New priest conundrum

[Dulcinea2721]

Nothing sends a better message to kids than: If you don’t like the authority’s rules, rather than attempt to understand them, leave.

I see it more like…if you have good reason to believe thatomeone is leading you astray from the only TRUE authority do not follow them in their error.

 

[Dulcinea2721]

Yup.
And yes, what is the problem with the penitential Rite?
Conversations with the Bishop almost always are not appreciated. If you talk to the Bishop, COUNT on finding another parish. There might be a possibility that this priest was sent there precisely to do what he is doing. Ever thought of that? This happens. We had a Monsignor at a former parish I worked at that was there for 35 years. 35 years. So the new, young priest that was sent changed EVERYTHING. At the expressed instruction of the Bishop. You can imagine how that went over. People got into screaming matches, people started putting monopoly money in the collection with notes that read “when you send us a real priest, we’ll give real money”.
But the priest was following orders.
Change is hard.
So far, I don’t really see anything that warrants an exodus. You can always start a petition for Adoration to return weekly. That’s a fairly benign request and speaks to the Spirituality of the parishioners.
The communion issue? Believe it or not, many people receive in the hand. I don’t personally, but people are allowed to do this. I think teaching your children to defy the priest is worse. Children very quickly rebel against religion in their teen years and when going off to college. You probably don’t want them throwing this in your face when they don’t like something.
Look/ Every time there is a new priest someone gets offended. That’s how it works. People think it’s THEIR church, THEY get to make the big decisions. It’s the Bishop’s prerogative, and surely, SURELY he knew what this priest was like when he sent him.
I’d spend some time in prayer discerning why he was sent.
But running off or running to the Bishop will get you nowhere. It just builds on a feeling of resentment and division. Don’t go down that road. It’s so not worth it.
Pray for him, befriend him, try to understand what’s really going on.
in other words, give it time. 6 weeks is not enough.

If we want to speculate we can speculate that this priest was moved FROM his other parish for a reason…let’s not speculate!!

This parish has seen 5 priests in the last 17+ years, every few years we get another priest. Different personalities, different priorities etc. we follow.

Many people think it is great to have a 30 minute mass, regardless of proper procedure.

I know people who have given no thought to the no communion on the tongue announcement, because it does not impact them. They do not care whether or not he has authority to do it.

I know people who are happy that they do not have to attend baptism class.

This is a very slippery slope.

One of my children is doing confirmation this year and I fear what will be taught. Is my child worth the risk of finding out later I made a bad decision. I feel a tremendous load of responsibility. This is why I am asking for advice.

Thank you for responding

 

[pianistclare]

If we want to speculate we can speculate that this priest was moved FROM his other parish for a reason…let’s not speculate!!

This parish has seen 5 priests in the last 17+ years, every few years we get another priest. Different personalities, different priorities etc. we follow.

Many people think it is great to have a 30 minute mass, regardless of proper procedure.

I know people who have given no thought to the no communion on the tongue announcement, because it does not impact them. They do not care whether or not he has authority to do it.

I know people who are happy that they do not have to attend baptism class.

This is a very slippery slope.

One of my children is doing confirmation this year and I fear what will be taught. Is my child worth the risk of finding out later I made a bad decision. I feel a tremendous load of responsibility. This is why I am asking for advice.

Thank you for responding

Who is speculating?
He was sent there for a reason.
Find out what it is.
Or bolt.

 

[Vico]

I read what you linked twice and cannot figure out how you came up with your statement especially after I read ,
Father Z states that he “thinks” a bishop can not do this. Can not does not mean he has the power to make adaptions. Father Z also states that
He goes on to speculate This is not the same as saying a bishop ha the power to make adaptions. The article refutes it.

It was not Father Z but Servus Tuus that posted:
Regardless, when he instituted this last year I did send a question to the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments. The reply was something to the effect of “this Congregation does foresee the necessity of such adaptations,” meaning a bishop does have the faculty to prohibit communion directly on the tongue. The response also clearly stated that one should obey their ordinary, which of course I do.

 

[Vico]

A new priest arrived at our parish about 6 weeks ago. He has already caused quite a stir.

He has cancelled First Friday adoration.
Is not following proper procedure at mass regarding penitential rite.
Has announced that he will not give communion on the tongue.
Other troublesome comments about how people are too hung up on tradition etc.

Having 4 children ages 14 to 8 who are in need of proper guidance, would you change parishes?

Would you try to work with it?

What would you do?

I am not sure this is in the correct forum but since the other threads are here, I thought I would post here.

Thanks for your help

Does he substitute for the Rite of Sprinkling for the penitential rite (which is allowed)?

It ends with “May almighty God cleanse us of our sins, and through the Eucharist we celebrate make us worthy to sit at his table in his heavenly kingdom.” And the people respond “Amen.”

