How do I speak with the Parish Priest

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ChrissyP

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This is going to be a rather stupid question, but I need to know how to approach this with baby steps.

I work for my parish and obviously attend mass etc there.

I only recently (just under 3 years), returned to the Faith.

It’s been incredibly difficult, work wise and Faith wise, I think I was hoing through a sort of honeymoon period.

Work is stressful at the moment and there is a lot of it, everyone is under pressure and spread thin and going non-stop.

I can’t remember anything. I can’t remember work or keep track of anything. I’m messing up cash and just not working like I should.
I can’t remeber when I go to confession or what my penance is, I can’t remember what I’ve done in a day or to even do something as basic as pray.

I don’t want to go to him and tell him I’m screwing up. I also don’t want to add to his work and stress.

I have no idea how to approach this and no idea how to make it sound any less whiny. It sounds whiny enough.

Aside from tge rubbish in my head, I don’t talk loads and find it difficult to verbalise my thoughts.

Any advice appreciated.
 
Speak to your doctor. Your symptoms may be indicative of serious physical or cognitive disorders.
 
Yes, I second that idea. If this is something new to you, you should see that there is no medical problem causing your “fuzziness” and lack of memory.
 
Then if it is stress, perhaps some counseling would be helpful. I don’t think it is necessary that you get counseling from your priest so much as someone to help you manage stress.
 
Obviously we don’t know your age, but, for everyone’s reference, inability to concentrate, focus or remember as well as you did in the past can also be a classic menopause symptom so, if this could be relevant…
 
ChrissyP said:
I did, a few times, they keep pushing it off as stress.
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Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep. Sleep deprivation can really mess with memory and concentration.

You might also consider finding a less stressful job. This one might be too much for you to handle.
 
Is your priest your supervisor/ boss for your work at the parish? If so, then you need to approach him as you would a boss at any other job.

Also, I second Jbrady that this job may simply be too much work/ too difficult for you at this stage. It’s also difficult sometimes to mix up something that’s very emotional and personal, like your religious faith or a cause you deeply care about, and your work that you do for a living. It may be better if you sought other employment and simply focused on practicing your faith at the Church rather than trying to make the Church your source of employment as well as faith.
 
Yes, he is my boss. So I do need to approach him regards work.
 
All of the above are great suggestions - please follow up regarding the stress. I have had to do so most recently due to life issues and it can help (if that is the problem). I’ll pray that your boss/parish priest will be charitable and understanding.
 
Is it possible to get some holiday leave from work? So that you can rest and recuperate?
 
We have a week coming up in October and some days nect week. I’m holding off till then, because there’s no one to fill in for my work.
 
I feel that having time off is a wonderful idea, it will allow you to collect your thoughts and feel human again. It has been a tough year and working in a environment where this pandemic has resulted in decreased staff levels.

I really hope you enjoy your time off next week and experience some sense of peace. Pax Christi.
 
My response was unhelpful speculation, so I deleted it.

@ChrissyP if your doctor can’t find anything wrong rest and relaxation is very good for burn out. You sound very burned out. As for speaking to the priest, you could wait until after your time off in October. That might help improve your job performance. And if it doesn’t you could discuss with your preist at that time what accommodations you think could help you to perform your job duties or what duties you would need to relinquish to stay in the position.
 
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