WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A GOOD CATHOLIC CHURCH

QUESTION? / COMMENT!

I have an adult child who has just returned to the church. Praise God!! She is in a large city with many Catholic churches to choose from. I just received a question from her about a particular church and if it was any good. I don't know the pastor and asked family there who didn't know him either. Since she is beginning again, I would like to steer her to an orthodox Catholic church, not Eastern Orthodox, but one that is true to the teachings of the Catholic faith and is not "into" modernism. Since I don't know that particular church and am unable to check it out myself, I sent her some questions:

Do they hold hands during the Our Father (a no, no)?

Can you receive the Eucharist kneeling and on your tongue? (very good)

Where is the tabernacle? (Should be in a prominent place, like the center back) 

Do they offer a Latin Mass? (good)

She is looking for a "good" women's group in the church as well.

I would appreciate any comments on my reply to her as well as what else I should have her look or listen for.

Thank you so much.

A grateful Mom and solid Catholic for 73 years!

ANSWER! / COMMENT!

Great points you share with her. I will add to your great logic.

1) Do they hold hands during the Our Father (a no, no)? 

2) Can you receive the Eucharist kneeling and on your tongue? (very good) Where is the tabernacle? (Should be in a prominent place, like the center back)  

3) Do they offer a Latin Mass? (good)

4) Do they have altar boys? Do they use patens for Holy Communion?

5) Does the cholr use sacred music? Or there electronic guitars, tamborines and drums?

6) Do they offer confession everyday or very often versus having to make an appointment with a Priest to go to confession.

7) Does the priest face ad orientem (towards the altar) during Mass? (traditional orientation, symbolizing leading the congregation towards God)

8) Are there traditional devotions offered, such as the Rosary before Mass, Stations of the Cross during Lent, or novenas? (indicates a focus on classic Catholic piety)

9) Is there a veiling practice encouraged for women? (a voluntary traditional custom showing reverence)

10) Does the parish promote adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, ideally perpetual or at least frequent? (sign of strong Eucharistic devotion)

11) Are homilies doctrinally sound, addressing Church teachings on faith, morals, and current issues without dilution? (orthodox preaching is key)

12) Is there use of incense, bells at consecration, and other traditional liturgical elements? (enhances the sense of sacred mystery)

13) Does the parish community engage in pro-life activities, apologetics, or catechism classes rooted in traditional teachings? (shows commitment to core Catholic values)