Welcome Parishioners

Dear Friends,

When I grew up, in Providence, your parish was determined by the street that you lived on. Although we lived just three blocks from St. Charles, (the French Church), and a quarter of a mile from Assumption Church, we were in the geographical boundaries of St. Mary’s, (the Irish Church), which was almost a mile away from home. And that parish was what determined pretty much automatically where you would receive all of your sacraments- unless you moved to another area of the city. The phrase “church shopping” was not even a thought. Not anymore. Although some of the clergy don’t like the new name of “church shopping,” people today are doing just that. Today’s discerning parishioners question (a good thing), and are looking for good liturgy, stimulating, contemporary homilies, friendly and welcoming clergy, and a parish community that gets involved in the “outside” world. Compared to the congregations when I was a youngster, today’s parishioners are better educated and at times questioning (a good thing). Parishes today are also diverse which is a good thing – some even with Latin Masses which still appeal to a minority.

I find that many join a particular parish because it just may be more welcoming and friendly. I have heard far too many stories about people joining a parish because of the rudeness of one of the clergy. Father Korpi recently told me that he and his late wife, Vinnie, joined another parish years ago for that very reason – a priests’ rudeness. He found another more welcoming community to attend Sunday Mass. I would have done the same. The point is that a little kindness goes a long way – and, it, too is a sermon to others. I remember when I was in college and attended Sunday Mass how the celebrant kept reiterating how sinful we all were. I could see by the facial expressions on some of the congregants how annoyed they were. I got up and left and went to the neighboring parish for the next Mass.

Recently I read an article in Commonwealth Magazine by Father Nonomen in which he suggested that Spirituality is not one-size-fits-all. In his last paragraph he states:”…The faith community that satisfied you when you were young and just starting a family might no longer fill your glass after your children are grown. Sometimes we need diversity and sometimes we ache for kindred souls. Might not the twists and turns on the pathway to God also lead through different parishes at different times?”

I, as pastor, am always happy to welcome new parishioners. It has been my custom to personally send a welcome card to all new registrants. And whenever anyone might leave Nativity because they may have found another parish to meet their spiritual needs I always thank them and wish them well in their new parish. There is a lot of variety out there and some may feel more at home and comfortable in a parish that just may be a few miles away from their “official” parish. What is important is to come to Sunday worship, feel comfortable, and leave feeling uplifted and ready to meet the challenges of the week ahead. And although you may have heard otherwise – it’s a big church with room for all. To end on a personal note, I continue to be happy pastoring here at Nativity, and hope you who come here feel the same about your clergy. If not please let us know – but do it in a kind manner.

Thanks for worshiping with us and have a good week.
Fr. Martin