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Jew_Man_73
Guest
Br. Rich SFO:
Thank you. If I go to the bishop, should I just ask questions, or tell him what’s going on?
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Jew_Man_73
Guest
You may have a point. My priest is very strong-willed and outspoken.
J
Jew_Man_73
Guest
Lillith said:I strongly agree…We have to protect our Catechumens…
On that note…I want a compromise. After thinking about it…The priest should know the personal situations…such as the two men gossiping about this young man being gay:bigyikes:
And the jokes that make him uncomfortable…possibley this will kick in the priests own protective feelings I would hope.
As far as church doctrine…a catechumen cannot stand up to a priest, and it must be as mercygate says.
Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut, Lillith!
J
Jew_Man_73
Guest
Thank you Kyenta!Jew_Man, I am so sorry you are going through such sadness and pain with the goings on at your Parish. Even though you are still in RCIA, this is Your Parish. :yup: You have made friends who are great Catholics.
The advice given here is excellent. I like the idea of getting a few together and sitting calmly with the Pastor about the abuses going on in Christs Church. The Pastor is certainly aware but maybe it’s hearing your words that can make the difference.
I also believe that for some reason, Our Lord is choosing you to help clean His Church. He is pained by what is going on and although it will be difficult, He is handing His Cross over to you. Be strong and offer your sufferings up for His intentions.
Pray, Pray, Pray!Drop out of the choir if you must. Don’t get into uncharitable conversations with those who are sinning. God is aware and will deal with them at the proper time. Maybe you can find different Mass times. Keep your mind always on the Euchrist.
I will keep you in my prayers Jew_Man. I will also pray for the conversion of all sinners especially those found in our Universal Church.
Blessings,
Kyenta
This is one of the most difficult situations I’ve ever found myself in, and to say that I’m disappointed and hurt would be an understatement! But I don’t understand why G-d would be using me to do anything. Why? 
What good am I for something like this? I didn’t even believe in the Messiah until about three months ago.
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Jew_Man_73
Guest
Thank you, antiaphrodite. As always, I appreciate your prayers. But if G-d has such great things planned for me, why this? I don’t understand. Why would this be connected?
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Zooey
Guest
JM, I am sad that this has happened. I have been thinking about you, & praying for you. I will continue to do so.
I think that what people are saying is that satan somehow senses that there is something that you can do for God that is very special, so he is trying to make your life more difficult. (This happened often in Bible days, & has continued down throughout Christian history).
I confess that I smiled when you asked “what good am I for something like this”, because just the fact that you have found the true Messiah qualifies you for all kinds of things!! (If you thought that you were especially qualified, that would, you see, show a spirit that was not aligned with Christ; but instead, you are ready to defend Him in this painful situation).
You are always in my prayers. I will say a rosary for you, asking for strength, & wisdom to deal with this. Please keep in touch with us here!
God bless.
I think that what people are saying is that satan somehow senses that there is something that you can do for God that is very special, so he is trying to make your life more difficult. (This happened often in Bible days, & has continued down throughout Christian history).
I confess that I smiled when you asked “what good am I for something like this”, because just the fact that you have found the true Messiah qualifies you for all kinds of things!! (If you thought that you were especially qualified, that would, you see, show a spirit that was not aligned with Christ; but instead, you are ready to defend Him in this painful situation).
You are always in my prayers. I will say a rosary for you, asking for strength, & wisdom to deal with this. Please keep in touch with us here!
God bless.
P
puzzleannie
Guest
this is sexual harrassment and is a violation of the code of ethical conduct which is supposed to be signed by all parish volunteers and employees. Bring it to the attention of your pastor in writing with facts, dates. If no response within one week send it to the Vicar General or Chancellor, or whoever in your diocese is designated to deal with these complaints of misconduct. If no response in a month contact the bishop directly. All complaints must be complete, accurate, in writing, signed and dated. If it persists to the point of stalking it can even become a criminal complaint with local authorities. If you observe this behavior when minors are present it should be reported to child protective services.
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Br.Rich_SFO
Guest
I would also suggest that first you address a letter to the Pastor even though by what you posted I suspect it will have litle effect. Simply stating that you are finding many descripencies between what is being presented in RCIA and the Catechism.
After you get no reply from him. Then send the Bishop a letter basically saying the same thing. that this is really confusing with the RCIA Catechists teaching one thing and the Catechism saying another. The shorter the better. You don’t need to go into much detail. If he wants more he will reply and ask.
That is how I would approach the Catechetical issue.
Puzzleannie makes great suggestions on how to deal with the Pastoral issues.
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VociMike
Guest
Here’s how to find your bishop: usccb.org/dioceses.htm
I think you should talk to your pastor before writing the bishop. Ignoring for a moment what they do in their own home, the continued vulgar sexual innuendo at church functions (e.g. choir) is entirely inappropriate. It is not “loving” but sin-abetting to tolerate it. The fact that they’re spreading slander about you and your roomate is even worse. The pastor must put a stop to these activities at the very least. If he doesn’t then is the time to go to the bishop.
As far as leaving the parish due to two people, remmember that if you do so they will still be there poisoning the parish for the other parishioners. Better to at least try and do something about the situation first.
