Priests, Liturgical Abuses, And Correction

[cmotherofpirl]

Playing dumb is always a good first approach. THere might be some simple explanation.

[Dave]

Instead of going to him "Locked and Loaded", play dumb. Come to him with a question on a very serious issue, and a one that you might have thought is an abuse but learned it isn't. The second one will let him save respect. Come to him and ask about it, saying it bothers you and you believe it is wrong and against the proscribed rubrics. Ask him to explain himself. Don't let him know you researched it completely and have already made a decision. Ask penetrating questions. The goal is for him to quote documents or sources for his reasoning. Accept his explaination, but let him know you're still unsure and would like to refer to to the resources he cited. Wait a week, and meet with him again. Show that you researched it and found he was right on one point (and you are thankful for his time helping you) but your research still leads you to disagree on the other. Depending on the conversation, you can bring up another abuse to discuss.

Your goal is to encourage him to be more attentive to proper rubrics without coming off as the local "liturgy nazi" that he can dismiss as being too fussy. You are coming as a member of the congregation that has concerns and are looking for him to fulfill his role as pastor and help you work on your concerns because they are affecting your spiritual faith.

Approach is a great word, and we should always be willing to approach a priest in a respectful way that is cognizent of his authority AND his responsiblity. Confront seems like it is dismissive of his authority and you can cause a priest to focus on the attack on his authority and not bring proper perspective to your questions and concern about fulfilling his responsibility. It's not whether you should or shouldn't discuss this with him, but all about HOW you do so. Maybe your priest friend can help you come up with a plan that will be effective. From experience, only after you attempt to work things out properly with your pastor, will the Bishop pay attention to it. A Bishop get's thousands of complaints every year from every disgruntled Catholic that can write, call, or e-mail. You don't want to come off as a kook or just another mal-content that has no respect. If you can show that you have done everything you can, with full respect for the priest's authority, then I think the Bishop (or his staff) will not easily dismiss you.

(And know that I will pray for you and your parish priest that God's grace will help you both.)

Actually, I'm ahead of you there, jasJis. I've been intending to play dumb all along! :D

[Jake Huether]

Wow! Dave, dude, I thought I had it bad...

Prayer and fasting. Prayer and fasting.

The Priest knows what he's doing. I don't think you need to play dumb. There are gentle and respecatble ways of dialoguing with him. But don't go without God first confirming your mission. Ask God to guide you. If you are not sure, ask for another sign.

My prayers are with you, as I fight along side you at my Parish.

[Dave]

Wow! Dave, dude, I thought I had it bad...

Prayer and fasting. Prayer and fasting.

The Priest knows what he's doing. I don't think you need to play dumb. There are gentle and respecatble ways of dialoguing with him. But don't go without God first confirming your mission. Ask God to guide you. If you are not sure, ask for another sign.

My prayers are with you, as I fight along side you at my Parish.

Thanks, Jake; that really means a lot. My prayers are with you too, fellow soldier of Christ!