What Should I Do?

[Guest churchworker]

Hi, I work in a church. I'm not a traditionalist by any means, I just don't dissent from Church teaching.

The problem is that my priest who is also my boss, is very liberal. Doesn't like EWTN because he says they want to go back to before Vatican II (which I know is not true). He subscribes to magazines like America, and the National Catholic Reporter. (This I know because he makes copies of articles and passes them around the office.)

I cannot do as many things as I'd like to in my capacity in the church because we clash on some issues. I have much respect for him, he is very learned and is a wonderful homilist. And he has supported my ministry very well.

But, if he starts crossing the line (which he hasn't in an overt way yet) what should I do? The bishop of my diocese doesn't care because another parish has this same problem with their priest and the bishop refuses to do anything.

I'm getting really frustrated.

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
4/26 - Third Monday of Easter

churchworker,

Good question. Prima primo (first things first) - pray for your pastor. I include my pastor in every Rosary I say. As St. Josemaria Escriva tells us, "There is no such thing as a bad priest - only a priest for whom we do not pray enough."

Second, though we may not agree with our pastors on everything, obeying them in matters not concerning sin (I'm sure this doesn't regularly come up at the parish) is quite virtuous. Use this as a chance for yourself to grow in virtue.

Third, do something kind for him - take him out to dinner or something of that sort. While doing something with him, [i]don't talk shop[/i] - priests love just hanging out. In the meanwhile, you and he grow closer and he trusts your word more than he would if your relationship stayed on the employer/employee level.

These things sound rather mudane, but great things are only done by successive little things. Above all, give him nothing but kindness - God will do the work. Peace.

Yours,
Pio Nono