Mary's Child Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Ok I need some advice. I have never had a spiritual director and many people have told me this is essential. I have been resisting for a couple of years and only recently have found a priest I want to ask. So a few weeks ago I decided that I would ask him the next time I see him well he leaves right after mass but theres confession before hand. I am not sure if he would know who I am if I left a voicemail since he is pretty new at the parish and only knows my first name. Anyway I am getting off track on my question: I have been trying for the last few weeks to get to talk to him in confession he has only said 2 masses I was at and both times I tried to get into confession the first time I was next in line when he stopped hearing confessions, then today I got there extra early to make sure that wouldnt happen and he had been called to the hospital so he didnt hear any confessions. What I am wondering is does this mean that he isnt the right person for spiritual direction should I keep looking elsewhere or what? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnlySunshine Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Not necessarily. Priests are extraordinarily busy and are often not available because of schedule constraints. I've been trying to meet with my pastor for the past few weeks but we had the annual bazaar and the first Sacraments Masses the last few weekends so I am trying to be patient. Maybe what you should do is call the parish office and ask the office administrator when the priest will be free and if you can schedule an appointment. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuscipeMeDomine Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 I would suggest you call the parish office and make an appointment to meet with him "about a personal matter." This is a more professional way of approaching things. Confession isn't the right place and frankly, neither is just catching him after Mass sometime. Meet with him, explain what you are looking for, and give him a chance to ask questions or clarify anything that may need clarification. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emma8201986 Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 I think you do need a spiritual director - it was essential for me. I had this romantic notion of what I thought religious life would be and my SD made me be much more realistic. He also gave me many spiritual exercises and reading material that I would never have thought of on my own. Also, just because a person is your parish priest doesn't mean he is the right SD for you. Frankly, I am not fond of my parish priest for reasons that I prefer not to disclose here. There is a nearby Catholic college and I found a compatible SD thru the Newman Center. An SD is very personal - not unlike a shrink - because you really have to lay your soul bare and be honest. You may have to go through a few before finding the right person. And it doesn't have to be a priest - it could be a sister - but I think it should be someone who understands religious life. My SD belongs to an order so he has a very good understanding of the demands and difficulties as well as the rewards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maximillion Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Without wanting to be harsh, taking seemingly random events as signs of God's working is more about magical thinking than it is about divine inspiration, IMO. I agree with the Sucipe, make an appointment or drop a note in to the Parish Office with your request. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inperpetuity Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Is there an email address on the bulletin? That's how we do it at our parish, or whenever we run into them, but generally email or phone is best so they can look at their calendars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inperpetuity Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 BTW, is this St. Hasa Perm thing supposed to be a joke or something? Does anyone here know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnlySunshine Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 BTW, is this St. Hasa Perm thing supposed to be a joke or something? Does anyone here know? It's a play on the word "phatmasser." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikita92 Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Thank you Mater! I never knew that..I just thought he made something up and attached it to us! Well..I guess one could say..it is made up as it is!! Lol When I mentioned a SD to my parish priest....he just said..(during confession) that they were hard to come by. Maybe in our area...but that was a turn off to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikita92 Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Thank you Mater! I never knew that..I just thought he made something up and attached it to us! Well..I guess one could say..it is made up as it is!! Lol When I mentioned a SD to my parish priest....he just said..(during confession) that they were hard to come by. Maybe in our area...but that was a turn off to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikita92 Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Thank you Mater! I never knew that..I just thought he made something up and attached it to us! Well..I guess one could say..it is made up as it is!! Lol When I mentioned a SD to my parish priest....he just said..(during confession) that they were hard to come by. Maybe in our area...but that was a turn off to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary's Child Posted May 16, 2013 Author Share Posted May 16, 2013 Thanks everyone . Maybe Ill have to call next week Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikita92 Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 My bad... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Allie Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 MC, Is it you who lives close to the Norbertine Canonesses? If so, maybe the Mother there could help you out with some direction or perhaps another Sister? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary's Child Posted May 17, 2013 Author Share Posted May 17, 2013 Yes I do, I emailed them asking for a day of retreat and haven't gotten a response yet. So that could be a possibility if I get a reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now