Mass 'abuses' - what's my responsibility?

[Frosty]

Love him up. Maybe God wants you in his path. Pray for him, let him know you are doing it, and support him in any other way you can.

Thanks. He was still at our parish this morning for daily Mass. I waited for him so that I could apologize for any embarassment I caused him. He apologized for causing me embarassment by letting me see how vulnerable he was. After we fell over one another apologizing, he invited me back to the rectory to have breakfast with him. I learned a lot about him during that half hour. God has given this diocese a gift in this young man and I thank Him for it. I made a new friend.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Thanks. He was still at our parish this morning for daily Mass. I waited for him so that I could apologize for any embarassment I caused him. He apologized for causing me embarassment by letting me see how vulnerable he was. After we fell over one another apologizing, he invited me back to the rectory to have breakfast with him. I learned a lot about him during that half hour. God has given this diocese a gift in this young man and I thank Him for it. I made a new friend.

That’s wonderful! I will also pray for your new priest.

 

[Mel_Stones]

I understand that there are those on this forum who would say that I did the right thing in questioning that priest because he did leave out a part of the Mass and that I had every right to do so. Regardless, I still feel like a complete jerk. I’ve thought about it over and over today and have come to the conclusion that for that brief time yesterday, I let myself become too influenced by the opinions of some on these forums and jumped to a certain conclusion. If I had used my common sense and weighed in all the factors, I would have realized that honest mistakes happen. Instead, I caused pain both to a young priest trying to do his best in a difficult situation and to myself. Try as I might, I cannot find any justification for what I did.

Frosty, I don’t think you did the right thing (and I’m probably considered a real ‘go getter’ in these situations) but don’t be too hard on yourself. In that situation I would have done nothing more than to offer my sincere thanks to the priest and if he was obviously upset by what happened try to let him know no harm done. I would not have questioned the Mass in any way.

I would like to state that I do not under any circumstances bring up questions to any priest except my own whom I know very well. Although the term ‘liturgical police’ amuses me greatly, I would not use my badge (so to speak) in this case. I would very likely have put a hand on this priest’s arm and tried to assure him we were nothing but appreciative to him for serving us. I would also have asked my deacon or another ‘elder’ of the parish (if at all possible) to speak to the priest and comfort him.

 

[Mel_Stones]

Frosty, I have now read the rest of the posts since the one I responded too.
I am glad all turned out well. You did the right thing apologizing after you realized you made a mistake. I am glad you have made a friend!

Christ’s peace.