- Feb 5, 2002
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Parish life can be and is beautiful. However, sometimes as in any group setting, people can be “cliquey”. In other words, there can be an air of unwelcoming behavior that to an outsider is unattractive and unappealing. When people stray away from their faith for whatever reason, unfortunately, one of those reasons may be a feeling of not being welcomed in their own church setting. Jesus certainly would not agree with this behavior of snobbery toward others as his teachings point to reaching out in terms of kindness and openness to new people and new families. Here are ways to avoid church snobbery which may be a help during holiday seasons when people who have been away come back.
Avoid cliques
Cliques and friend groups are everywhere. There is nothing wrong with developing good friends who you love to “hang out” with and befriend. The problem is when we become closed off to making new friends and/or exclude others. Cliques are found is schools, work places, neighborhoods, extended families, and many other places. One place we would hope to not find them is within the Catholic Church or any church or faith-based group. It is sad to see when a new person shows up to church, to a group, or event, and no one walks over to say hello or offer a friendly smile. Avoiding cliques is number one when it comes to not coming off a “snob” to others.
Continued below.
Avoid cliques
Cliques and friend groups are everywhere. There is nothing wrong with developing good friends who you love to “hang out” with and befriend. The problem is when we become closed off to making new friends and/or exclude others. Cliques are found is schools, work places, neighborhoods, extended families, and many other places. One place we would hope to not find them is within the Catholic Church or any church or faith-based group. It is sad to see when a new person shows up to church, to a group, or event, and no one walks over to say hello or offer a friendly smile. Avoiding cliques is number one when it comes to not coming off a “snob” to others.
Continued below.
Three ways to avoid church snobbery
Anne DeSantis discusses three ways to avoid church snobbery. Unfortunately, it is a "thing" within the Catholic Church and beyond. The Lord calls us to be friendly, caring, and aware of our surroundings in groups as not to have air of superiority toward anyone. Learn three ways to avoid church...
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