Dear Mom,

Sometimes looking for a better church can be compared to looking for a better marriage partner. We are called to work through our difficulties in order to honor our vow. You are a positive witness to this belief.

As Catholics we do not center our devotion around the community of believers though being active in the Body of Christ is certainly a universal call. Our reverence is centered around the Holy Mass and the reception of the Eucharist. The music, the oratory, the decoration, or the building can be dismal but it does not lessen our belief in the miracle of Transubstantiation. Certainly extremes in any one of the above, can detract our human spirits from the center focus of the Mass, the Eucharist.

As long as humans are involved in anything the ideal of perfection will never be realized. It is indeed a sorrow to be feeling that you have lost something so precious and dear. However I sense you are very much in love with your faith. Sit down as a family and discuss what you desire in a church family and see how these goals can be met. Find the church that most nearly fits your needs. Pray for the Holy Spirit to refresh your anointing. Jesus' greatest desire is that you come to Him. He will give you the graces necessary.

Do not keep changing churches but instead work through the problems and difficulties. I prefer a church close to home, so that it becomes a part of my life. I sense that your family could provide a real and fruitful witness of faith to whatever church family you choose. This may be the reason the Tempter is trying to fill your heart with restlessness.

Make your home a domestic church so that it becomes a spiritual haven and place of renewal when the Tempter burdens you.

Pray the family rosary and receive the Precious Body of Christ often to sustain and uplift you during this difficult time.

I am praying for you.

Dearest Jesus, we ask that You help us find the peace under pressure and in the face of adversity, so that we may approach our worship with Joy. Amen.

Sending out a prayer,
Rita Munn