What makes a parish great?

For most Catholics, their local parish is probably the center of their spiritual life. While most parishes likely have a few things in common—a pastor, Sunday Mass, maybe a great Lenten fish fry—there are also innumerable ways that they differ. But what separates the best from the rest? An excellent pastor? Great service opportunities? A thriving social life?

When choosing a parish, what do you look for?

is your parish a home away from home, or could it use some improvement?

What makes a parish great? U.S. Catholic wants to know.