Overcoming Fear of Priests

[Melodeonist]

Deep in my mind, engraved by the media, is a fear of Priests. No matter what I do, I cannot seem to rid myself of this fear.

At the end of Mass, I shake the Priests hand, sometimes I even hug him. Even doing these things cannot seem to rid myself of this fear. What do you recommend I do to get rid of this fear?

 

[CB_Catholic]

Deep in my mind, engraved by the media, is a fear of Priests. No matter what I do, I cannot seem to rid myself of this fear.

At the end of Mass, I shake the Priests hand, sometimes I even hug him. Even doing these things cannot seem to rid myself of this fear. What do you recommend I do to get rid of this fear?

First, I would try to find out why I had such a fear. Once I determined that, I would decide whether it was rational or irrational. If it was irrational, I would try to remind myself of that . If it was rational (such as a priest being mean in the past, or abuse,) I would ask God for the grace to forgive the wrong done to me (without either downplaying or exaggerating the wrong). Then I would pray for priests, and if one had harmed me, or others, pray for him.

Of course, it is not as easy as it sounds, esp. if it is being reinforced daily by such things as the media, or a person who hates priests. Struggle to find out the truth and eliminate any exaggerations you have heard.

 

[GoldenSeal]

I wondered if you or someone you know had been abused in the past by a priest, teacher, or some other authority figure.

If so, it is something that will probably dog you until you deal with it. A counselor could help you sort things out, whether you were actually abused in the past or not. If you were abused, a positive step would be to report the abuse as well as pray for the abuser. If someone is abused, reporting it is a step to healing, and it also prevents other innocent people from becoming victims.

If you were not abused, and if your fear can eventually be eased by a good relationship with your priest, that’s one thing. However, if it is interfering with your relationship with him, or is very troubling to you, it would be helpful and healing for you to see a counselor or therapist.

 

[Karen107]

I have that to an extent as well as have heard others say that. I think for me it has a lot to do with who they represent. If Jesus Christ was in front of me I don’t know how I would act. Probably something like I feel inside when I’m around a Priest who represents Christ in the world. You could pray for me as I pray for you for more courage around Priests…and I was brought up respecting the authority of Fathers, whether my biological Father or Priests. I know I’m learning to become more comfortable the more time I spend with Priests learning that they’re human also and really care about us! Priests are human and they’re supposed to be humble, just like Jesus, AND Jesus is greeted with reverence (piety) and AWE (the fear of the Lord)… So Jesus although He is Our King, is also a servant… the Shepherd and the lamb… It’s not suppose to be human fear but rather an awe inspiring fear and these are gifts of the Holy Spirit so maybe your just graced with that feeling… So maybe that will put things in perspective and you can be more forgiving of yourself knowing it MAY be normal natural behavior you’re feeling because it is a gift of the HS you are experiencing? Just something to think about… That’s why I respect and will defend and pray for Our Priests who are serving us and will defend us and are deserving of our Love and respect as our Spiritual Fathers and I like Our Pope who genuinely seems to be humble and encourages Priests to be as well… There again, we’re honoring the commandment to honor thy Mother and Father. It’s just part of our makeup, Peace…

 

[Melodeonist]

I wondered if you or someone you know had been abused in the past by a priest, teacher, or some other authority figure.

If so, it is something that will probably dog you until you deal with it. A counselor could help you sort things out, whether you were actually abused in the past or not. If you were abused, a positive step would be to report the abuse as well as pray for the abuser. If someone is abused, reporting it is a step to healing, and it also prevents other innocent people from becoming victims.

If you were not abused, and if your fear can eventually be eased by a good relationship with your priest, that’s one thing. However, if it is interfering with your relationship with him, or is very troubling to you, it would be helpful and healing for you to see a counselor or therapist.

Nope, no one I knew was ever abused, nor was I ever abused. My fear comes completely from the media, and my mother talking about the media.

 

[Techno2000]

Deep in my mind, engraved by the media, is a fear of Priests. No matter what I do, I cannot seem to rid myself of this fear.

At the end of Mass, I shake the Priests hand, sometimes I even hug him. Even doing these things cannot seem to rid myself of this fear. What do you recommend I do to get rid of this fear?

A Priest is going to Baptize you, and ALL your sins will be forgiven, this is a Great service a Priest is doing for you, I would be very happy with Priest.

 

[Belshazzar]

Maybe you feel the same way about priests that I feel around nuns. Not scared but intimidated. I can’t be my normal self around them. But maybe that’s a good thing.

 

[Karen107]

Nope, no one I knew was ever abused, nor was I ever abused. My fear comes completely from the media, and my mother talking about the media.

Oh boy I must be a dunce… .You’re afraid of priests in that way? I mean, more often there are teachers, doctors, coaches and relatives out there who abuse children but are you afraid of all teachers , doctors, coaches, and relatives because there are some of them who have abused children? And since you seem to be of age to protect yourself against abuse why would you be afraid? I can tell you I’ve never been afraid for myself or for my children of a Priest in that way and especially now since there are so many precautions put in place against this happening, there’s really no reason to worry. I certainly don’t and I’ve been a Catholic all my life and as timid as I am I do my best to avoid letting my fears run away with me or it gets in the way of my happiness and what I want to accomplish. This seems like the homily I heard today…lol following the reading about Jesus sending out 72 disciples, two by two, so they would have courage and confidence in what they did… And I know I need to work on my courage…

 

[phil19034]

Nope, no one I knew was ever abused, nor was I ever abused. My fear comes completely from the media, and my mother talking about the media.

I think it’s important to keep in mind that the number of predatory priests out there (% wise) is smaller than the number of (% wise) of abuses in other professions which deal with children (teachers, coaches, etc…). Plus other religious have equal or higher % numbers too.

However, the media doesn’t ever mention this because one charge is too many for the Catholic Church (and rightfully so, but they are out to discredit the Church).

There is no reason to be afraid of a priest unless the individual priest gives you specific reason to be wary. In general, we should no more cautious around them than we are around teachers.

I hope this is helpful.

God Bless.

 

[pwlj_christ87]

its probably because your unbaptized , you havent grown up to know them or like them, your ve probably heard or witnessed the news reports and given into the norm of what people say about them. so when your hand shaking them or hugging them you try not to think about that stuff but you cant help it… dont worry , i know… you have to spend time with them in the confessional, that way youll really come to like them… they should not be feared, at all