Appropriate to change parishes over priest?

[m134e5]

It sounds like you are attending a Mass that is good but not engaging. Personally, I wouldn’t change parishes for that. I might change if there was widespread or egregious abuse, especially since I have impressionable children.

When even the pastor doesn’t seem to care about what he is doing, it would be difficult to inspire children to care. The rules mean NOTHING if you don’t care about what you are doing.

 

[BlyssfulDreamer]

The 2 priests where i am registered are very eloquent and bring their homilies to life. One seems to talk fast and seems to go through Mass at a quick rate…but I love his homilies. They have made me laugh and cry all in one homily. The other more staid priest brings such a knowledge of Jesus Christ, the Bible and the Catholic faith to his homilies that I learn something every time.

But the young priest who is at my TLM is a poor speaker (some people just are) and he tries so hard…but I wouldn’t give up Sunday Mass there for anything. His views are so relevent to today’s world that even though it takes alot for him to make himself clear…when I do get it…it is worth it.

I alternate between the 2 churches and I realize that going to both gives me the best of both…not only the NO and the TLM…but different personalities of the priests and what each has to offer.

God Bless…
:heart:Blyss

 

[rayne89]

It is so encouraging to received so many helpful replies so quickly. Reading the replies, I realized that there is a part of the puzzle that I left out. My wife and I are blessed with recently becoming pregnant. This is our second pregnancy and we could not be happier. What has forced this simmering issue to the forefront is my wife’s adamant refusal to have our local priest conduct the Baptism.

She feels that he is simply going through the motions and it turns her off to going to Mass. When we attend other parishes, she always notes how mass is more spritual to her. I feel that with encouragement, attention, and possibly a “group effort” changes might be made, but as other parishoners have told me our priest is old and very set in his ways.

I hope that this does not sound like whinning or is petty. It is a difficult situation. The solution that my wife offered was to start attending the parish where our first daughter attends school. I have struggled with this for some time and truly do appreciate all of your kind responses and look forward to more advice.

Attending your daughter’s school parish is a great solution.

 

[mary_bobo]

Attending your daughter’s school parish is a great solution.

One should attend the church where one finds spiritual nourishment be it the “parish” one lives in or otherwise. One’s immortal soul is the important thing.

 

[Brooklyn]

Just remember, the celebration of Mass is for one purpose only, the reception of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I have found that alot of older priests seem to have that less than enthusiastic way about them. Who knows why, as long as he is good confessor and you are receiving what is needed then do not worry. The monsignor at our Cathedral is not the most vibrant and also reads from a sheet but hey as long as continues to use the proper form from the GIRM and continues to be a good faithful priest I do not worry. If you want some good homilies try EWTN. Remember some our good priests are just tired and possibly a little beat down.

I also disagree with your comment that the only purpose for Mass is to receive the Eucharist. The Mass is the re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice, a memorial. I can only second Joannm’s comments to you.

However, I do agree with you that I wouldn’t run away from a priest just because he isn’t the most exciting guy on the block. If he is faithful to the Church and truly preaches the Word of God, I would stick by him and thank our Lord for him. The only time I think about running away is when a priest is not preaching according to Church doctrine or the Bible. As you said, the homilies on EWTN are great, I podcast them every day. And we also have our responsibility to go to God on our own. We have great helps for that.

My suggestion is that you support your priest and pray for him always. I will try to remember him in my prayers.

Mary

 

[Matas]

After reading over what has already been written here, I’m chiming in with the “it’s not about the feelings” opinions that have been expressed. Dry old priests might seem old, dry, monotone, boring, going through the motions, etc. Don’t let that fool you. The truth of the Mass, is the same truth whether delivered with clangs and bangs or in a whisper. I’d be careful about labeling someone as “going through the motions” or “uninspiring” just on appearances. Ask your wife to give your priest a second look, or better yet, talk to him. Tell him how much you enjoy being a part of the Catholic faith. Engage him. Don’t confront him. Find out what he’s all about. I’ll willing to bet that you just might find that the fire is still burning brightly. He might have a medical condition, or is really feeling his age. Is he terribly shy?

Personally, I’d cut the old priest some slack.

 

[DJgang]

Try some reverse physcology and tell him how wonderful and how much you enjoyed his homily…

I’ve learned the hard way, from Protestant bouncing … the reason that I am becoming Catholic (not the only reason of course) is that we don’t rely on the Priest for ALL our spiritual training, learning and living…it’s been very freeing to free myself away from a man in the pulpit and hour long sermons. (my opinion)