Be a motivator. Don't be listless and apathetic. Just leave the doctrine at the door. But I also don't know what you've seen of Catholic parishes. We are the 2nd largest in the Cleveland diocese, and we have the largest Religious Ed. program, and yet we still have that home-town feeling.
People still smile and say hello, they stay to chat after the mass.
In the summer we have a church picnic. Our religious ed. So along with the doctrinal hurdles you have, please don't let any stereotypes you've aquired stand in your way. You must register with this board before submitting follow up messages. The greatest thing is, no matter what Catholic church you attend whether because of the priest, the people, the programs, whatever, you will always be safe and secure knowing that THIS church holds the same beliefs as the Catholic church down the road.