So far everyone I've met in 4 different parishes only give their first name when introducing themselves. Other denominatios I've been to give both their first and last names. I even had a few who wouldn't give me their last name when I asked what it was.
2007-10-27 12:16:59 · 13 answers · asked by snailworker 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm trying to learn about Catholism and think I want to be Catholic but I need a sponsor and if I find 'Tracey' for example to be an interesting possibility how do I get to know her if I can't find her outside church and can't find her again in church because there are 4 different mass times.
2007-10-27 13:16:42 · update #1
usually when someone gives their first name it's a sign of familiarity not formal introductions. it would really depend on where you're living and visiting. i don't give me last name out because it's so long and no one would remember it anyway. \
i don't believe this is a "catholic only thing" -- i just don't understand the reality of your question & what you're trying to really get.
EDIT - you say you are looking for a sponsor -- just tell the person when you're speaking to them and ask them if they would work with you - let me tell you -- they will probably give you their last name, maiden name, phone number, email and every other method to reach them -- that's wonderful!!! You may want to mention at the rectory who you're trying to find. if "tracey" was so common with just her first name - they may know her there - she may be a "regular". even my parish they know me by just my first name a discription in the office - i've known them for decades!
God bless and guide you in your decision!!!
2007-10-27 13:25:01 · answer #1 · answered by Marysia 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Being raised Catholic, I first can tell you that Catholic
means "Universal". Why anyone would want to know my last name in the circles of our Lord is beyond me. I think the very fact that you ask this question seems to let me know that you have a particular opinion of Catholics already set up in your mind. We Catholics have ALWAYS "gotten it on the chin" for our Lord. We have Women that devote themselves to God, Called Sisters and Nuns, and they say we are the Devils. We Have men that devote their life to God, and they say we're the Devil. But we know to be Catholic is to be the "Marine Corp" of Christianity. So the next time your in Our Lords meeting place, explain why "Your" churches people ALWAYS give their Last Names. (And just be PROUD of that.)
2007-10-27 12:34:31 · answer #2 · answered by ED S 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Catholic "success" stories were never questioned in light of the core values of faith. Is it a good thing that a Catholic school graduate in India can get a corporate American job and begin to consume like an American? Is it a good thing that Catholics participate in an economic system that is shifting money and power globally into a smaller number of transnational companies and becoming very wealthy in the process? Economic drivers are the most obvious place our society disconnects from the values embodied in Jesus.
NANCY THURSTON
2007-10-27 12:31:16 · answer #3 · answered by edwinjoel22 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They probably find it more friendly that way. A Catholic parish will have its customs like other social groups.
As to those who wouldn't give you a surname, it sounds a bit weird. Perhaps it's the way you asked them.
2007-10-27 12:21:30 · answer #4 · answered by Voyager 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Witness Protection Program.
2007-10-27 12:20:33 · answer #5 · answered by S K 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I know, it is to keep Mormons from converting them after death. In order to "save" someone after death, they must have a full name and family background.
Maybe it is just to make you unnecessarily paranoid, that way while you are thinking about the church they are slowly seeping into your subconscious.
2007-10-27 12:26:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Who knows, perhaps they wanted to be on a more intimate than formal level with you.
In Christ
Fr. Joseph
2007-10-27 12:20:53 · answer #7 · answered by cristoiglesia 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Probably because it's more casual. I don't find it necessary to state my surname when introducing myself ... I don't think it's the norm anymore.
2007-10-27 12:22:44 · answer #8 · answered by Latte 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Maybe because they are afraid you'd look them up in the phonebook so that they can ask if they can join your church?
2007-10-27 12:20:32 · answer #9 · answered by Blonde from D islands 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Good question! I don't know, I personally would find that rather rude.
2007-10-27 12:24:12 · answer #10 · answered by Allan C 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