Catholic Church in SW Ft Worth? (Andrews, Howe: house, school, live)

[Southern1979]

I have been researching moving my family to FTW. After some very helpful info provided on here, I have narrowed my search to the SW of FTW. However, as I look up the Catholic Churches in that area, I am less than impressed. I know I should not judge a book by its cover, though! It looks like for proximity purposes, I need to look at Holy Family, St. Andrews, and St. Bart's. I am in my early 30's and have two children 3 and under. I want a Parrish that has a lot to offer young families. Does anyone have experience with any of these Churches?

[justtryharder]

We have been members of St. Andrew's (near TCU) for nearly ten years. When we first joined my kids were in the junior high range, so I can't really speak to their young family ministries. It does seem like more effort has been put into offering programs for younger parents lately. What I've noticed is that parents who put their kids into St. Andrew's school (which does offer a preschool, I believe) tend to be the more connected, social bunch. Frankly, I find them to be a bit clique-ish, but there are other ways to get involved. I think you can be as active (or un-active) as you want. For myself, I love the Franciscan friars and their message. They're so great. We visited St. Bart's a few times and it just wasn't for us (I don't like "shout-outs" during the Prayers of the Faithful). Holy Family seems to have a smaller, more well-heeled population. Their youth program appears to be more successful. They also have a school, but it's a bit far from our house so we didn't pursue joining there.

FWIW, the Catholic churches in this part of Texas are pretty different from some of the parishes we've joined in other parts of the country. Bigger, less personal. Not sure where you're moving from, but we've been less satisfied with the way things are run here, administratively. Good luck with your move and let me know if you have other questions!

[Doohickie]

St. Bart's seems to be a very active parish. They recently added on to the buildings and their parking lot is packed on Sundays. I live near there but go to a different (not Catholic) church. I grew up Catholic, though, and we've been there once or twice. Looks like they got it going on. They are a less formal, more contemporary kind of place... which can be good or bad depending on what you want.