Private Journey

 I find that the impetus for going to meetings in recovery programs such as AA is to be of service to others, to pass on the message of recovery that one has received and practiced.  Only beginners, who don't know the wisdom of recovery go to meetings mainly to feel better.  Of course, they are new and so are self-centered.  Their life was all about themselves.  But once they get into the steps their reason for going shifts to service toward others.  Not so in many a church, such as Catholic.  Catholics still go to be alone with God, to have some space in the pew not too close to anyone they don't know.  The person is there for themself and God, private and personal.  They may be with family, who are people they know. When the service is over they leave and maybe talk to no one.  If they do talk to someone or go for coffee in the hall they talk to someone they know, and it won't be about religion generally.  The stranger is welcomed by everyone in AA.  The stranger is avoided in many a Catholic church.  The Protestants are better at welcoming new people, and the mega-Churches are over the top about welcoming new people.  It is still an upward climb for us Catholics.