The Noisy Parish Awards

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Anything to tell us?
2007-01-31 20:30:00
We're still waiting to hear about noisy, disrespectful churches and fantastic Priests!In the meantime, why not pay a visit to ebomania's blog.This is an effort from one of the Noisy Parish Team and well worth a look!

Consultation...
2007-01-21 15:41:00
The Noisy Parish team are looking to hear your thoughts about the site.Do you think the site is as up to date as it could be in what it sets out to do?Has it served it's purpose?What direction do you think it should take?Let us know by emailing us!
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PRIEST OF THE WEEK
2007-01-14 16:06:00
Father Louis SolciaOur Lady of the Rosary Parish Diocese of San DiegoFr. Louis Solcia, CRSP is the associate pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in San Diego. At 75, Fr. Solcia shows no signs of slowing down. His homilies are straightforward and to the point, often in defense of the Catholic Church and her teachings. One of his favorite sayings is that "The three virtues needed for marriage are patience, patience and patience." Fr. Louie is personable, friendly, and one of the warmest people you would ever want to meet, yet he is unyielding when it comes to doctrine. Many a frustrated couple has left the rectory when he refused to marry them until they stopped living together first.When San Diego began celebrating Gay Pride Day, he was the ONLY priest in the diocese who had the courage to speak out against the event. Fr. Louie has a particular gift for reaching out to children and young people. Children who go to confession with him have no fear of confessing their sins...
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
2007-01-10 20:51:00
Yup, we'll be back again this coming Sunday with a new Award.If you'd like to nominate a Noisy Parish or a Great Priest, just email us using the links on the right!
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Happy Christmas!
2006-12-23 12:09:00
To all out readers, fans, random visitors and contributors, May the Peace and Happiness of ChristBe with youand your loved onesThis Christmas ! From Elliot, Sean, Ebo, Bruce and all the Noisy Parishoners.
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PRIEST OF THE WEEK
2006-12-17 11:27:00
Father William YoungArchdiocese of San Francisco San Francisco is blessed with many things superb location; marvellous (pretty much all the year round) weather; and some magnificent Catholic churches. But a jewel in its crown is the diocesan priest Father William Young who has labored in this (latterly unpropitious) vineyard for over 30 years. In that time, this humble, modest, holy priest has been instrumental in bringing back to the Church, and converting, uncounted numbers of people through ministering to the old and the sick in the city's premier health care facility, housing over a thousand patients. And also, cassock-clad, ministering to the homosexuals and others who live in and frequent the area in which he resides at Most Holy Redeemer. As chaplain, celebrating Mass at the facility three times a week, his Thomistic scholarship shines brightly through in the sermons and homilies he gives, which are unmatched in the Archdiocese (and I would think elsewhere) as Catholic teac...
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UPDATES.....
2006-12-15 18:21:00
Just to let you all know that a Priest of the Week award will appear on here this coming Sunday.Thanks for being patient and for popping by to check!
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NEW!
2006-12-08 19:09:00
The Noisy Parish Shop has joined with Ebowear!T-shirts, Hoodies, Tops, Scarves, Bags, Caps.Huge price reductions and new designs arriving every week!If you haven't visited in a while - go NOW!TO THE EUROPE / UK FROM THE UK!Click on the logo to visit!

PRIEST OF THE WEEK
2006-12-03 01:03:00
Father Robert SweeneyHoly Rosary Church, Greenwood Lake, Archdiocese of New York.A few weeks ago my post went up on noisyparishawards where I made known the horrific lack of respect towards the Blessed Sacrament at Saint Peters Monticello's mission churches. Well, I am glad that you decided to even out the field by giving us the opportunity to recognize pastors and priests who are shining examples of what it takes to be a Catholic.My nomination for "Priest of the week" is Rev. Father Robert Sweeney, Pastor of Holy Rosary Church in Greenwood Lake, NY. Father Sweeney, although afflicted with human weaknesses as we all are, is a stout and fearless defender of the faith. He leads by example. You'll not find idle chatter in his church, either before, during, or after Mass, nor even at times when Mass is not being celebrated. The Blessed Sacrament is where He belongs - in the sanctuary behind the altar - right in front of the people, not stashed away in a broom closet of a side chapel a...