 

[johnnyc176]

A new priest arrived at our parish about 6 weeks ago. He has already caused quite a stir.

He has cancelled First Friday adoration.
Is not following proper procedure at mass regarding penitential rite.
Has announced that he will not give communion on the tongue.
Other troublesome comments about how people are too hung up on tradition etc.

Having 4 children ages 14 to 8 who are in need of proper guidance, would you change parishes?

Would you try to work with it?

What would you do?

I am not sure this is in the correct forum but since the other threads are here, I thought I would post here.

Thanks for your help

I guess more info is needed on why Adoration was canceled and what exactly is going on with the Penitential rite (there are three forms) but you have a right to receive Communion on the tongue so that alone would be reason enough to meet with the priest to inform him of that right. If he is contentious and refuses to yield then contact your Bishop. If notifying the Bishop is required I would stay in the parish until resolved one way or the other all the while teaching the children what is correct and the proper way of correcting error. I would also tell them it is possible that as a family we may have to go to another parish in the future for their spiritual well being.

 

[OraLabora]

Other troublesome comments about how people are too hung up on tradition etc.

This statement alone suggests to me that he is trying to address a serious problem in the parish. Whether he’s doing so in the correct manner is open to question. And whether it is with or without or the bishop’s approval, is beyond my ability, or that of any others here, to say.

Might I suggest: you have posted several threads now regarding this priest. We understand you are upset but you are surely going to get different opinions here especially asking the question multiple times.

Perhaps try to understand why there’s a problem in your parish, pray, and then let it go. Only a guess on my part but I suspect some zealous folks in the parish are attempting to use communion on the tongue to push an agenda, which is gravely wrong. But I’m not there, so I can’t say. For example if it was just a few random people wanting to receive on the tongue, I’m sure there’d be no problem. But if those wishing to push their agenda got together to go up all at once to receive on the tongue, I’d say there’s a problem. A big problem. And the problem isn’t the priest!

But again we have no idea what is going on in the parish, so there’s no way we can properly advise you other than to say “pray and offer it up”, or simply leave the parish. It’s really your decision to make.

 

[adrift]

It was not Father Z but Servus Tuus that posted:
Regardless, when he instituted this last year I did send a question to the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments. The reply was something to the effect of “this Congregation does foresee the necessity of such adaptations,” meaning a bishop does have the faculty to prohibit communion directly on the tongue. The response also clearly stated that one should obey their ordinary, which of course I do.

As has been stated, it had to do with the spread of disease not a blanket power of bishops. The person you are quoting is only commenting about a letter he received. A letter which he did not reproduce and may have more in it. I really don’t doubt the letter only the interpretation and what might have been left out.

 

[Corki]

A new priest arrived at our parish about 6 weeks ago. He has already caused quite a stir.

He has cancelled First Friday adoration.
Is not following proper procedure at mass regarding penitential rite.
Has announced that he will not give communion on the tongue.
Other troublesome comments about how people are too hung up on tradition etc.

Having 4 children ages 14 to 8 who are in need of proper guidance, would you change parishes?

Would you try to work with it?

What would you do?

I am not sure this is in the correct forum but since the other threads are here, I thought I would post here.

Thanks for your help

Whether I would move or not depends on a few things.

1. Do your children have opportunities to experience more reverent Masses and practices? Or is this the only Mass your kids will know? If the former, they are old enough for you to point out what is great about a Mass done correctly. If the latter, I think you need to do what you can to make sure they get to experience good Liturgy.
2. Do you know the DRE and/or the Catechism teachers? We moved into a parish with a very solid priest who had been preceded by one who was way off the reservation (homilies about the need for women priests, no regular Confession times, etc,) But the DRE was very orthodox as were most of the religious ed teachers. For that reason, most of the families who were more traditional stayed during the time of the former priest. And they formed a prayer group to pray for a good priest in the future.

Also, it’s just been 6 weeks. Maybe this priest just got off to a bad start and things will swing back to normal. Keep praying for that and give it a little time.

 

[Dulcinea2721]

This statement alone suggests to me that he is trying to address a serious problem in the parish. Whether he’s doing so in the correct manner is open to question. And whether it is with or without or the bishop’s approval, is beyond my ability, or that of any others here, to say.

Might I suggest: you have posted several threads now regarding this priest. We understand you are upset but you are surely going to get different opinions here especially asking the question multiple times.

Perhaps try to understand why there’s a problem in your parish, pray, and then let it go. Only a guess on my part but I suspect some zealous folks in the parish are attempting to use communion on the tongue to push an agenda, which is gravely wrong. But I’m not there, so I can’t say. For example if it was just a few random people wanting to receive on the tongue, I’m sure there’d be no problem. But if those wishing to push their agenda got together to go up all at once to receive on the tongue, I’d say there’s a problem. A big problem. And the problem isn’t the priest!

