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Special Note

Dear Friend,

Before you begin, you should note that there are a large number of questions in this section. Although many of the questions offer the option "N/A", posts which contain more than a few "N/A's" may be subject to auto rejection. Therefore, you may wish to prepare your answers to these questions in advance (e.g. offline). For your convenience, we have created a worksheet to help you prepare offline (click here for worksheet). Note: Before completing this worksheet, you should be sure that the church you are posting about is not already listed (see links below).

We thank you for your participation!

Church Information...

Reminder: 

Select "N/A" if you do not know the answers to questions below (where applicable).

Church is exceptionally... (select one)*

- - - Select One - - - Exceptionally Reverent & Beautiful Exceptionally Reverent Exceptionally Beautiful Other

If the church does not have a particularly special characteristic and is not exceptionally reverent or beautiful, do not submit this post.

Note: Select "Other" only if church is not exceptionally beautiful or reverent, but has some other particularly special characteristic (e.g. contains a large collection of relics, has special historical significance, etc.). Note that an exceptional priest is not considered a "particularly special characteristic" with regard to this section. Instead, discuss the special priest in the "Special Priests" section.

In ten words or less answer the following question: Why is this a favorite church of yours?*

Omit names or other identifying information.

Do NOT include any personal information.

Stick to the facts. No superficial / inappropriate comments.

Not Acceptable: "Mass is fun here!", "The seating here is so comfortable!", etc.

Acceptable: "The beauty of this church makes me feel God's presence", "The great reverence shown here strengthens my faith", etc. (Do not use the above examples, instead, include your own comment appropriate to your particular post.)

Full Name of Church:*

Don't omit any words.

Please spell correctly.

Examples: St. Mary's Catholic Church of the North Valley, Holy Family Catholic Church, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, etc.

Note: Do not abbreviate (unless official church name includes an abbreviation).

Church's Street Address:*

Please provide the church's complete street address. 

Please spell correctly.

City:*

Please indicate the full name of the city where the church is located.

Please spell correctly.

State:*

- - - Select One - - - Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware (District of Columbia) Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Country:*

Limited to Roman Catholic churches in the U.S. only.

Parish Phone Number (including area code):*

Please use the following format: (999) 999-9999

Parish Fax Number (including area code):

Note: You may leave this field blank if the parish does not have a fax number.

Please use the following format: (999) 999-9999

Diocese:*

County:*

Pastor's Name:*

Please spell correctly.

Please include full name/title (e.g. Monsignor John Harrison, Fr. Mark Johnson, etc.)

Number of priests who regularly assist here:*

- - - Select One - - - (priestless parish) 1 2 3 More Than 3 N/A

If there is no regular/permanent priest assigned to this parish, select "(priestless parish)".

When was this church built?*

- - - Select One - - - Before 1800 Before 1900 Before 1960 After 1960 N/A

Select first option that applies.

Any major renovations to this church since 1960?*

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

Size of Church (select closest):*

- - - Select One - - - Very Small Small Medium Large Very Large N/A

This church is best described as...*

- - - Select One - - - Traditional Conservative / Moderate Progressive / Liberal N/A

What do these options mean? | Why options?  

Is a Daily Tridentine Mass Offered Here?*

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

The "Tridentine" Mass refers to the old Mass said in Latin (and not the new Mass said in Latin).

Is a Weekly Tridentine Mass Offered Here?*

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

The "Tridentine" Mass refers to the old Mass said in Latin (and not the new Mass said in Latin).

Is silence encouraged in this church?*

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

Amount of women who generally wear head coverings (e.g. veils) in this church:*

- - - Select One - - - None Almost None Few Some Many Nearly All All N/A

This church emphasizes the...*

- - - Select One - - - Horizontal Vertical N/A

Select "Horizontal" if there is a community emphasis (e.g. if handshaking / socializing / talking in church is permitted, if kneeling after Communion is not the standard posture for all the able-bodied, etc.)

