I study Tai Chi, not at church, but I don't think I would be troubled if it was offered there. If it is not for spiritual development, but merely offered as a type of fitness fellowship it would be great. It is the centering prayer thingy that would give me pause.

I wouldn't rule out the bigger parish right away. It's possible that the pastor doesn't understand centering prayer and that the group that does it is very small and not representative of the majority of the people. There's a prayer group (I don't know what they do) at my very large parish and I think only about 10 people attend. I would suggest that you check them both out.

This is quite true.
Having 'fringe' unorthodoxy, does not mean that the parish is completely unorthodox....... However, there may be one mass time that is more traditional if not perfect and as Saint Francis said when asked what he would do about an unworthy priest: 'I would receive my Lord from his hands'. The beauty of Catholicism lies in that its not dependent on personalities, our Lord is there no matter what......

Well there are times the Lord is not there....there are such things as invalid Masses and invalid Communion (for lack of a better word).


SV

so few and far between as to be insignificant i would think

The fact remains it does happen...I stated that in response to the above comment. The Lord is not 'always there no matter what'.



SV

true...and i just expounded on your comment to better quantify

Personally I'd go #2. Ordained in 2006 usually means orthodox. Smaller doesn't necessarily mean worse - it means there is more you can offer them as an experienced youth minister.

Seriously.

Oh yes - and "Centering Prayer" - as the knights said: "Run away!"

--Ann
PS: As everyone else said "community" - I don't even walk in the door if I see that.