Criticizing or correcting priests?

[moedom]

Hello everyone,

I have been having very conflicting thoughts on the subject of abuse. In our diocese, which is very liberal, we have a parish unit that is being run by 2 very liberal priests. I do not go to that parish but my wife works there (that in itself is a very ironic story and maybe some day I will share that). Now we both come from a parish unit that was going through the same situation as this one. Since we had young children at the time we decided to go to a more orthodox church in our area and are quite happy that we did.

I have been approached lately by a couple of people about liturgical abuses at this other parish and how they are getting more frustrated at how the priests are not following the directives of the Church.

Now the issue that I am dealing with is this. I have been told by people who have gone to Medjegoria (sp?) that it was told to them by Mary that we should not be criticizing our priests. They were told that they should only pray for them. Now I have also heard Fr. Corapi say that we must correct our priests. So how do we correct our priests without criticizing them?

Any enlightenment on this would be greatly appreciated.


Moe

 

[caroljm36]

I’m wondering the same thing. My problem is I know I want to hear more doctrine, but they don’t wanna give it. I was even afraid to ask for little Latin, the way EWTN does their Mass when Fr. Shaugnessy is pastor. I guess I’m afraid of coming off too critical…we’re lucky in a lot of ways. We actually have kneelers! And 4 priests! But I think they’re stuck in the 70s.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

moedom:

Hello everyone,

I have been having very conflicting thoughts on the subject of abuse. In our diocese, which is very liberal, we have a parish unit that is being run by 2 very liberal priests. I do not go to that parish but my wife works there (that in itself is a very ironic story and maybe some day I will share that). Now we both come from a parish unit that was going through the same situation as this one. Since we had young children at the time we decided to go to a more orthodox church in our area and are quite happy that we did.

I have been approached lately by a couple of people about liturgical abuses at this other parish and how they are getting more frustrated at how the priests are not following the directives of the Church.

Now the issue that I am dealing with is this. I have been told by people who have gone to Medjegoria (sp?) that it was told to them by Mary that we should not be criticizing our priests. They were told that they should only pray for them. Now I have also heard Fr. Corapi say that we must correct our priests. So how do we correct our priests without criticizing them?

Any enlightenment on this would be greatly appreciated.


Moe

By very humbly speaking or communicating with them about how their actions are effecting the faithful. Doing so in a manner that is not emotional or threatening. Think of how you would correct a child?

 

[_pro-life_teen]

Excellent question- I was wondering the same thing myself. I was considering (since I’m a teenager) pretending I’m confused, like, “Well, Fr. such and such, how come when the bishop celebrates Mass, he consecrates the wine in all the chalices that are needed, but you use one chalice and then pour the Precious Blood into the other chalices? Is there a rule or something or can priests just do it however they want?”

What do you think of that approach?

 

[netmilsmom]

moedom:

Now the issue that I am dealing with is this. I have been told by people who have gone to Medjegoria (sp?) that it was told to them by Mary that we should not be criticizing our priests. They were told that they should only pray for them. Now I have also heard Fr. Corapi say that we must correct our priests. So how do we correct our priests without criticizing them?

Any enlightenment on this would be greatly appreciated.


Moe

Oh please Moe, this is kind of off topic but Medjugorie is NOT appoved by the local Bishop there and not allowed to be visited as a venerated site by the Vatican.
Please do NOT listen to anything stated by the Gospa. This is not Our Lady.

If your priest is doing something that the Vatican states is not allowed, they are ignorant of it and should welcome tactful corrections or know exactly what they are doing and are disobedient. There is more that you at that church and the souls of others are in danger.
Bad mouth a priest, no. Do as the Vatican says, yes.

 

[moedom]

netmil(name removed by moderator):

Oh please Moe, this is kind of off topic but Medjugorie is NOT appoved by the local Bishop there and not allowed to be visited as a venerated site by the Vatican.
Please do NOT listen to anything stated by the Gospa. This is not Our Lady.

Please state your source for this statement. Not meaning to attack but get the facts.

