This article discusses, from an examination of sociological and anthropological literature currently produced in France, the communal experience in contemporary french catholicism. Originating in an idea gaining increasing acceptance as key to the analysis of a sociology of modern religion, namely the crisis of large institutionalized religions, with the consequent emergence of a religion of self, the question arises as to the relevance of collectivities and communities in the religious and Catholic setting of France. By examining three situations analyzed by this literature: the parochial scenario, the recent tensions and changes in the French policy of laicity (secularism) in its universalistic aspect toward communitarianism, and finally, that of Charismatic Renewal, the aim is to show the arrangements and compromises that allow for the articulation of individualism with collectivism, and modernity with tradition, in the heart of French Catholicism today.
catholicism; France; community