Religious Services end at the Polynesian

[MauraAndIainsDad]

Thanks for the link, Zoo Keeper! We'll probably try another church during our stay.

Just to clarify, I don't mind donating money at the Shrine and I know that they need to let people know that the Shrine is totally supported by visitors' donations. However, in my humble (but correct ) opinion, they go over the top and it takes away from my Mass experience. So much so that it is driving me away from returning - my wife feels the same way, BTW.

Also, just to clarify, I can only speak to my observations about the priest shortages in the Atlanta area. I realize that other parts of the country may still be in crisis. Perhaps the Archdiocese of Atlanta is doing a better job of "recruiting" priests; maybe it is the fruits of the Elijah Cup ministry that we've been undertaking for several years. One thing that I have noticed is that a lot of the ordinations are of foreign men, especially Irish, Vietnamese and Latin (Mexican, Columbian, etc.) men. I still notice a shortage of nuns, however.

 

[Patabel]

As PamOKW mentioned, the nearby church is Holy Family. Here is the information I copied from another DIS'er awhile back:


It is Holy Family:
From Hotel Plaza Blvd. go to intersection in front of Crossroads and take a left...go about 10 miles up Apopka-Vineland north..past Bay Hill...and you'll come to Holy Family Church on your right...great family church in upper class neighborhood!
Mass Schedule: Sat 5
Sun : 7 AM
8:45 AM
10:30 AM
12:15 Pm
6 PM
Daily : Mon. - Sat : 8:30 AM
Mon - Fri. 6:45 AM
Phone # (407)876- 2211

 

[mkymouse1928]

I too am disappointed that there will be no on-sight mass anymore. While we will have a car with us I am the only Catholic and my hubby wont go with me (I respect his choice) and I'm not very good at finding my way in unfamiliar territory without someone to help with street signs and directions -- I can get lost in my own hometown ! So I guess attending the shrine is not an option for me unless I can find someone to go with me.

I do understand the priest shortage. Here in Cincinnati many parishes share one priest with maybe two associates or retired priests who help out. The parish my parents attend only has one mass time as the priest just doesn't have enough time. He has an associate to say mass everyother Sunday but his primary job is teaching and saying mass at the seminary.

I guess we just have to pray that this will be a temporary measure until more men decide to join the priesthood.

 

[doxdogy]

Has anyone contacted the Diocese in Orlando to see if they have an answer to the question? My church up here is wonderful. But, Jacksonville is quite a drive from Orlando to attend church. But, if you ever feel the desire come on up and join us one Sunday.

Theresa

 

[Greg K.]

An idea...

I am just beginning formation to become a Catholic deacon, in the diocese of Brooklyn.

The Diocese of Orlando COULD assign one of its deacons to lead a communion service and administer the eucharist.

Which would at least be preferable to having hundreds of tourists stranded on site, without a car, unable to get to a church.

This is done in some remote areas of the country where there are very few priests.

 

[PamOKW]

The Diocese of Orlando COULD assign one of its deacons to lead a communion service and administer the eucharist

This is why I don't think it's their decision. They have built an entire ministry to serve the tourists. Why would they pull out now? I don't know for sure, but I think it's a Disney decision.

mykmouse -- The Shrine is very easy to reach. You get to Hotel Blvd. (near DD). Head straight out towards the Crossroads Shopping Center. Instead of going into the shopping center you turn right. Get into the left-hand lanes. You pass under I-4. There will be a traffic light leading into Little Lake Bryan. You turn left at this light. Follow the road until you hit the Shrine on your right.

I haven't been in the area in over a year. My guess is the road is even more clearly marked now since it also leads to many new hotels and to the Premium Outlet Center. If you make the trip once, it will be easy as pie in the future.

I agree that the Shrine pushes the message a bit -- but many Catholics need to be pushed to donate. I would feel I am imposing on Holy Family to attend mass there. While they are welcoming, they have devoted a great deal of time and money to establish a beautiful church for visitors to attend. Kind of insulting to their work to not use the Shrine. They built the facility because they couldn't handle the crowds at their own parish. I would pick another church to attend if I didn't want to go to the Shrine.

 

[madaboutMickey]

I am also sorry to hear that there will not be any services held at the Poly during our next trip. We had decided not to rent a car this time but we may have to rethink this now.

We first attended the Shrine back in 1988 before the church was built. Mass was said in the building next to the gift shop. Only folding chairs but there was such a sense of community. Haven't found this since the church was completed. I agree, too much time is spent on asking for money. Last time we were there was in 1997. We started going to Mass on-site after that.

I can see that a shortage of priests may be the cause but why do away with the protestant service. Or is Disney trying to be "politically correct" again. Can't have one, can't have the other.

 

[AF Brenda]

I wouldn't see it as being politically correct as much as just plain fair. I'm kind of surprised that they had Christian services all these years, but not Jewish ones.

