I think many of us have been in parishes long enough to know that there are different types of Catholics around who make up the rich and diverse life of the parish. There are those who step on our toes, those who irritate us, those who reach out to us, and those who really minister to our needs.
So here’s a broad description of some of the types of parishioners that I have come across both locally and abroad. Which of these types of parishioners have you encountered, and which type of parishioner are you?
The cliquish sort
This kind of parishioners attend church and are active in parish groups because their friends and the people they get along with are in those groups. To them, being in a parish group is less about serving parishioners and more about being with the people they personally like. Sometimes, they ignore others who are not in their cliques and may even make them feel unwelcome.
There are also parish group leaders who behave as if the group they lead is their own private club. They reach out only to those they can personally connect with and ignore others.
Those who worship the ground that priests and Religious walk on
Then there are those who absolutely worship the ground that priests and Religious walk on. They put priests and Religious on pedestals, believing that every word and gesture from them is divinely inspired. Very often, it is this type of attitude that leads to clericalism, which the late Pope Francis warned about.
The “entitled” type
These are parishioners who have served in the same parish organisation for decades. In their minds, the organisation belongs to them and they are loathe to take advice from priests on how the organisation can be better run or improved. Very often, they are reluctant to allow others to take over their roles.
The service-oriented type
However, there are also the service-oriented type who can always be counted on by the parish priest to serve in various capacities, and sometimes at very short notice. These dedicated parishioners are often friendly, approachable and exude joy. Often, they can be counted on to work behind the scenes to make sure that a parish event runs smoothly. These people are often the pillars of the parish.
The outreaching ones
These parishioners are great at welcoming people at parish events and making them feel at home. They are noted for their warmth, friendliness and humility. Very often, their down-to-earth attitudes make them very approachable.
The super-enthusiastic type
You see this type of parishioner attending practically every parish event and programme. They can often be found sitting right at the front of the room and earnestly taking notes. Very often, they also try to interest their less-enthusiastic Catholic friends to attend these events. This type of parishioner is also very well-informed about the latest programmes and activities in other parishes and often attends them as well.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. A parish is always made up of all kinds of people, some of whom test our patience and some of whom build us up. It is helpful for us and the parish if we are able to see if our attitudes and actions help to build up the community. Prayer and reflection would certainly go a long way in one’s growth in self-awareness.