Select "Vertical" if the emphasis is on God (e.g. holy silence permeates church, frequent genuflections and kneeling, no physical contact with neighbor inside church, etc.)

Is there one or more of the following at this church...?*

* Altar girls (female servers)

* Communion in the hand is common

* Sign of Peace during Mass (e.g. handshake)

* Hand-holding during 'Our Father' is common

* Standing during Consecration

* Standing after Communion is common

* Frequent use of Extraordinary Ministers

   (a.k.a. "Eucharistic Ministers")

If one or more of the above is present at this church, select "Yes" below. Otherwise, select "No".

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

Style of Architecture (if known):

Examples: Contemporary/Modern, Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, etc.

The external appearance of this church is better described as...*

- - - Select One - - - Simple / Plain Fancy / Elegant N/A

Note: Choose closest

The internal appearance of this church is better described as...*

- - - Select One - - - Simple / Plain Fancy / Elegant N/A

Note: Choose closest

Is the altar raised?* 

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

Note: If the bottom of altar is above floor level by at least one step, select "Yes", otherwise select "No".

Does the altar more resemble a table or a traditional altar?*

- - - Select One - - - Table Traditional Altar N/A

Is there an altar rail separating the Sanctuary from the body of the church?*

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

Notes: An "altar rail" is also called a "Communion rail". The Sanctuary is the part of the church containing the altar, the pulpit, etc. 

Are there any side altars?*

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

Note: If there is more than one altar (e.g. one in front of the church and one at the side of the church), select "Yes". Otherwise, select "No".

Is the Tabernacle located prominently inside the church?*

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

Note: The Tabernacle is an enclosure (typically over a foot tall) which houses the Holy Eucharist.

The Tabernacle at this church is better described as...*

- - - Select One - - - Fancy / Ornate Plain / Modest N/A

Note: Choose closest

Location of the Tabernacle:*

- - - Select One - - - Front Of Church Off To Side Other (Inside Church) Other (Outside Church) No Tabernacle N/A

Note: If the only Tabernacle at the parish is located in a chapel which is separate from the church, select "other (outside church)".

Does the church have a cathedral ceiling?*

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

Note: A cathedral ceiling is very high, open, and is usually slanted (or pointed).

Are there any moveable (or sliding walls) inside the church?*

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

The front of the church (behind the altar) contains a...*

Note: This refers to the most prominent image, not to smaller images.

- - - Select One - - - Large Crucifix Medium/Small Crucifix Plain Cross Risen Jesus Image (no image) Other N/A

Note: A cross must contain an image of a crucified Jesus to be considered a Crucifix. If there is no corpus (body of Jesus) attached to the cross, select "Plain Cross". If the image of Jesus attached to the cross is a resurrected Jesus, select "Risen Jesus Image".

Number of traditional style confessionals:*

- - - Select One - - - 0 1 2 3 More Than 3 N/A

Note: Traditional style confessionals are small "boxes" (or "little booths") which (usually) contain a fixed screen and a kneeler. They are anonymous and may be dark and somewhat "confining". Only one person fits in the confessional. (The Sacrament of Penance is done here.)

Number of modern style "reconciliation rooms":*

- - - Select One - - - 0 1 2 3 More Than 3 N/A

Note: Modern "reconciliation rooms" are more "open and casual". They are the size of a small room and can fit two people (the priest & the penitent). They may contain a chair or a kneeler and may have a curtain or screen. They may be well-lit. (The Sacrament of Penance is done here.)

Seating arrangement inside church:*

- - - Select One - - - Traditional U-Shaped Circular Semi-Circular Angular Other (Non-Traditional) N/A

Note: For fan-shaped, select "Semi-Circular". Traditional seating has pews on both sides of the main center isle that face directly toward the altar. In a traditional seating arrangement (for our purposes), no pews would face the side of the altar or be at an angle.