 

[disneykaws]

We attended mass at the Poly on July 28th. It was packed. SRO

We have always felt that having the mass on site was so special. We were glorifying God and thanking him for our trip and for our family being together. It is an annual, spiritual event for us. We liked making our faith a special part of our vacation, and the priests always helped to inspire those feelings.

I will write to the addresses given. Everyone should ask for the return of the services. Other groups seem to be acccomodated at Disney.

Maybe there is another location (like the theater near the American pavilion in Epcot) where they can accomodate all types of services more easily (parking, etc.)

 

[B3LM]

I'm very disappointed to hear this, so I just wrote to WDW. I hope I get a response back from them.

Beth

 

[Greg K.]

It occurs to me that if the Southern Baptists get wind of this -- and I'm sure, they will -- there will be hell to pay.

I can hear it now.

"What? You mean Disney is inviting ****-SEX-uals for those GAY DAYS and CANCELLING church on Sunday?!"

Can you say "Boycott"?

Oooh, that's just not good p.r., Disney, not at all. Somebody is definitely asleep at the switch here.

 

[AF Brenda]

Other groups seem to be acccomodated at Disney.

This is what I don't understand. As far as religious services, one group was being accomodated - Christians. Now, no groups are being accomodated. Of what groups are you speaking when you say they are being accomodated.

I guess I must be missing something.

 

[disneykaws]

Disney accomodates various conventions, private parties, etc. by closing normally public areas on occasion. They accomodate Gay Days and other special days in the parks. They should allow religious services on property, including Christian and non-Christian services.

 

[DeeP]

I wouldn't see it as being politically correct as much as just plain fair. I'm kind of surprised that they had Christian services all these years, but not Jewish ones.

I have thought the same thing for years. They could even use the same facility at the Poly and do the Jewish services on Sat.

 

[PamOKW]

The reason they did not offer Jewish services is that a Rabbi would have to volunteer his/her services. I'm sure if someone had expressed interest they would have set-up a Saturday service as well. Disney did not arrange the services, they just offered use of the space. They do provide directions to area mosques and synagogues as well as churches.

In any case, I asked the Shrine whether it was true that services would be ending. Here is the reply.

Walt Disney World has decided it would be more comfortable for their
guests to attend mass in a more traditional setting. In order to assist
their guests, Disney will begin providing bus transportation to the
Shrine church.

On your next visit, please check with a guest service cast member and
they will be happy to supply you with all the necessary information.

It's a shame the Poly services have to end but if Disney will set-up transportation to the Shrine it seems a reasonable trade-off.

 

[AF Brenda]

If indeed Disney is providing transportation, I think that is very nice, but certainly not something they are under any obligation to do.

And I do think it is nice that Disney "accomodates" Gay Days - they open their gates, just like every other day of the year.

 

[disneykaws]

According to WDWig:

Guests of Catholic faith can attend mass at the Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine. Mears Motor Transportation offers round-trip shuttle service direct from each resort on Sunday morning for the 9:30 a.m. mass. The cost for this service is $10.00 per person, round-trip. Contact Mears at 407-423-5566 to make reservations. If you wish to arrange for taxi service, contact Checker/Yellow Cab at 407-699-9999.

 

[PLUTO2]

I thought the mass outdoors was special compared to a "traditional" setting. Now if I am reading the previous post correctly I will have to now pay $30.00 for three people so I can attend Mass?!

 

[PamOKW]

I will have to now pay $30.00 for three people

If you have more than one person, I would get a cab. Depending upon which resort you start from, the cost would be roughly $10-$15 each way. On second thought, maybe the bus does come out cheaper.

I was wondering whether Disney was going to pick up the tab. Hiring Mears to provide the service will save them a lot of headaches over trying to book cabs for all the folks looking to attend mass. Of course, I bet a lot of people who could get to the Poly will not be as likely to give up the time it will take to wait for buses. Driving a car there is no problem at all....waiting for bus service might be worth a special place in heaven.

 

[Patabel]

I'm sure I'm about to get flamed here.......

Well, the bottom line is that WDW has never been obligated to nor should it be obligated in the future to provide religious services for its guests. I cannot think of any other resort area across the nation that does that. From all the years of attending Mass at the Poly, it was always made clear that Disney provided the facility at NO charge. Not even liability. (and in this sue-happy society we live in, I wonder how many claims have been made by folks who weren't paying attention and sat down wrong/fast on those low chairs, or kids who fell off the staging area during the Mass? ). All the other interest groups, private parties, conventions, etc. all pay tons o' money to utilize the facilities.

Will I pay busfare to go to Mass if I haven't rented a car? Of course. But that is my choice as a Catholic to attend Mass on Sunday. I think it's great that arrangements have been made to provide any transportation at all. Will I write letters asking for Masses back at the Poly? Of course, I will certainly miss the convenience. But that convenience isn't there when I travel anywhere else, so I will get over it.

I really am sorry if I am coming across harshly here. It just gets very frustrating when people are so very quick to bash WDW.

ok, I'm off the soapbox.