Proper Way to Deal with a Bad Sermon

[ohshhhhmamas]

I had a problem with that today. Had the priest make a joke (in a room full of kindergarten through 8th grade children [it was a school Mass]) that we won’t have women priests “under this pope”. And he definitely meant that as a bad thing. I really wish I could get up and walk out of some of these Masses, but it’s part of my job description to stay.

 

[SimonDodd]

I had a problem with that today. Had the priest make a joke (in a room full of kindergarten through 8th grade children [it was a school Mass]) that we won’t have women priests “under this pope”. And he definitely meant that as a bad thing. I really wish I could get up and walk out of some of these Masses, but it’s part of my job description to stay.

That would be an occasion to have a little chat with him afterward, politely but emphatically conveying just how deeply immature and inappropriate such remarks are in public ministry. He may be genuinely sorry. If he isn’t, further measures may be appropriate, because here’s the thing: a momentary lapse of reason is one thing, but if it’s not just a one-time thing, it may not just be those kids who are harmed: he may do it again, and such public dissent is poison to the unity of the church. Seriously, have a chat with him, and if he won’t recant, start moving up the chain of command.