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PRIEST OF THE WEEK
2006-11-26 01:02:00
Father Roderick VonhogenDiocese of Utrecht, Nederlands.Known to many listeners across the world for his podcasting, I would like to nominate Father Roderick for an award.His SQPN organisation is reaching out to people all over the world and injects a Christian Perspective where people might otherwise be surprised to find the Church - in reviewing Movies, TV (he recently appeared on a Reality Show!), Music and the rest.For me, it is his Daily Breakfast Podcast that makes him stand out. Through it we get to see an insight into the life of a Priest . We learn of his pastoral work. We get to know what makes him laugh and how he "hangs out" like the rest of us (duties allowing), but we also get some straight forward explanation about the Church, Catholics, the Sacraments, God, the Saints and apologetics in a way which isn't rammed down anyone's throat, but, doesn't shy away from the topic either.He is reaching out to the Catholic and Non-Catholic alike through new media, yet remains hu...
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AWARD - Corpus Christi Parish - Orange County, CA, USA
2006-11-19 13:35:00
Watch this… and tell me what you think. I suppose this qualifies as a “noisy” parish… not to mention that church needs to be shut down & reconsecrated for the sacrilege that went on inside it’s walls. K (Parish website HERE)Ed - The views reflected in this article are those of the author and are not necessarily shared by the Admin. If you have a comment, why not leave one?
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New look awards!
2006-11-18 15:46:00
From now on, we're doing away with the old star rating system for Noisy Parishes. The feedback has been that it's off-putting when people are considering emailing us a nomination.Let us know what you think!
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AWARD - St. Raphael's Parish - Englewood, Florida.
2006-11-12 13:19:00
I must nominate St Raphael's Parish in Englewood Florida .Although the current pastor has made numerous attempts at making announcements after Mass; his pleas for peace have fallen on deaf ears.Confession begins at 3pm (while the vigil Mass on Saturday begins at 5pm) and the whole while people arrive at church; not to go to confession but to talk. And to talk loudly! This is predominantly an older parish and I assume the people are terribly lonely to do such a thing but I've asked them why they can't meet at home or go out for coffee, instead of coming to Mass 2 hours early only to catch up on the latest gossip? Also, they continue to talk at Mass! When someone they know arrives to attend Mass; they simply HAVE to fill them in on all the gossip they just spent 2 hours sharing with everyone else. But come the sign of peace?..you can barely get these people to acknowledge you are alive!I have asked gently of these people what it is they hope to get out of Mass, why do they attend at...
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Updates...
2006-11-11 21:06:00
10/10 and a gold star for those who have emailed us to say that they can't find the messageboard.We've removed it as we had recieved some comments that it was slow to load and made the site slow in general - which indeed was true. So it's been dumped.The Noisy Parish Forum awaits you now. Registration is free and only takes a few minutes (seconds?) to join. If you have something to say in reply to one of our posts, then why not speak your mind and leave a message in it?If you's like to get in touch with us direct then SKYPE users can do just that. Press the "Call Me" button on the toolbar on the right of the page.WE NEED TO HEAR ABOUT SOME NOISY PARISHES! GET IN TOUCH NOW!
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NEW - PRIEST OF THE WEEK
2006-11-09 16:54:00
Yes, it's about time we recognised and thanked all the Great Priest s in our Parishes.The ones with a love of the Sacraments and a more than casual acquaintance with the GIRM. The ones who know Rubric is not the name of a Scientist who invented a cube puzzle in the 1980's.Tell us about your Priest or one you know of.Tell us all about him.He might just become the recipient of the Award.Click HERE to email your Priest nomination
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AWARD - St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish - Oceanside, California CA, USA
2006-11-05 12:40:00
I am writing about my beloved church, St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, in Oceanside, Calif ornia .I love my church and all eight or so fine priests that we've had over the past eight years.I am not sure if this is a new thing or not, but two years ago our parish began a very odd practice of playing very loud music during confession time. It consists of classical Christian music pieces on a CD that keeps repeated once it has played all the way through. It appears to be piped into the church's speaker system. Our church is small and old, with hardwood floors, high-beam ceilings and plaster walls; any sound is greatly amplified. The music would be beautiful if one heard it anywhere outside of church. But because the music is played, and loudly so, during a most solemn and important time when one needs to be praying and examining conscience, it ends up being the most irritating, distracting, and obnoxious sound possible.I had twice mentioned (prior to saying my confession in th...