Type of seating for congregation:*

- - - Select One - - - Pews (with kneelers) Pews (without kneelers) Chairs Other N/A

Note: If more than one type of seating, choose predominant type.

Kneelers inside church:* 

- - - Select One - - - Kneelers Throughout Most Areas Have Kneelers Some Kneelers Few Kneelers No Kneelers N/A

Note: A kneeler is a bar (often padded) - either fixed or fold-down - in front of the pews/seats that the congregation uses to kneel on.

Stained glass windows (if any) mostly contain...*

- - - Select One - - - Holy Images Other Images (no stained glass) N/A

Note: Holy images include pictures of Christ, the Saints, Bible events, etc. Other images include earthy items (e.g. plants, water, wheat, grapes, etc.), patterns, etc. If there is no stained glass, select "(no stained glass)". 

Interior decoration of the church is best described as...(choose closest)*

- - - Select One - - - Ornate Medium Plain / Sparse N/A

This refers to permanent decorations and not banners, signs, etc.

Approximate number of holy images inside the church (not counting stained glass windows and Stations of the Cross):*

- - - Select One - - - 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 More Than 10 N/A

Note: Holy images include crucifixes, statues/pictures of Christ, the Saints, Bible events, etc. Do not count earthy images (e.g. plants, water, wheat, grapes, etc.), patterns, etc.

Note that a single picture containing ten Bible scenes would be counted as one holy image for our purposes here. 

How much of the artwork inside the church is traditional?*

- - - Select One - - - All Most Some None N/A

How much of the artwork inside the church is modern?*

- - - Select One - - - All Most Some None N/A

Note: "Modern artwork" for purposes of this question includes 1960's style and 1970's style (and later) artwork.

Is there a large statue of Mary inside the church?*

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

Is there a small or medium sized statue of Mary inside the church?*

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

Total number of saint statues inside the church (not counting statues of Mary):*

- - - Select One - - - 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 More Than 10 N/A

Number of holy images in the Sanctuary:*

- - - Select One - - - 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 More Than 10 N/A

Note: Holy images include crucifixes, statues/pictures of Christ, the Saints, Bible events, etc. Do not count earthy images (e.g. plants, water, wheat, grapes, etc.), patterns, etc.

Note that a single picture containing ten Bible scenes would be counted as one holy image for our purposes here. 

Reminder: The Sanctuary is the part of the church containing the altar, the pulpit, etc. 

Are there Stations of the Cross inside the church?*

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

Note:  Stations of the Cross are a collection of fourteen crosses (usually with images depicting Jesus' journey to Calvary from His condemnation to His burial). They are usually located on the sides of the church.

The statues inside the church are best described as:*

- - - Select One - - - Traditional / True-To-Life Modern / Symbolic / Artistic N/A

Most artwork inside the church is best described as:*

- - - Select One - - - Realistic / True-To-Life Symbolic / Artistic N/A

Is the Tabernacle clearly visible from the back of the church?*

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

Reminder: The Tabernacle is an enclosure (typically over a foot tall) which houses the Holy Eucharist.

Note: If the Tabernacle is screened off (even if it is in the front of the church), select "No".

Holy Water Font Style:*

- - - Select One - - - Traditional Font(s) Large Basin / Pool No Fonts Other N/A

Note: This refers to the holy water fonts located inside the church (usually found to the left or right as soon as you walk in).

Amount of Votive Candles Inside the Church:*

- - - Select One - - - Many Some Few None N/A

Note: Votive candles are large or small candles usually located near statues inside the church. They may be real or artificial candles.

Type of Votive Candles Inside the Church:*

- - - Select One - - - (no votive candles) Real Candles Artificial Candles N/A

Note: If there are no votive candles inside the church, select "(no votive candles)". Select "Real Candles" if the candles are real (e.g. are wax and contain a real flame). If the candles are artificial (e.g. electric), select "Artificial Candles".

