Ima Lurker Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 why did Fr. Groeschel step down? Was it age? It seems like we need holy and dedicated priests now more than ever. Should age be a valid reason to retire in considering our godless society and it's blatant disregard for our elder generation? Please forgive my impertinence, it's not actually my question....http://www.patheos.com/blogs/kathyschiffer/2012/09/sadness-as-a-saint-says-goodbye-father-groeschel-steps-down/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneLine Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Ima, read the article again. it explains it pretty clearly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ima Lurker Posted October 22, 2013 Author Share Posted October 22, 2013 Ima, read the article again. it explains it pretty clearly. Really? I don't think so. Nuns and priests don't just quit. Why did Fr. Groeschel quit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneLine Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 (edited) Ima, I think my response may have sounded more curt than I intended it to have been; if you took offense, please excuse me. Fr. Groeschel said some things just before he stepped down that seemed to indicate he was blaming children for inappropriate behavior by priests. There was a great deal of criticism of him and concern about what he had been saying/doing with the people he had been counseling. It is discussed fairly well in that article. The indication at the time of that article was that his community believed he may have been having some problems with 'advancing age and failing health," and that he and his community had decided it was the time for him to no longer have that program. I actually have great respect for Fr. Groeschel, but that is the reason that was given at the time he stepped down. I am grateful for his many years of ministry and service to the church, and pray for him. I am sure he is praying for us. Edited October 22, 2013 by AnneLine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ima Lurker Posted October 22, 2013 Author Share Posted October 22, 2013 As someone who was raped by a boy who was victimized by priests, I am hurt. But I truly have the deepest respect for Fr. Groeschel. There are always 2 sides to every story. Thank you. I was hurt by your response but now see that it wasn't personal. Thank you. I don't see his reason for stepping down. In our godless society, we need priests who will speak out. Father may not be understood, but I would never have thought of him as being a bad person! Even if he did say something wrong, he is such a good priest and we need good priests. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AccountDeleted Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Father Groeschel merely retired from his role as host on a TV show - even Bishops retire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ima Lurker Posted October 22, 2013 Author Share Posted October 22, 2013 huh. thanks for that thought. I was unaware. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aloysius Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 moved from Vocation Station. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatitude Posted October 23, 2013 Share Posted October 23, 2013 We do need good priests, and we still have a good priest in Fr Groeschel. :) Not having a television show gives him more time for prayer. Remember that there are many other ways to serve God and one another, and we mustn't fall into the trap of assuming that high-profile media engagement must always be the best way. Also remember that priests and nuns aren't superhuman; they get old and tired and their minds and bodies fail, and like everyone else they have to cut down on their commitments when that happens. Accepting the natural limitations that often come with age doesn't mean you're quitting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r2Dtoo Posted October 23, 2013 Share Posted October 23, 2013 (edited) While I know what Fr Groeschel was talking about, it was inappropriate to even bring it up. You ultimately have to lay the responsibility on the adult in the situation regardless. Edited October 23, 2013 by r2Dtoo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basilisa Marie Posted October 23, 2013 Share Posted October 23, 2013 (edited) Yes, and all persons in authority have a greater responsibility to act appropriately toward those they are in charge of. That's why college professors are not allowed to date students until the student has graduated, why bosses aren't allowed to date employees, etc. It's ultimately an imbalance of power in the relationship, and the person with more power always more responsibility to act appropriately. While it might be true that priests are tempted by others, it doesn't excuse their actions in the slightest, because of that imbalance of power. That's also why statutory rape laws exist - children are incapable of giving consent to a sexual relationship with an adult. It doesn't matter how obnoxious the kid is. So like R2DToo said, there's no point in even bringing up how tempted a priest might be. It doesn't matter, he's the one with the power and must act accordingly. The very act of bringing up the idea that children tempt priests only serves to try and mitigate the culpability and responsibility of priests. It makes it seem like those in power don't also have responsibility to use it well, which is a lie. Nothing good can come from bringing it up. But I do still read some of Fr. Groeschel's books, and they're still very helpful to me. Edited October 23, 2013 by Basilisa Marie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ima Lurker Posted October 26, 2013 Author Share Posted October 26, 2013 Wow. Lol. Took me a while to find this as it's not where I left it! Thanks for the input guys! I do really appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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