How do I choose a parish?
In the past, Catholics generally belonged to a parish if they lived within the geographical boundaries of that parish, or if it was a parish which served the ethnic community to which they belonged.
Today, baptized Catholics are still technically members of the parish within whose boundaries they live, unless they take deliberate steps to join a different parish, which many Catholics do.
In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, parishes are being combined into Pastorates which will function essentially as the parish did in the past but Pastorates may have multiple worship sites (i.e., church buildings) and members of the Pastorate are free to worship at the worship site(s) of their choosing. Baptized Catholics will automatically be members of the pastorate in whose boundaries they reside, but you should register with the pastorate so you are recognized as an active member. You are free to register in a another pastorate than the one in which you reside.
Going forward, a variety of factors may determine which Pastorate church you decide to worship at although pastorates will be sharing presiders (priests) and Mass may seem pretty much the same in every worship site unless it serves a particular ethnic community. The most important thing is that you experience a community of practicing Catholics in which you feel able to express and deepen your faith in Jesus Christ. This worshiping community should affirm and challenge your spiritual growth while it encourages and prepares you to live out your baptismal commitment.
No parish or pastorate is perfect, and no parish or pastorate is an end in itself. The parish or pastorate and a particular worship site are local manifestations of the Universal Church, the Body of Christ, which spans the boundaries of time and space. Your participation in a parish, pastorate or worship community should help you experience and express your participation in the Universal Church.
Before you choose a worship site, consider what kind of worship environment you and your family need in order to understand and practice your Catholic faith. Attend Sunday Mass at different worship sites. Visit with friends or neighbors, and listen carefully to the reasons they give for why they worship at one worship site or another. If you wish, visit with the pastor or other pastorate staff before choosing a regular worship site. As time goes on, continue to evaluate whether the worship site you choose enhances your worship experience.
Keep in mind that, like any other relationship, your connection to a pastorate is a mutual relationship. The quality of the relationship depends as much on your own effort and participation as it does on the larger community.
More FAQ:
• How do I become more active in the parish where I belong?
Related Links:
• Choosing a Parish (podcast)
• 10 Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Church
• How to Choose a Parish.
• What Makes a Good Parish or Pastorate.
• Directory of Catholic Parishes in the Waterloo Pastorate.
• Schedule of Sunday Masses in the Waterloo and Cedar Falls Pastorates.
• How to Be More Involved in Your Local Faith Community.
Last Update: 09.03.26