I decided for our task to look into the Catholic church setting here in Stevens Point. Just googling "stevens point catholic churches" gives me 7 different options in and around Stevens Point. Of those I chose the one closest to my residence; Saint Peter Catholic Church. This church does have a website and on it one can see some boundaries as well as the ethnic link as we talked about in class Thursday; specifically Greenway's two-way flow where religion is pronounced by ethnicity. This particular church originally served the Polish community; which isn't shocking considering the history of this town.
The site says that the church specializes in Eucharistic Adoration; which I had to look up. Understood simply, Eucharistic Adoration is adoring or honouring the Eucharistic Presence of Christ. In a deeper sense, it involves "the contemplation of the Mystery of Christ truly present before us". During Eucharistic Adoration, we "watch and wait", we remain "silent" in His Presence and open ourselves to His Graces which flow from the Eucharist ... By worshiping the Eucharistic Jesus, we become what God wants us to be! Like a magnet, The Lord draws us to Himself and gently transforms us. In its fullest essence ... Eucharistic Adoration is "God and Man reaching out for each other, at the same time!"
The site doesn't explicitly state any boundaries or reasons why one could not join the parish. In fact on the bottom of the welcome page the pastor writes, "If you are interested in joining this parish, or have any questions, please get in touch with me or the parish office (715-344-6115). We will be very happy to welcome you with open arms. Sincerely, Father Arul Joseph V."
On the site they have listed the times of Mass, the pastor's office hours, events the church is holding and so forth. Overall the website gives a feeling of welcoming and acceptance, rather that pushing away any specific groups. I'd say this church appears very open to any potential "outsiders." However having not visited the church or knowing anyone who attends I cannot say if the church is trying to portray an atmosphere that is accurate to the congregation or not.
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