Hi Moms,
My family and I have spent the better part of the last year looking for a church that "works" for us. I was raised very striclty in the Lutheran Church and my husband was raised in a non-denominational church. We are seeking an easy-going Catholic church near Long Beach (if one even exists???). We would like a liberal viewpoint/priest/church. Any churches you know of?
Thank you!
Thank you so much to all of you who responded. I received some good leads and resources to check out. No, I was not looking for a "gay" church but the website listing churches that accept homosexuals into their congregation offered me a chance to find churches that might be open-minded in other ways. After receiving a handful of sarcastic responses, I truly appreciate the individuals who jumped in with honest, thoughtful, caring responses, offering exactly what I was seeking! Thanks Ladies!
now there's an oxymoron if I've ever heard one (from a former born-and-raised Catholic :)
Good luck! Maybe you could try Episcopalian?
They are out there. I know of one near me. The priest beckoned me forward to receive the eucherist during mass. I'm not Catholic. I am also a lesbian. I don't think this is very common at all, but they are out there. I would suggest looking on gaychurch.org and looking at the church directory. I know you are not specifically looking for a gay friendly church, but there are Catholic churches listed there, and I would assume any of them would be quite liberal! :)
I don't know of any, but I would suggest checking out the congregations near or affiliated with universities or colleges in your area. You might also call your local diocese and ask (though I don't know if they will actually help you or not; it might depend on the attitude of the diocese). For example, Ohio State University has a "Newman Center" on campus that is pretty laid back and open and welcoming.
hee hee. Liberal? Catholic? You're kidding. Methodist? Lutheran?
OK I am super non-practicing (and liberal, and easy-going)...I think our parish in Livermore (CA) is all of the things you mention. One of the pastors, Father Dave, is MARRIED and his daughter was an altar server. He was formerly Anglican and converted, and thanks to canon law and the sacrament of marriage, is allowed to be married AND a priest. He also taught or teaches law at Santa Clara university. Needless to say, the homilies were GREAT.
I think the entire parish is pretty easy-going...and though it's not near you C., I am just posting so that you know there are parishes like that out there. I might look less at the denomination and more at the background of the priests/ministers...Good luck!
"Easy-Going Catholic Church"?!
BAHAWAHA!!!!
Our best bet is to START one, sista!
(Might have better luck with 'liberal' with the Methodists)
:(
I know that you are in Long Beach but a real easy going church and very liberal (with I might add a lot of Hollywood industry people in it) is St. Monica's Parish in Santa Monica. They also have a very vibrant and active community. Perhaps you could call and ask them of a parish similar to theirs in Long Beach or nearby. Good luck.
I know a lot of liberal people who attend St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Long Beach (on Willow @ Palo Verde). I don't know the chuch's views/approach, though. I've been to one worship service there and it seemed relatively easy-going. I do know they have an upbeat contemporary service as well. Christ Lutheran Church in LB (on Stearns between Palo Verde and Studebaker) is my home church. It is liberal and also a Reconciled-in-Christ congregation. This means gays, lesbians, bi-sexuals, and transgenders are welcome. In fact, there are several RIC congregations in LB if that is what is important to you. Regardless, CLC is a small, but mighty church with an amazing diverse community. I hope this helps in your search.
Hi C.:
I would invite you to come check out our church. While we are not in LB, we are in Downey, not too far away. It is:
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
10727 Downey Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
We have wonderful priests and a great, active community. Our church does not "require" much, you can be as involved or not as you like...whatever you and your family are comfortable with. No one is ever turned away! We also have a wonderful children's prgram during the 9:30 am Mass, where kids (4-5 years old through tweens) are taken to a separate area and have the gospel explained to them in their language (they go out right before the first reading and return shortly after the homily so that parents can concentrate and the kids can learn the "good news" at their level). This too is optional, and you can opt to keep your kids with you during the entire Mass if you prefer :)
We also have a wonderful religious education program (I am proud to be a catechist teaching 3rd grade) after Mass at the school, if you would like your kids to learn more and of course get their Sacrements...you can private message me if you'd like more info :)
Your level of involvement (or not) is up to you. You will find us a loving, caring Catholic community, of whcih I am proud to belong :)
God bless,
M.