Choir Location:*

- - - Select One - - - Back Of Church Side Of Church Front Of Church (left or right side) Front Of Church (center) N/A

Is There a Pipe Organ Inside the Church?*

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

Note: A pipe organ is a very large (or huge) musical instrument containing rows of large metal (or wooden) pipes. ("If you saw one, you would know right away that it was a pipe organ.")

Does the Church Have a Bell Tower?*

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

Note: A bell tower is a large column-like structure rising above the roof of the church which contains a bell (or bells).

Does the Tabernacle Sit on the Altar?*

Note: For our purposes here, "on the altar" means directly on the altar or directly behind the main altar.

- - - Select One - - - Yes No N/A

Note: If the Tabernacle sits on top of the main altar (or directly behind it), select "Yes". Otherwise, select "No".

The general atmosphere inside this church is better described as:*

- - - Select One - - - Casual Formal N/A

Note: Choose closest.

Common characteristics of a "Casual" church atmosphere: talking/noise, casual dress, clapping, physical contact with others (e.g. handshaking), etc.

Common characteristics of a "Formal" church atmosphere: silence, more formal dress, parishioners facing forward, etc.

Would you say that the church is dominated more by horizontal or vertical proportions?*

(see notes at right for assistance)

- - - Select One - - - Horizontal Vertical N/A

Ask yourself what is most noticeable inside the church - the height or width of the church? For example, if you walk in the church and the ceiling is so high that it seems to reach to heaven, select "Vertical". If the church has very many seats but is not terribly tall, select "Horizontal". If the proportions are relatively the same, select "N/A".

What best describes the physical beauty of this church (from the outside)?*

- - - Select One - - - Extremely Beautiful Very Beautiful Beautiful Kind of Beautiful Ordinary N/A

Note: Choose closest.

What best describes the physical beauty of this church (from the inside)?*

- - - Select One - - - Extremely Beautiful Very Beautiful Beautiful Kind of Beautiful Ordinary N/A

Note: Choose closest.

List any special characteristics of this church (optional):

Do NOT include any personal information.

(e.g. historical significance, relics, other unusual/special characteristics)

Please list the facts only. Do not editorialize. 

Your Information...  

Note: All information may appear on site.

Your Relation to This Church:*

Select the first option that applies...

- - - Select One - - - Clergy At This Church Work/Volunteer For Parish/Diocese Parishioner Former Parishioner Occasionally Attend This Church Have Visited This Church N/A

Year You Last Visited This Church (if unsure, give approximate year):*

As indicated, please limit posts to churches you've visited personally within the last 3 years.

Your Catholic Affiliation:*

Posting in this section is limited to Roman Catholics only

I hereby certify that I am a...

- - - Select One - - - Roman Catholic Roman Catholic (Traditional) Roman Catholic (Conservative/Moderate) Roman Catholic (Progressive/Liberal)

What do these options mean? | Do you allow "progressive" Catholics to post? | Not Catholic? | None of the options apply to me | Why options? | What does 'Catholic Affiliation' mean?

Your Current Diocese (not the diocese for this church):

For informational purposes. May not always appear on site.

How to determine diocese | Will this be verified?

Your e-mail address (optional):

For informational purposes. May not always appear on site.

This field is optional - you may put "N/A". Should you include your e-mail address or put 'N/A'? Click here for assistance

Certification Statement:* 

Do you certify that the above described church is a Roman Catholic church in full communion with the Holy See and that all information provided herein is accurate and true?

- - - Select One (Required) - - - YES

If so, select "YES". If not, do not submit this post.

Confirmation:*

Please carefully double check all of the above fields for accuracy before proceeding. When you are finished, key in "OKAY" (all caps) in the field below. 

Please do NOT key in "OKAY" unless you have actually gone back and checked each and every field. 

Thank You!

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- - - Select One (Required) - - - I Understand & Agree To All Terms

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