Meeting with Priest?

[sjsander]

Hi All,
About a month ago I set-up an appt with my pastor to do a confession (even though I can go at certain times) and to talk with him but early that morning his secretary emailed me saying he could not meet me because something came up which I completely understand. Apart from confession I really wanted to meet with him to talk to him about what’s been going on in my life the past 3 years and receive some advice only a priest can give me.
I was wondering if anyone else has had issues with meeting with their pastors? They say confession is not the time to have therapy sessions but in a sense I guess that’s also what I would like to do but do not want to take up anyone else’s time.
Any advice?
Thanks,
Sara

 

[AnneTeresa]

Hi Sara,
Can you just call and set up another appointment? I think sometimes you need to be persistent with certain priests who, granted, are very busy. Don’t feel bad about taking up his time. And I agree, some things need more than a short confession–an appointment is better in those cases.

 

[Love_Divine]

The priest can also give you absolution during spiritual direction as well. It’s hard to get a meeting with a priest, and many secretaries try to screen their meetings. If you tell them you also need confession they won’t be able to pass you on to meet with a non-priest.

 

[Gertabelle]

Call back and make a schedule a new appointment time. Priests are “busy” – they’re busy with us, the people in their parish!

Be clear about what you need – confession (short appointment) or a bit of direction (longer appointment).

God bless you.

Gertie

 

[smichhertz]

Call back and make a schedule a new appointment time. Priests are “busy” – they’re busy with us, the people in their parish!

Be clear about what you need – confession (short appointment) or a bit of direction (longer appointment).

Exactly right. Just do this and you will be fine!

And WELCOME TO CAF!

 

[puzzleannie]

to be honest, I have not resided in a Catholic parish for many many years who is blessed with a priest who has time to meet on a regular basis with parishioners. Most are either caring for multiple parishes and missions, or have full time responsiblities with the diocese in addtion to their own parish. So the pattern with which I am familiar is the priest who does his best to make an initial appointment to hear one’s concerns, then makes a referral to someone best able to help, whether that be for marriage counselling, sacramental prep, or spiritual direction.

my best advice to OP and callers with similar concerns when you call the parish office for an appointment simply tell the secretary you must meet with Father about an urgent pastoral concern. No other details should be necessary. Just keep repeating that phrase if she gives you a hard time. But do be aware when she says he is not available now, that he probably really is not available.