We need those crazy Catholics
to make sure your Parish doesn't close.
Last month I attended the final Mass at a neighborhood parish. There were wake-like elements: tears, hugs, conversation, laughter, and stories. It had finality: parishioners would never assemble again in this church.
As I looked at the congregation in which walkers and bifocals far outnumbered car seats and juice cups, I thought about the parish history I had read. Written in 1957, it spoke of six Masses being celebrated every Sunday, a school that was flourishing, organizations teeming with participants.
I thought about other parishes that have closed or will be closing. Closing wasn't in their thoughts when terms like "packed," "long lines" and "waiting list" often defined the parish. Had someone asked 50 years ago, "Do you think our parish will ever close?" he or she would have been termed "crazy."
We need "crazy" Catholics. We need Catholics who, when the parish is thriving, think about what it would be like if the parish closed. We need them to freeze that image and then work toward never letting it become a reality.
Last month I attended the final Mass at a neighborhood parish. There were wake-like elements: tears, hugs, conversation, laughter, and stories. It had finality: parishioners would never assemble again in this church.
As I looked at the congregation in which walkers and bifocals far outnumbered car seats and juice cups, I thought about the parish history I had read. Written in 1957, it spoke of six Masses being celebrated every Sunday, a school that was flourishing, organizations teeming with participants.
I thought about other parishes that have closed or will be closing. Closing wasn't in their thoughts when terms like "packed," "long lines" and "waiting list" often defined the parish. Had someone asked 50 years ago, "Do you think our parish will ever close?" he or she would have been termed "crazy."
We need "crazy" Catholics. We need Catholics who, when the parish is thriving, think about what it would be like if the parish closed. We need them to freeze that image and then work toward never letting it become a reality.
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