I’m curious by what “relaxed” means. I’ve recently started going to church more. While I am Catholic, I often am conflicted on whether I’m Catholic enough. My draw back to the church, is I felt something in life was missing, started going and have found a priest who I really enjoy listening to and has had a positive impact on me. I check some of the boxes as a Catholic, but like most, don’t check them all. While I feel very welcome at this church, I’m always wondering if I’m a good fit?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:relaxed as in you can wear slippers to church?

Pretty sure poster is trying to escape the militant judgies.

That’s the question. Does OP mean relaxed in terms of how conservative/liberal the church is, or whether she can show up late at Christmas Mass (and leave after communion) in sweats and not feel like everyone notices.

Anonymous wrote:relaxed as in you can wear slippers to church?

Pretty sure poster is trying to escape the militant judgies.

relaxed as in you can wear slippers to church?

Human Rights Campaign

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks!

Not sure but maybe try one in a gay neighborhood. The most progressive, relaxed Catholic church I came across was in Chelsea in NYC. Awesome church and gay!

The parish near the HRC in DC is known for being very welcoming to the LGBTQIA community. There are employees of the HRC who attend weekday masses there.

HRC?

Our Lady Queen of Peace is probably one of the more liberal Catholic Churches in the area if that’s what you mean. I’ve heard good things about Holy Trinity in Georgetown. St Ann in Arlington is administered by a missionary order so it’s much more focused on social justice than conservative Catholic views. Family friendly.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks!

Not sure but maybe try one in a gay neighborhood. The most progressive, relaxed Catholic church I came across was in Chelsea in NYC. Awesome church and gay!

The parish near the HRC in DC is known for being very welcoming to the LGBTQIA community. There are employees of the HRC who attend weekday masses there.

St. Michael the Archangel in Silver Spring is very diverse (racially, ethnically, economically, etc) and leans left. In addition to one of my own children, there are other out queer parishioners.

I feel like churches can be relaxed in all sorts of different ways.

You need to be more specific.

Washington diocese is much more liberal than Arlington diocese. Arlington is one of the most conservative in the country.

Holy Trinity in DC has the best intellectual sermons, and St. Matthews downtown used to have post-Mass happy hours for singles.

I mean, there are relaxed people in nearly every parish, really.

I wouldn't consider the dioceses around here "relaxed" by any means, but I always liked St. Mary's in Old Town. Nativity in Burke is also quite nice.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks!

Not sure but maybe try one in a gay neighborhood. The most progressive, relaxed Catholic church I came across was in Chelsea in NYC. Awesome church and gay!

Thanks!