looking for a catholic church

[pasta37]

We were so very sad when Polynesian stopped their outdoor Sunday services - They were always packed and, although I understand that sinc ethey couldn't cover every religion they felt it necessary to stop, but the crowds were certainly always there

Anyhow, it seesm that I can only find Mary Queen of Universe Shrine as an alternative and am not at all pleased with what I have read about it - very fund-raisy!

The local people must have a church somewhere not too far from Disney - Does anyone know of one?

Thanks!

 

[PammyK]

First of all....what Mary, Queen of the Universe does is explain that they are a mission church and not a parish, which is why they rely on donations from visitors. As always, it is your choice whether or not to put anything in toward the collection. Yes, some people feel it is over the top, but I personally have always enjoyed Mass at the Shrine.

If you are looking for someplace else though, Holy Cross parish is on John Young Parkway, not far off the 417. If you are headed toward the airport from WDW take the John Young Parkway exit, turn left off the exit ramp and it will be on your right.

You could also try Holy Family Parish which is a nice parish but nightmarish trying to leave the parking lot after Mass.

The Cathedral is in downtown Orlando which may be a bit of a hike. Or you could always try my parish, Annunciation, but that would be a good 30-40 minute drive up I-4 from WDW.

For more parishes in the area, try the following link which is great whenever and wherever you are traveling. Nationwide Mass Times

 

[Mike]

pasta37,
The priests and lay volunteers that conducted the Masses at the Poly were from the Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine. They gave the same "pitch" at the Poly that they do at the Shrine. THe stories you hear about Masses at the Shrine are greatly exaggerated. Yes they ask for a donation at the beginning of Mass (just like they did at the Poly). You are not pressured or harassed as others would have you think. Some people would like you to think you are walking into an Amway meeting or something. It is not like that at all. If you enjoyed the Mass at the Poly then you will have no problem with Mass at the Shrine. I have been several times and never felt uncomfortable. In fact, the only time I thought the Priest was a little more "agressive" than usual with the fund raising spiel was the last time I was at the Poly for Mass.
The Shrine is a beautiful place to worship. They cater to the tourist and are not backed by a parish. Thus they have no financial foundation and rely on the tourists as their parishoners to support the Shrine.
That being said here are some links to other loacal Churches:

http://www.holyfamilyorlando.org/
http://www.stjcc.net/

I hope these help

 

[pasta37]

Wow - thanks to both of you for the quick responses - your feedback sure differs from the comments I had stumbled upon the last two years - They were very sharp-tongued and actually stated that the money speeches lasted up to 15 minutes

I did know that they sponsored the Poly masses and, although we were handed flyers on the way in with donation envelopes, I never felt that the talk for money was excessive - In fact, most local parishes do the same thing at least some point.

Sounds like I need to reconsider giving them a shot - I'll look at the other links you provided also

Thank you

 

[Kevs mom]

pasta37 I agree with the others, my family and I attended Mass last year at "Mary Queen of the Universe" and LOVED it, what a beautiful place to visit, we felt no pressure whatsoever to make a donation and they do not dwell on the subject at all, whatever you may have read must have been exaggerated, you should go and give it a try, we will be there weekend after next again

 

[CarolA]

By the way, Disney did not discountinue the mass because they could not do all religions. Mass was discontinued because the Priests at Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine felt they could not longer support the services at both their church and Disney. This information was on their web page.