Needing help from the Church

[StudentMI]

I know this might seem odd, or self-absorbed, but I just want to share it with other Catholics, see how they feel, etc. It’s also not meant as critical of anyone on this forum.

As I see the advice constantly given about talking to your priest, calling the parish, or the socializing among parish groups, I’m struck by the fact that, deep down, the last place I’d ever turn to for help would be the Church. As much as I hate to admit it, if I were physically ill, the last thing I’d do would be to call the parish I go to, or contact any priest or deacon or anyone from any group I know of. I just wouldn’t. I couldn’t stomach doing it.

I don’t know what else to say. I’m not sure what to say.

 

[Billycourty]

To say you couldn’t stomach it is a strong, visceral, reaction.

Have you examined that feeling?

I wouldn’t call what you are feeling as self-absorbed, but you are having an aversion.

Is it an aversion to asking for help? Or an aversion to asking for help from the church.

By examining this you might discover, and be able to learn, how to trust.

Jay

 

[po18guy]

We are called to be a social body, but we often resist because many of our fellow parishioners are as difficult to deal with as we ourselves are.

As to the Sacraments, you should feel absolutely free, if not highly motivated, to seek them from the Church. You may receive them nowhere else.

As to the general feeling, yes it does seem self-absorbed. What if others are in need of your presence or counsel? Love desires the good of the “other.”

A truism that is good to remember: “I went looking for a friend and found none. I became a friend and found many.”

 

[PaulfromIowa]

[T]he last place I’d ever turn to for help would be the Church. As much as I hate to admit it, if I were physically ill, the last thing I’d do would be to call the parish I go to, or contact any priest or deacon or anyone from any group I know of. I just wouldn’t. I couldn’t stomach doing it.

And why is that?

 

[RuthTherese]

I understand how that feels. I personally have tried to contact my parish or priest about situations you’d find on this forum (questions, spiritual counseling) and been turned away or felt ridiculed in the past. While obviously not all parishes and priests are the same, having spent a year dealing with severe undiagnosed bipolar disorder and priests telling me that meant God had given up on me, it left a bad taste in my mouth. It’s my personal reason for the church being the last group I’d want to contact when I need help.

 

[Origen52]

I would also not turn to my parish for help mainly because I would be referred to a government organization.

I find even contacting the archdioceses here is useless. The response is have you contacted…?

In Canada, Protestant churches are much more helpful. At least where I live.

 

[peter26]

I guess I’m lucky. I have a good relationship with my priest and he is also the RC chaplain of the local hospital. If I ended up there for any reason, I would be very glad to see him and receive the sacraments.

 

[StudentMI]

I don’t really know how to explain it. I’d rather not. Just forget this thread.