 

[bear06]

Now the issue that I am dealing with is this. I have been told by people who have gone to Medjegoria (sp?) that it was told to them by Mary that we should not be criticizing our priests. They were told that they should only pray for them. Now I have also heard Fr. Corapi say that we must correct our priests. So how do we correct our priests without criticizing them?

Remember, Medjugorie is private revelation. We are not bound to this. However, we are bound to Canon Law and here’s the appropriate citation:

Can. 212 §1 Christ’s faithful, conscious of their own responsibility, are bound to show christian obedience to what the sacred Pastors, who represent Christ, declare as teachers of the faith and prescribe as rulers of the Church.

§2 Christ’s faithful are at liberty to make known their needs, especially their spiritual needs, and their wishes to the Pastors of the Church.

§3 They have the right, indeed at times the duty, in keeping with their knowledge, competence and position, to manifest to the sacred Pastors their views on matters which concern the good of the Church. They have the right also to make their views known to others of Christ’s faithful, but in doing so they must always respect the integrity of faith and morals, show due reverence to the Pastors and take into account both the common good and the dignity of individuals.

When trying to get a priest to correct an abuse, you should always go to them first, then to the pastor (if it’s not he), then to the bishop and finally to Rome if necessary. If the faithful are being led astray by his act you can also try and educate them or try and get them to also contact the pastor, bishop, etc.

Now I’m sure that some would say that we owe NO obedience to a priest who’s committing an abuse but I wouldn’t say that that is completely true. He may very well be wrong in one area but in communion with Rome in others. Sometimes you have to say that even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes.

You can show respect and still point out mistakes. It’s easiest to do this with the documents that come straight from the Church rather than providing your own commentary on the situation (this is usually where people get into trouble!)

You can’t assume that every priest is purposely committing and abuse. I’ve actually run across some who just plain don’t know. Yes, it’s rare but it does happen and I think all priests should be given the benefit of the doubt until you find otherwise. It’s pretty evident when the “otherwise” is occurring because usually, no matter how humbly you approach them, you get something like a “don’t get sanctimonious with me!” reply.

 

[netmilsmom]

moedom:

Please state your source for this statement. Not meaning to attack but get the facts.

catholicdoors.com/isit/isit10.htm

Start at this site. It is the most complete that I have found on the visions.

This is a good one as well and it has links on the homepage to many TRUE apparitions including one in Syria.
unitypublishing.com/newswire/finaldec.html

This is a complete listing of their information.
unitypublishing.com/Apparitions/MedjugorjeIndex.html

If you would like more references to this, ask.

 

[theMutant]

First by assuming the best. Don’t assume that they are deliberately abusing the Mass. Even if they are, you can’t possibly know that because you can’t read their hearts. Many people honestly, but mistakenly, believe that priests have more options than they truly do.

Second, make sure that you know what you are talking about. If you suspect something is being done incorrectly, check it out and make sure that you are right before you do anything else.

Third, approach the priest in a respectful manner. Tell him that you are concerned about the Mass and explain what you think the problem is. If possible, have one other person go with you.

Fourth, don’t bombard him. If there are several issues, try to deal with them only one or two at a time.

Fifth, make sure you give him time to consider what you have said and make the change. Patience is truly a virtue in this situation.

Sixth, If you believe that he is ignoring your concern and are sure that you are correct, address the matter (again in a respectful manner) to your bishop and explain that you have already attempted to address it directly with the priest.

Seventh, if you believe that the bishop is not responding (remember to be patient) then you can address it to the Apostolic Nuncio or to the Congregation for the Discipline of the Sacraments (I may not have that name exactly correct).

 

[MichelleP12]

cbismo.com/index.php?mod=vijest&vijest=101

from their own diocese’s (Mostar) website, and their own
bishops’ and commission’s statements…
Also, they state there that the statements attributed
to the Pope saying he’d be there if he could are false.

Hope this answers the question. God bless.

 

[MichelleP12]

cbismo.com/index.php?mod=vijest&vijest=101

from their own diocese’s (Mostar) website, and their own
bishops’ and commission’s statements…
Also, they state there that the statements attributed
to the Pope saying he’d be there if he could are false.

Hope this answers the question. God bless.