Mass. Diocese Leader Arrested for DUI in RI

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Bishops wouldn’t wind up in such a mess if they watched their wine at dinners. 😉
 
Oh I don’t much like the responses you received. Being a priest (REALLY being a priest) is, I think, enormously difficult. There are always politics (in any community); there is always manipulation or an attempt (by some members of the congregation); there are always unhealthy needs attempting to be satisfied. The parish priest (especially a pastor in a parish where he is the ONLY priest) has to learn how to protect himself without compromising his role as shepherd. I think this is quite difficult. I saw somewhere that only 1/3 of Roman Catholic Pastors “succeed” (don’t remember where this statistic came from and we all know that statistics really don’t mean anything). But I do know two priests who suffered: one became an alcoholic and was “retired” from the church where he had served as pastor for quite a while, and personally I can’t find any fault in his inability to persevere because I have my own struggles with it and I’m not in “charge” of several hundred (or more) souls. The other had a nervous breakdown in the 90s, he wanted to be with his Lord. He has learned, he is a pastor par excellence, a man of God I cannot compare to any other priest I have ever known, and now understands (and manages) his vulnerability. It’s quite difficult enough trying to follow Jesus in this horrific world; I can’t imagine how much more difficult it must be for a man in the priesthood, let alone one in a leadership capacity. And I think this thread is GOSSIP and should STOP because we do not know this man, we do not know his past, we do not know his struggles, and we are in no position to judge. My humble opinion.
 
ellzeena said:
Oh I don’t much like the responses you received. Being a priest (REALLY being a priest) is, I think, enormously difficult. There are always politics (in any community); there is always manipulation or an attempt (by some members of the congregation); there are always unhealthy needs attempting to be satisfied. The parish priest (especially a pastor in a parish where he is the ONLY priest) has to learn how to protect himself without compromising his role as shepherd. I think this is quite difficult. I saw somewhere that only 1/3 of Roman Catholic Pastors “succeed” (don’t remember where this statistic came from and we all know that statistics really don’t mean anything). But I do know two priests who suffered: one became an alcoholic and was “retired” from the church where he had served as pastor for quite a while, and personally I can’t find any fault in his inability to persevere because I have my own struggles with it and I’m not in “charge” of several hundred (or more) souls. The other had a nervous breakdown in the 90s, he wanted to be with his Lord. He has learned, he is a pastor par excellence, a man of God I cannot compare to any other priest I have ever known, and now understands (and manages) his vulnerability. It’s quite difficult enough trying to follow Jesus in this horrific world; I can’t imagine how much more difficult it must be for a man in the priesthood, let alone one in a leadership capacity. And I think this thread is GOSSIP and should STOP because we do not know this man, we do not know his past, we do not know his struggles, and we are in no position to judge. My humble opinion.
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This thread is NOT gossip and there are legal documents to prove it. I enjoy a few drinks myself and I probably have driven a time or two when I shouldn’t have. But the whole world is not watching me. I am not a shepherd of the flock. Of course it is difficult and I am not defending my mistakes any more than I am condemning this man. But with great power goes great responsibility. I pray that this will be a learning experience, that people’s faith in the leadership of the Church will not be shaken, but don’t you dare call this gossip. I am committed to Christ and the Church and that is why I support ALL of the Bishops. However, it is reasonable to expect a little more prudence.
 
ellzeena said:
Oh I don’t much like the responses you received. Being a priest (REALLY being a priest) is, I think, enormously difficult. There are always politics (in any community); there is always manipulation or an attempt (by some members of the congregation); there are always unhealthy needs attempting to be satisfied. The parish priest (especially a pastor in a parish where he is the ONLY priest) has to learn how to protect himself without compromising his role as shepherd. I think this is quite difficult. I saw somewhere that only 1/3 of Roman Catholic Pastors “succeed” (don’t remember where this statistic came from and we all know that statistics really don’t mean anything). But I do know two priests who suffered: one became an alcoholic and was “retired” from the church where he had served as pastor for quite a while, and personally I can’t find any fault in his inability to persevere because I have my own struggles with it and I’m not in “charge” of several hundred (or more) souls. The other had a nervous breakdown in the 90s, he wanted to be with his Lord. He has learned, he is a pastor par excellence, a man of God I cannot compare to any other priest I have ever known, and now understands (and manages) his vulnerability.** It’s quite difficult enough trying to follow Jesus in this horrific world; I can’t imagine how much more difficult it must be for a man in the priesthood, let alone one in a leadership capacity. And I think this thread is GOSSIP and should STOP because we do not know this man, we do not know his past, we do not know his struggles, and we are in no position to judge. My humble opinion.**
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I agree with you.

We should pray for him and all cardinals, bishops, priests and religious in the Church.

And look to take out the beam in our own eyes first. 👍
 
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