"Otherwise, protestations to the contrary notwithstanding, the Catholic Community does become a social club that rises or falls with a change in pastor."


Now, I really like my current parish, but, would I go there to be with a group of people--many of whom I don't know, and some whom I do but don't like--if it weren't for Jesus in the Eucharist? I don't know about you, but a social club is, for me, something that is meant to be social and fun. I wouldn't join one that had the people in it who are in my parish necessarily. It is Jesus in the Eucharist that brings us together even when, for instance, our church politics are totally different to the point of verbal daggers. It is Jesus in the Eucharist that encourages us to stay together and to practice love and forgiveness. I just don't see where I would consider it a social club if it was as much work as "parish" is.