I don't need a Church roof over my head to worship God. To me, Church has always been about community, while worshiping God has been everywhere and everyplace. I met my wife at Church. It's where my friends and I went to our first 8 years of school. It's where my Cub/Boy Scout troop met. Where I took music lessons. Played sports. Went to dances. I even signed up for an NRA gun safety course in the late 60's right there in the school/Church cafeteria. And yes, it's where I grew up worshiping God next to my parents and my grandparents in the pews, and as an Altar Boy.
Now I live in a small (remote) farming town in the middle of the San Joaquin Valley. I've tried to connect with the Priest. Offered to make him a web page so that newcomers can find him. (Was too scary for him - might get hacked or something) I offered to provide him with computer technical support, but he's computer illiterate and seems to want to stay that way. I offered to perform odd jobs for them... carpentry, etc... but there's more than enough illegal Mexican manual labor around, so I'm not needed in that capacity.
In short, I didn't feel welcome. His inner sanctuary of parishioners are all Mexicans, because that's the people with whom he can relate. Most Catholics around here are Mexicans. I don't fit in with their culture, and I'm just not going to drive 20 miles every single Sunday to go to Church with people that I'll only see on Sundays at Church. I've done that drive many times already, but it's not what I'm looking for.
I think I was spoiled as a kid with an awesome Parish.
So I only go regularly to Mass once per month (new Moon Saturdays) when a good astronomy friend of mine (retired Monsignor) says Mass in a remote town up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and I drive up there with my telescope . After Mass we go observing together.
I've been close to Priests before, as more than a parishioner. One of my very best friends I grew up with was just appointed a Bishop last year. My favorite astronomy buddy is a retired Monsignor. They're both good friends, and intellectual/spiritual giants. I respect them immensely, and would be in the front row every Sunday if only I lived in their parishes.
Anyway, I appreciate all of you trying to save me from mortal sin, but I just don't feel that type of relationship with God. And if it turns out I'm wrong, I hold no grudge against him. It is what it is and I am who I am. We'll all sleep in the bed that we've made when the time comes.
We should just call it FreeAdvice (FA)
At least watch Mass on EWTN?
If your television provider doesn’t have it, or you don’t have a television, you can watch it online.
They broadcast it at 8am Eastern, then again at 12pm-—should be 9am your time? Then again at 7pm Eastern.
God bless you and walk in the Holy Spirit. :)