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We're on the look out!
2006-11-04 15:18:00
It's time to give out some more Awards!The Noisy Parish backlog is clearing and we are now needing some more nominations ASAP!If you feel you have a Parish to nominate, then click on the link on the right hand side of the page (or HERE).If you need some advice or help in submitting a nomination, then, just get in touch with us!
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AWARD - St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church - UNCC Campus, Charlotte, NC, U
2006-10-22 13:33:00
St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church in Charlotte NC, UNCC campus.It is out of sheer love & loyalty that I nominate my home parish. I could very easily abandon this “social gathering” also known as mass for a more reverent church. Believe me, it has crossed my mind.But I love this church too much to let it go the way of We Are Church.At any giving mass you are accosted from the moment you sit down with idle chatter. Late comers, even after the Gospel reading, spill in causing a disruption. Cell phones ring, teenagers pop gum, and adults chatter nonstop.After mass, for those that even stay after receiving the Eucharist, the congregation makes a made noisy dash for the door before the priest… at times even knocking them out of the way.People talk about football, NASCAR, and make lunch plans right next to someone trying desperately to pray the rosary. Homilies abound about this congregation’s sad irreverent behavior. Maybe if they read it here it will sink in.(Ed - The view...
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Award - St. Joseph's + St. Anne's - Monticello, New York, NY, USA
2006-10-08 15:15:00
Both churches are within a few miles of each other and both are mission churches for the parish of Saint Peter's in Mont icello, NY which is within the archdiocese of New York .Our parish goes back and forth between the two churches depending on the season but it's the same story regardless of where we are. We are a small rural community near Monticello, NY in the United States, and one would not expect the level of rude chatter which occurs every Sunday. It's so bad that we don't even bother coming early to pray and prepare ourselves for Mass anymore. If for some reason we have to, I bring my BRIGHT ORANGE earplugs and make sure whatever chatterboxes are behind us see me putting them in.Before Mass, the Rosary is said. The second it ends the chatter starts! And it's not only chatter, but actual LOUD talk and laughter! Anything from yesterdays trip to the doctor to the relatives heart surgery to the weather to "what a nice dress", to whose kids are doing what for the summer, etc,...
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AWARD - St. John the Evangelist Church - Valdosta, GA, USA
2006-10-01 13:57:00
I would like to nominate St. John the Evangelist parish in Valdosta, Georgia.Located in the heart of the "Bible Belt" south, St. John's is the only Catholic parish in a town of 100,000 people. It is a 70's style structure, carpeted throughout with almost no religious art.Parishioners talk before Mass, although it is somewhat quiet. However, it gets louder as the pastor "works the room" before Mass, walking up and down the aisles, greeting people. Often, before making the sign of the cross at the beginning of Mass, he tells everyone to "introduce yourself to someone you don't know."When Mass is over, there is ALWAYS an "anniversary roundup" where the priest hands a gift to any older couples with a big wedding anniversary, and has everyone applaud for them. If anyone comes up to make an announcement before Mass, they are greeted with applause at the end of their announcement.The choir and organ and piano are (of course) placed along side of the altar. Finally, when the music is ove...
