EDITED: Eucharist for [disturbed persons]?

[thequeen]

Most people actively involved with parish ministries have their contact info listed in the bulletins…I would imagine that’s where this woman obtained that info. A parish directory tends to have home addresses listed, too.

That is true I am over the library ministry at my parish and my email and phone is in hard copy ministry directory and also on the online directory and also on the Parish Website.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Your Diocese should be involved in this matter. When a restraining order keeps someone from Mass, the Canon Lawyer at your Diocese is supposed to be involved to make sure that everyone is abiding by the law of the Church.

This is excelent advice. It is good that you have contacted the police. The diocese may be able to help get her into treatment through state or local services.

You should also ask the priest to change the locks on the parish office and church and limit who gets the new keys!

I will be praying for you.

 

[Cathryn]

Your pastor needs to be involved. This is his responibility. His role under canon law is to teach, to sanctify, and to govern his parish. The governing part includes seeing to the physical safety of his parishoners. If he is incapable of handling the situation, then the next step is the diocese. I also agree that the restraining order should be made known to the diocese. It would also be prudent for the pastor is change the locks on the church in light of the threats involved. My prayers and support are with you.

 

[InspiritCarol]

you don’t say if you are the priest in this case. He and he alone decides who receives communion. Period. Personally I think you are doing the greatest kindness toward this person because you have taken an action that may get her some badly needed help. Enabling is not charity and that is what the other misguided people are doing.

I’m the Director of Liturgy and Music so yes, not the Priest. I really am trying to be charitable toward him, I can’t imagine how difficult it must be moving to such a backwards one-color-only type of place as this… I love the quote from St. John Vianney that goes something like: there are no bad priests, just ones that haven’t been prayed for enough.

Sorry if the term “crazy heretic” offended. Blame my husband, he thought that would be the optimally succinct title. Of course I don’t refer to her as such in any practical matters. It is not an incorrect definition, however; just not polite.

-I did contact the “Loss Prevention” specialist in my diocese. My pastor got upset with me over that. He sees himself as being on a kind of probation with the Diocese. I have no idea how true that is; but he gets terribly upset if we even mention wanting to contact the Diocese about anything. Anyway, I was told to call back with new developments and that I was doing the right thing in obtaining a stalking order. (Apparently “restraining orders” are for domestic situations).

-I find out Tuesday if the stalking order will take or if we will need to be seeking a new parish… I suppose it’s a win/win for me personally. Direscting at this mission has been nothing but a big ol’ pile of crosses and I’m feeling a bit overburdoned these days. ~sigh~ (Okay - pity party done).

Thanks for the good responses and the reassurance that the ultimate responsibility of all this lies squarely on the Pastor’s shoulders; whether he chooses to take it or not.