But again we have no idea what is going on in the parish, so there’s no way we can properly advise you other than to say “pray and offer it up”, or simply leave the parish. It’s really your decision to make.

.
My reason for posting 3 seperate times is for clarity. One issue, one thread, instead of one long and rambling one.

Now that it is fairly clear that this priest is not the following the norm…what to do.

I think this is appropriate and I really appreciate everyone’s (name removed by moderator)ut even if I do not agree.

This is a very important matter to me,

If you do not want to share you opinion, please do not feel obliged to post.

To the others, please continue to give me your thoughts. I am reading and reflecting on all of it

Ps. I do not think that there is anything amiss in the parish, I live in a very large city and the priest’s regularly move every 3 to 4 years unless the church is run by a fraternity which is a different story. This is a regular parish all the good and bad.

 

[maryjk]

Might I suggest: you have posted several threads now regarding this priest. We understand you are upset but you are surely going to get different opinions here especially asking the question multiple times.

Double

Something I have told my son numerous times, stop working yourself up. It only makes you more and more upset.

Instead, clear your mind. Pray. Listen to God.

Then more forward.

 

[Dulcinea2721]

Whether I would move or not depends on a few things.

1. Do your children have opportunities to experience more reverent Masses and practices? Or is this the only Mass your kids will know? If the former, they are old enough for you to point out what is great about a Mass done correctly. If the latter, I think you need to do what you can to make sure they get to experience good Liturgy.
2. Do you know the DRE and/or the Catechism teachers? We moved into a parish with a very solid priest who had been preceded by one who was way off the reservation (homilies about the need for women priests, no regular Confession times, etc,) But the DRE was very orthodox as were most of the religious ed teachers. For that reason, most of the families who were more traditional stayed during the time of the former priest. And they formed a prayer group to pray for a good priest in the future.

Also, it’s just been 6 weeks. Maybe this priest just got off to a bad start and things will swing back to normal. Keep praying for that and give it a little time.

Thank you.

1, yes we do attend different masses, this is by far the home parish though where they are receiving their sacraments.

1. This is a very good point. I do not know the answer but will find out. In the past it has been inconsistent, at times the priest at time others.

Thanks again

 

[Oneofthewomen]

.

Now that it is fairly clear that this priest is not the following the norm…what to do.

So says you.

The penitential rite question has been answered. Maybe not to you liking, but there are options.

As far as everything else, the only way you are ever going to have any peace about this situation is if YOU talk to the priest.

You have issues, you are considering moving your family from the parish. You are not going to get answers here, and the only way you are going to real reasons for anything going on is to*** ASK THE PRIEST!!***

I am sorry if you think this is mean or blunt, but the ball is in your court. Either make the move to find out what is really going on or leave the parish.

 

[Dulcinea2721]

Double

Something I have told my son numerous times, stop working yourself up. It only makes you more and more upset.

Instead, clear your mind. Pray. Listen to God.

Then more forward.

Thank you for your opinion. I certainly do not feel that I am worked up, I am gathering information.

Before this week, my concerns were…is this common, normal, acceptable. I just thought it was odd enough to ask a question.

Had the response been, “it is a very common occurrence, no big deal”, there would be no need for a follow up.

However, the response was clear that things are amiss. Now what to do. You suggest I pray and your post implies I should no longer burden this forum. I thank you for your opinion.

 

[Galnextdoor]

A new priest arrived at our parish about 6 weeks ago. He has already caused quite a stir.

He has cancelled First Friday adoration.
Is not following proper procedure at mass regarding penitential rite.
Has announced that he will not give communion on the tongue.
Other troublesome comments about how people are too hung up on tradition etc.

Having 4 children ages 14 to 8 who are in need of proper guidance, would you change parishes?

Would you try to work with it?

What would you do?

I am not sure this is in the correct forum but since the other threads are here, I thought I would post here.

Thanks for your help

Below is a link to a vatican website. If you click on the chapter about the reception of communion, it says that every penitent Catholic has the right to receive communion on the tongue. It has other chapters that you might find useful
vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20040423_redemptionis-sacramentum_en.html#Chapter
Some priests were never properly taught or have forgotten how to conduct a Mass. That’s why there were extensive interviews and studies conducted on the seminaries here in the U.S. a few years back. The ones who were not properly instructing the seminarians were reprimanded and received a report detailing where they needed to change things.

I would print out the pertinent parts from the link above where he is in error and talk to him about it. I would also give him literature about the First Friday adoration or adoration period.

The priest I talked to said he never said it, but other people remembered him saying it in his sermon. He’s old, so maybe he just didn’t remember or didn’t mean what he said.

