This thread is great for me to see right now. I am 46 and have been Catholic all of my life. DH converted (Lutheran and Baptist background) about 8 years ago and we were all going to Mass every Sunday.
Our biggest issue is the kids. I want church to be a warm, fun loving place, like God. The kids just hated church so much, and religious education is no better. Not only do they not enjoy the classes, they are not learning much either. I want the kids to grow up being comfortable with and have a need for God and His community, and that just wasn't happening. God was a dreaded duty for them, due to the nature of Mass and the lack of any real effort to involve this newer generation.
The area we live in doesn't have much to choose from unfortunately. I wanted something with the same beliefs, but more heart and more fun. DH found an Evangelical Lutheran church and we're there for now. Maybe it's the evangelical part I have trouble with, but I just can't quite love it yet. I have spoken with quite a few people there that used to be Catholic. I do like how they make more of an effort to be a friendly community. The kids like the religious ed classes much better.
Still, I'm a bit undecided. I really wish the Catholic church would modernize at least a little for the kids. I miss it.
Our biggest issue is the kids. I want church to be a warm, fun loving place, like God. The kids just hated church so much, and religious education is no better. Not only do they not enjoy the classes, they are not learning much either. I want the kids to grow up being comfortable with and have a need for God and His community, and that just wasn't happening. God was a dreaded duty for them, due to the nature of Mass and the lack of any real effort to involve this newer generation.
The area we live in doesn't have much to choose from unfortunately. I wanted something with the same beliefs, but more heart and more fun. DH found an Evangelical Lutheran church and we're there for now. Maybe it's the evangelical part I have trouble with, but I just can't quite love it yet. I have spoken with quite a few people there that used to be Catholic. I do like how they make more of an effort to be a friendly community. The kids like the religious ed classes much better.
Still, I'm a bit undecided. I really wish the Catholic church would modernize at least a little for the kids. I miss it.