whatever... Well now she knows what her cross is, but there's no one to help her carry it!
I don't think it's just about being a community. It's about literally being willing to help another carry their cross and seeing Christ in them when we do it.
Sometimes I think we just get overwhelmed with the weight of our own cross and forget that many hands make a lighter load. 
Just my thoughts on this. I know what you are saying and completely agree. I'm not leaving my faith over this, but I can see how some might.
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chicken lady
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| Posted: June 18 2007 at 10:39am | IP Logged
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We are nothing without Christ, the Eucharist! He is our only strenght, people will always fail us, our help must come from on high.
That said I think Elizabeths post is wonderful because it reminds us that WE are the hands and feet of Christ, we are called to be our brothers keeper, we are called to serve the needs of the poor, we have our dear Blessed Mother as our model and Mediatrix. We are given the grace to reach out beyond ourselves to meet those in need, and I am grateful to Elizabeth for the gentle reminder to look around me today!
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doris
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Thanks everyone for your thoughts. Much to ponder here. Part of what I was getting at in the OP was that lots of people who go to Mass on Sundays are 'nominal' Catholics who go along but who aren't really committed. Now, I happen to think that that isn't necessarily a bad thing -- at least they're coming, and maybe sooner or later they'll start to live their faith the rest of the week as well. But it does mean that they're probably not going to have that burning love for Jesus which spills out all over the place and means that they can't help but help other people out.
I'm not trying to be judgemental, just understand it -- especially as a convert, and as compared with the experience of Protestant friends. The other side of my characterisation of the situation above, is that similarly uncommitted Protestants would probably just stop going to church at all. So Protestant churches (certain sorts anyway) are full of very committed people.
There *is* fellowship available for me -- I've met some nice Catholic homeschoolers, and also started going along to some 'Family Days' once a month. But they're scattered about, up to an hour's drive away (I know, that's next door for Americans, but miles for Brits!) -- and therefore not likely to be popping round with a casserole...
Also, when I've tentatively offered help to people (eg I offered a meal to someone I know quite well after she had a baby) I've been met with an embarrassed refusal -- so maybe it's just not the culture in unfriendly old London 
Anyway, as a Protestant friend used to say, 'Just another opportunity to trust in the Lord!'
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Lisbet
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| Posted: June 19 2007 at 5:25am | IP Logged
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Quote:
Also, when I've tentatively offered help to people (eg I offered a meal to someone I know quite well after she had a baby) I've been met with an embarrassed refusal -- so maybe it's just not the culture in unfriendly old London
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Do it anyway. Seriously. Make it a freezer friendly meal and do it anyway. :)
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AnaB
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| Posted: June 19 2007 at 6:43pm | IP Logged
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I would be very careful to make generalizations. I am Protestant and come here partially for the sense of CM community here. It is precious to me. Our church is in the city and is not real big but is big on community. This is NOT because we're all about feelings, but rather we try to take the Bible seriously. We have been shown much grace through Christ and the normal response is to overflow in grace to others. The Bible calls us the "Body of Christ". We are to bear one another's burdens and be Christ's hands, arms, feet for each other. The first church was characterized by their love for each other. If we are not helping meet both the physical and spiritual needs of others, who else will?
Yes, there is alot of emotionalism in the modern day church. But I think there are pockets of revival where people are hungry for authentic faith lived out day in and day out. Yes, people will disappoint us, but that doesn't mean we don't need each other. We do organize meals for new moms and people in the hospital. The singles are really helpful to offer free child care when someone really needs a babysitter. People have even offered cleaning help. It is precious and just makes me give more glory to God for providing for me through precious sisters. It's not a program or an organized thing, but a conviction to help each other and offer hospitality just like TItus 2 tells us to do.
That doesn't mean I've never been lonely, but at the same time the Lord has had me on both the giving and receiving end of grace and it's what being a Christian is all about.
I pray you find that and that the Lord provides that for you. I pray that in the meantime you will find your refuge and consolation in Him and His Word. I wish I were close enough to help you too!
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: community
