Churches and Faith Communities as Third Places/ Third Place Stories
On May 25, 2025, I came to St. J’s Catholic Church in Central Massachusetts. It was my second visit. I had felt a deep connection during my first visit when the congregation was praying the Novena of St. Francis Xavier. He is the saint to whom I prayed for the opportunity to study theology overseas when I was still in China years ago.
This time, Barbara was the cantor. After Mass, I walked up to her and asked directly, “I want to learn how to sing. Can you show me how?” Without hesitation, she introduced me to the choir at St. P’s Catholic Church…
The following week, I approached her again and said, “I want to be an altar server. Could you please help me?” She took my request to heart and introduced me to Dolores, who oversees lay ministry at St. J’s. The next Sunday, I began my training as an altar server.
As a lay choir minister, Barbara’s accountability and hospitality are a treasure in this community. She chose to trust my sincere request without delay or negligence. You never know whose words might touch a wandering soul, open a door, and help that person find true belongingness after years of transitional and disorienting experiences.
Yes, I do feel settled at St. J’s Catholic Church. When I was feeling uncertain about my eligibility to serve as an Eucharistic minister, the Pastor affirmed me and commissioned me to serve at his parish. He said, “You are qualified because you are called, not called because you are qualified.”
I have now been part of this Catholic community for three months. Here, I feel understood, respected, cared for, and uplifted. In contrast to other church experiences where I felt judged, belittled, or even re-traumatized, St. J’s Catholic Church in central Massachusetts has become a place of healing and belongingness.
“God gives the desolate a home to live in; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity…” (Psalm 68:6) Thank you, Lord for giving me a home in a country remote from my own, and for leading me to peace and prosperity!
-Zhang Zhen Liang, MST & THM, Boston College