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AWARD - Holy Trinity Parish - Boston, MA, USA
2006-09-24 14:48:00
I occasionally attend the indult mass here.The last time I went to Holy Trinity was brutal. A few weeks ago I attended a typical Sunday low Mass. It was well attended so I grabbed a seat near the pulpit so I could hear the Priest's Homily.Through out the Mass two very conservative dressed young women (with Chapel veils and all) kept leaning to towards each other and whispering...as distracting as that was it was nothing compared to what happened next.An older gentleman wandered in after the Mass began and took the pew in front of me. He immediately unpacked his missal (which means he must have been a regular) then began reading and shuffling through some papers while the missal sat untouched on the seat next to him.It gets better.Then just in time for the sermon he gets up and wanders over to the nearby windows, opening one, then struggling with another (that he had to ask the two young women to excuse him to even reach) for a few minutes before returning to his seat to look throug...
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What the Papers Say.
2006-09-23 15:26:00
Whilst the Noisy Parish Awards website has kicked off some interest on the web, it has also stirred up a fair degree of interest in the media too. This following is an article which featured recently in the Irish News about us.We are including it just out of general interest, but, we also hope it shall go some way to proving to the critics (that read 1 page and email us with vile) that we are NOT anti-church. Nor are we anti-clerical. Nor we working with any right / left / centre / north / south wing agenda of any sort.Web sets its sights on noisy churches 09/09/2006By William ScholesWe’ve all been there. Sat in the pew, with head bowed, you may even have had your eyes closed as you start to set your mind on loftier thoughts.Then, in an instant, the silence is shattered.The wailing child, gossiping granny or indiscreet unwrapping of a raspberry ruffle two rows behind has distracted your worship.The reverie is broken, never to return.Most people who find their church services pollu...
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AWARD - Catholic Chapel, SM MegaMall - Mandaluyong City, Philipines.
2006-09-17 19:06:00
I'm from the Philippines and the mass I go to every Sunday can be incredibly and outrageously noisy. It's because it's a chapel inside one of the largest malls (called the Megamall) in the country. The chapel itself is quite small and inadequate for large numbers of people.Since the Philippines is predominantly Roman Catholic , the chapel is forced to hold the mass elsewhere in the mall due to the great deal of mass goers. On Sundays, the mass is usually held at the Megatrade Hall, a large space where commercial expos are usually held. Masses inside the Trade Hall is relatively peaceful (with a slight distraction or two if something really loud is playing in the neighboring Trade Hall).Sometimes though, all three of the Trade Halls have something scheduled going on and the parish community is forced to hold Mass in the middle of the main mall hallway (I calculate about once after five "normal" Sunday Masses). With so many people passing through, a karaoke and video game arcade on ...
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AWARD - St. Anthony's Parish - Evansville, Indiana, USA.
2006-09-11 00:00:00
I was attending Mass one Saturday evening as I was out of town. A lovely old church! (Visit it's site HERE.) As I arrive a half hour early to pray and prepare for Mass, I noticed several groups of people milling about and talking. I tried to ignore and continue in my prayers.At one point, an elderly group of women across the church were getting very loud. I eventually went over to them and gently explained my plight and asked if they could continue their talk outside. They were very accommodating. Soon after, It became crystal clear why this occurs at this church.A priest began going up and down the aisles greeting and chatting with everyone in site. He was nearing towards me but I did not make eye contact. It was plain to see I was praying my rosary, but that did not stop him from interrupting and poking my arm to ask how I was...?I replied, "I am fine, Father." And I put my head down to continue praying. He was not finished, apparently. He then asked, "so where are you from?" Wel...
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Submitting / Nominating Parishes.
2006-09-08 21:42:00
Quite a few people have been asking us how they can nominate a Parish for an Award. It's really quite simple - you just tell us about it!What we're looking for is a few paragraphs about what the things in your Mass / church you find to be - Distracting Frustrating Easy to fix and avoidableUse detail but don't be specific about naming names and don't Clergy bash either. When you've written your submission, Email it to us along with any links you have to the Parish's site and we'll have a look through and do any editing that might be required (although we prefer to keep it as "untouched" as we can). Remember, a spirit of Christian charity and Love should underpin what you write too!Keep it simple, keep it factual, Keep it Catholic. If at any time you need some help or wish to runsomething past us, then just drop us an email or skype us.Thank you all for not turning the site into a critique of little one's crying at Mass or getting fractious. It's not what we are about!Go on....
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