Advice on seeing priest

[Craisin]

Hello everyone,

Recently, I have been considering the Catholic faith. I grew up as a Catholic, but identify more with my Protestant brothers and sisters.

Because I have many questions, I e-mail one of my boyfriend’s priests at the Oratory. The priest, who is one of our ‘campus’ priests (we’re in college), never responded to my e-mail - despite me e-mailing him twice. Last week, I ran into the priest, who approached me, said he was very busy but would get back to me later. Now, 3 weeks after writing him, he has yet to get back to me. I would have thought it to be considerate at least to send me an e-mail saying he was busy, or at least referring me to someone else if he felt uncomfortable.

I am hesitant to ask the other campus priest, because being at the oratory I know they live together and talk with one another. There is another Catholic church near our campus where some students go. The priests there, from what I’ve heard, are more pastoral but not quite as knowledgeable on theology. Perhaps this would be good in some senses - this confusion tends to make me cry sometimes. However, I also have some pretty in depth questions.

So - should I go back and try the oratorian priests, who are quite scholarly but not quite the pastoral types? Or should I go for the pastoral but not the theology scholars?

My last option - I am going study abroad to Ireland from June - July (2full months). I was thinking perhaps I should just go to the campus ministry there and talk to a priest. The drawbacks?; I don’t know what he’s like, and after two months I will have to say goodbye. Plus, there will be no way for him to connect me with others or RCIA afterwards…

So what would you all suggest?

Thanks!

 

[Madaglan]

Since you are already baptized and confirmed Catholic, you would not need to attend RCIA. You would only have to go to confession I believe…

 

[Eilish_Maura]

Hello everyone,

Recently, I have been considering the Catholic faith. I grew up as a Catholic, but identify more with my Protestant brothers and sisters.

Because I have many questions, I e-mail one of my boyfriend’s priests at the Oratory. The priest, who is one of our ‘campus’ priests (we’re in college), never responded to my e-mail - despite me e-mailing him twice. Last week, I ran into the priest, who approached me, said he was very busy but would get back to me later. Now, 3 weeks after writing him, he has yet to get back to me. I would have thought it to be considerate at least to send me an e-mail saying he was busy, or at least referring me to someone else if he felt uncomfortable.

I am hesitant to ask the other campus priest, because being at the oratory I know they live together and talk with one another. There is another Catholic church near our campus where some students go. The priests there, from what I’ve heard, are more pastoral but not quite as knowledgeable on theology. Perhaps this would be good in some senses - this confusion tends to make me cry sometimes. However, I also have some pretty in depth questions.

So - should I go back and try the oratorian priests, who are quite scholarly but not quite the pastoral types? Or should I go for the pastoral but not the theology scholars?

My last option - I am going study abroad to Ireland from June - July (2full months). I was thinking perhaps I should just go to the campus ministry there and talk to a priest. The drawbacks?; I don’t know what he’s like, and after two months I will have to say goodbye. Plus, there will be no way for him to connect me with others or RCIA afterwards…

So what would you all suggest?

Thanks!

I have had only a few priests I know well be very responsive regarding emails – so how about setting up a face to face appointment?

 

[zagjames]

I have had only a few priests I know well be very responsive regarding emails – so how about setting up a face to face appointment?

This is true of most of the seminarians I know as well (not much hope for an email savy generation of priests anytime soon…).

Seriously though they would love to talk to you. I would go and talk to the priests at the oratory. They will be more helpful, i would think. Once you get comfertable talking with them, or if you have questions they cant answer then go to a theologian priest. Most priests will be able to answer your questions, and if they have a more pastoral approach they will be able to work with better.

 

[kage_ar]

Call the office at the Parish, set up an appointment to speak with a Priest. Prayers for you!!