Choosing a Church, and Then What?

 What is the Mass for?  Why do we go?

1. to worship God

2. to pray

3. to commune with God/Christ

4. To be reminded we are loved and that our identity is in Christ

5. To be inspired, motivated, and convicted to apply Christ's teachings to our life

Litmus test for choosing which church to attend and raise our children in: how well does it deliver on these five points?

1. What does worship look like?  Is it oriented towards God?  Are we in a position of humility before God?  Are we in a state of awe before God?

2. Are we able to pray here?  Or are we distracted by what's going on around us?  Do we have enough time to enter into prayer without expectation of doing the next thing?

3. In what way do we commune with God? Are we able to prepare for it?  Do we feel a part of a community together communing with God?  What does it feel like to be in God's presence?  Is that communing with God?

4. Does the atmosphere remind us who we are? (Loved children of God who rebel against Him through our sins.) Does the preaching do this?  Do the other parishioners?

5. Do the homilies and practices of the church encourage me to repent and believe?  Do they challenge me to grow in my faith and walk with Christ?  Can I taste just enough heaven on Earth to want to work towards being there in eternity?

What else should my walk with Christ include, other than a faithful church community?

1. Daily prayer.  The habit of prayer.  Time set aside to pray.  A place conducive to prayer.  Bringing questions and concerns to the Lord.

2. Scripture study.  Daily reading of the Bible.  An ongoing exploration of Jesus' teaching and example, so as to discern best course of action.

3. Silent reflection.  Just sitting in the presence of the Lord, in nature or Adoration or on retreat.  Waiting and listening for the Lord to speak.  Ready to journal when He does.

4. Habit of fasting.  Making room for God.  Training my will to submit to God.  Uniting myself with those who have no choice but to fast.  Growing thereby in charity and generosity.

5. Acts of charity.  Almsgiving.  Biting my tongue.  Offering assistance.  Listening.  Observing to watch for needs that arise.  Seek ways to serve Christ in others.