Why Go To Church If It is Run By Hypocrites?

I asked Father Jim Doogan, associate pastor at my parish Church of Blessed Sacrament in Hollywood, this question:

What would you say to Catholics who don't go to
Church because they feel that people there are hypocrites?

Here is his answer:

None of us are perfect. If we waited until we were perfect we would
never pass through the doors. What makes us Christian is the
realization that we are not perfect and that we need help from our
Savior; we need grace, and we need forgiveness for our errors ---
anger, gossip, partying too much . . . All we have to have is the
desire to follow Jesus' message more nearly, dearly, clearly ;).
Church is our spiritual home. Would they avoid their parents for being
imperfect children.

Going to church is not about perfection - it is about a journey. And
we have the support of others and give support. We have the desire to
be good -- but the flesh is weak. Unless you are telling them that you
are better than others you are no hypocrite.

It is odd that so many people who criticize church goers for being
hypocrites, often see themselves as open minded. Meanwhile, they are
judging the intentions of others. The very things that are in the
hearts of others. Can you not go to church and be a hypocrite --- I
think so.

Simply put -- we all enter the doors to find God -- including me.
Where ever 2 or more are gathered in Jesus' name he assures us he will
be there.

I hope this is of help.
Remember you are countercultural, a radical, a rebel. You stand up to
the peer culture of your time and go to church. --- Also, often the
ones who criticise the most - most desire faith themselves. You are a
great symbol for them. God Bless you and your ministry to people to
whom I have little access.


Padre Jim