If talking doesn’t change anything, I would send the priest a letter showing how much you contributed to the parish every year, and that you are now going to attend another parish, because of whatever it is that he is doing wrong.

I would then attend another parish, if that is feasible for you.

I once attended a parish where the Bishop sent in a priest to turn the parish on its head. He felt that it was behind times and too conservative. The new priest ripped out the altar rails, refused to allow people to kneel or genuflect for communion, berated individuals in front of the church if they wanted to receive on the tongue. The Church had one of the highest percentages of tithing in the state prior to this. After this priest came, people drove 50 miles across a state line to attend church elsewhere. There were masses with only 14 people in attendance in church where this priest had come in. The parish ended up in the hole financially. So not only did the Bishop destroy attendance at this church, his diocese lost out on the revenue because people were going to church in another state.

Believe it or not, loss of tithes makes a difference.

 

[pianistclare]

Thank you for your opinion. I certainly do not feel that I am worked up, I am gathering information.

Before this week, my concerns were…is this common, normal, acceptable. I just thought it was odd enough to ask a question.

Had the response been, “it is a very common occurrence, no big deal”, there would be no need for a follow up.

However, the response was clear that things are amiss. Now what to do. You suggest I pray and your post implies I should no longer burden this forum. I thank you for your opinion.

Well, actually, the burden is on you, since you are the one with the issue.
We don’t know this priest, and we are told repeatedly not presume anything uncharitable about the clergy. We’re just trying to give the man the respect he deserves.
Hence, the advice from many who say: Go see the man. Pray for him. Try to discern what’s really at play here.
Everyone is a liturgy expert in the Catholic church.
Until you work in a parish you have no idea how many “well-meaning” people hound the priests about every detail. Either they’re too happy or too dour. The homilies too long, or too short. Either he’s a trad or he’s a liberal.
It nearly breaks some of them.
Talk to him. It will answer your questions. Befriend him if possible.
All of our priests, whether we perceive them to be holy enough, need our prayers.
St. John Vianney, pray for us!

 

[Dulcinea2721]

So says you.

The penitential rite question has been answered. Maybe not to you liking, but there are options.

As far as everything else, the only way you are ever going to have any peace about this situation is if YOU talk to the priest.

You have issues, you are considering moving your family from the parish. You are not going to get answers here, and the only way you are going to real reasons for anything going on is to*** ASK THE PRIEST!!***

I am sorry if you think this is mean or blunt, but the ball is in your court. Either make the move to find out what is really going on or leave the parish.

Thank you.

Wrt the penitential rite i am certain that neither of the options is being followed.

Prior to the response from this forum, I was wondering if these were even issues or if I was just being sensitive.

I have had this priest to my house for a gathering, I sit on a committee with him.

Many comments were made during those times which gave me pause. That was why I came to this forum. To ask questions.

You are obviously of the opinion that this forum will not give me answers. I disagree, many opinions have already given me food for reflection. I am thankful for all of it and have no regrets for posting this question.

 

[Dulcinea2721]

Well, actually, the burden is on you, since you are the one with the issue.
We don’t know this priest, and we are told repeatedly not presume anything uncharitable about the clergy. We’re just trying to give the man the respect he deserves.
Hence, the advice from many who say: Go see the man. Pray for him. Try to discern what’s really at play here.
Everyone is a liturgy expert in the Catholic church.
Until you work in a parish you have no idea how many “well-meaning” people hound the priests about every detail. Either they’re too happy or too dour. The homilies too long, or too short. Either he’s a trad or he’s a liberal.
It nearly breaks some of them.
Talk to him. It will answer your questions. Befriend him if possible.
All of our priests, whether we perceive them to be holy enough, need our prayers.
St. John Vianney, pray for us!

Thank you

 

[johnnyc176]

Other troublesome comments about how people are too hung up on tradition etc.

Without knowing the specifics of these comments and whether they are made during the homily we do know there are divisions within the Church and these types of comments may point to a liberal thinking which may explain the other issues. Hopefully these are not made during the homilies and if they aren’t then I wouldn’t worry so much about the comments and would address the other issues. If they are made during the homilies then I would approach him to ask why these specific comments are relevant in his teaching.

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

Nothing sends a better message to kids than: If you don’t like the authority’s rules, rather than attempt to understand them, leave.

The issue is, there are “rules” this pastor is making that he doesn’t have the authority to make. For example, Rome has repeatedly made it clear that communion on the tongue is the universal norm for the Church and that every Catholic cannot be denied receiving communion on the tongue, even when there is H1N1, etc.

The priest is required to follow the rubrics and the words as laid out in the Roman Missal. He is not free to ad lib, change what he wants, etc.

We need to be charitable to our priests, yes, but in Redemporis Sacramentum, the Church has urged the Faithful to do all that they can to prevent liturgical abuses from happening.