Could anyone tell me what it's like to attend a parish that is run by the Institute of Christ the King? What type of ministries do they have for laypeople, what groups are at the parish, how often is mass, confession, other devotions, etc. Anything or experiences with parishes run by the ICKSP.

Do many people travel from far away, and as such, it is difficult for them to get involved in activities besides Sunday mass? Is there a strong sense of parish community there that brings people together, like a bond of love and concern for one another?

Optionally it would be nice if you shared which of their parishes you attend(ed). Please feel free to PM me also if you want to share something but not on the board.

I am discerning the religious life as a sister with this community, which might mean that in the future I could be placed working at a parish somewhere and I'm curious what they are like. There are none anywhere near to where I live.

Thanks so much for any thoughts
Irene

I started this thread in Open Mic but it got lost so fast I wonder if people didn't see it. So I'm reposting it here.

I occassionally attend their oratory here in STL (technically they're not parishes...). It's probably one of their more established oratories in the US & one of the American priests who was ordained last year is here. They also have many of their candidates here.

In terms of involvement by the laity, they have many typical groups as one would find in a parish. They have the Knights of Columbus, a wonderful choir that sings Gregorian chant for high Masses, a Pro-life group, a homeschool group, groups that help with keeping the church area tidy, etc. They also have recently started a ecclesial Latin class for laity who want to brush up (or learn for the first time). They also have a few annual parish events.

The Mass schedule here is v. good - at least one daily Mass (w/one low & one High Mass on feast days & 1st Fri), 2 Sunday Masses (one high & one low). For Sunday Mass, I've only attended High Mass - and there's always a full church w/lots of families with children. Confessions are heard before Mass, for which there is always a line. The candidates lead the Rosary before the morning daily Mass. There is also a Holy Hour once a week in the evening. They also have devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Tue evenings (followed by Mass).

In terms of people traveling from far away, there is probably less of that here than in other oratories the Institute run. This is because we are v. blessed in STL to have at least 3 other locations where the extraordinary form Mass is offered & thus, there is less need to travel a considerable distance to attend.

As far as community, my only knowledge is as an outsider, as I have another parish in which I'm involved. However, it does seem that there is a good community, esp. among families w/children. The oratory is also attended by some young adults from the area.

I hope that helps give you some sense of their pastoral work. I have nothing but positive comments about my experience with the Institute - and in fact, a friend of mine is a candidate & another friend was a postulant for a while with their Sisters in Italy. Please let me know if there is anything else you'd like to know.