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VociMike
Guest
You make a very good point, which is that what is going on is not merely against Catholic teaching, but very likely against the law. That may be the key to getting the pastor’s attention (and the bishop’s, if it comes to that). The days of minimizing sexual misconduct of any form in a parish are behind us, and they both know it.
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Lillith
Guest
Jew-Man…I just wanted to let you know that I love the way that you show reverence to G-d by not spelling out his name…and I will be adopting this practice from now on.But I don’t understand why G-d would be using me to do anything. Why?
I think this answers the question too…teacher.
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CARose
Guest
JM,
God has always made a point of using the weakest to accomplish his biggest tasks, so of course, selecting you to clean house when you are so new to the faith is just like Him. Trust in God, He will strengthen you as long as you remember always that this is His task and you are merely the tool He has selected. A tool does not direct the task, but rather takes it’s direction from the Master.
You may want to start focusing on the Eucharist which you have mentioned is frequently left unattended. Spend time with Christ when He would otherwise be left alone and see if you can’t find a way of encouraging others to also spend time in adoration. Perhaps you could suggest this to the Choir director and the DRE, as both of them sound like they could use more time coming to know Christ more personally. Just as you helped Joan learn that there was no Pope Joan, so you can also enlighten her to the beauty of spending time with Christ in the Eucharist.
I think that right now, a significant amount of time in prayer as close to Christ as possible would do wonders for helping you discern how to proceed according to His plan.
You have been much blessed and with your cooperation Christ can do much through you.
You will remain in my prayers,
CARose
God has always made a point of using the weakest to accomplish his biggest tasks, so of course, selecting you to clean house when you are so new to the faith is just like Him. Trust in God, He will strengthen you as long as you remember always that this is His task and you are merely the tool He has selected. A tool does not direct the task, but rather takes it’s direction from the Master.
You may want to start focusing on the Eucharist which you have mentioned is frequently left unattended. Spend time with Christ when He would otherwise be left alone and see if you can’t find a way of encouraging others to also spend time in adoration. Perhaps you could suggest this to the Choir director and the DRE, as both of them sound like they could use more time coming to know Christ more personally. Just as you helped Joan learn that there was no Pope Joan, so you can also enlighten her to the beauty of spending time with Christ in the Eucharist.
I think that right now, a significant amount of time in prayer as close to Christ as possible would do wonders for helping you discern how to proceed according to His plan.
You have been much blessed and with your cooperation Christ can do much through you.
You will remain in my prayers,
CARose
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YinYangMom
Guest
I think you must trust in the Holy Spirit here…Thank you Kyenta!
Just as Moses did…(though I don’t believe he knew Him as the Holy Spirit, of course)…
God sends us where He needs us, and He gives us the words, skills, resources we need to do His will, on that we can rely.
Remember that it really isn’t you doing anything…it is the Holy Spirit working through you to do God’s will.
Trust in Him and you will find the strength, courage and conviction to serve Him well.
We will pray for you.
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YinYangMom
Guest
Also,
I’m more concerned about the “Judas parish” statement…
if the term was used by faithful catholics in their attempt to warn you about the parish, then I understand the term and context well.
But if the parishioners themselves view their parish as a “Judas parish” and are proud about it…then that’s a real problem for you.
A Judas parish is one which betrays Christ…
as you can sense from the RCIA director’s teachings, you may very well be in such a parish.
Yet you speak about other orthodox members being part of the parish. Invite them over for tea or something to discuss your observations…you can tell them since you are seeking to enter the Church you have questions about certain things you’ve seen and been told in your training which seem to be contradictory and that you would appreciate their help in making sense of it all. The orthodox members should be more than happy to accommodate you and in the process get motivated to reclaim their parish.
I’m more concerned about the “Judas parish” statement…
if the term was used by faithful catholics in their attempt to warn you about the parish, then I understand the term and context well.
But if the parishioners themselves view their parish as a “Judas parish” and are proud about it…then that’s a real problem for you.
A Judas parish is one which betrays Christ…
as you can sense from the RCIA director’s teachings, you may very well be in such a parish.
Yet you speak about other orthodox members being part of the parish. Invite them over for tea or something to discuss your observations…you can tell them since you are seeking to enter the Church you have questions about certain things you’ve seen and been told in your training which seem to be contradictory and that you would appreciate their help in making sense of it all. The orthodox members should be more than happy to accommodate you and in the process get motivated to reclaim their parish.
W
WynCatholic
Guest
A few quick observations for you to mix into the stew:
- G-d has a plan for you in this situation that you find yourself. Rejoice in that- for His grace is abundantly sufficient. so is His wisdom.
2.In my opinion, it is not wise for you to reference the one person’s supposed attraction to you. It sets you into the classic homophobic caricature… and you will be seen to be in the wrong. - approaching those in authority as the student about the discrepancy between the Catachism and what is taught in RCIA is probably the best approach.
4.Their use of the gossip is another trap. their defence is that they don’t regard it as slander…and that you must be homophobic to object to the characterization. your question to the priest should take this into account and focus primarily on the sin of gossip commited against you and your roomate.
wayne
ps welcome to the family, I’m new myself.
pps I like John Paul II 's Theology of the body for a perspective on sexualityis neither puritanical or purient. … and it still fully supports the church’s position regarding sexuality and expressing sexuality in the Christian
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neophyte
Guest
Hey, Jew_man,
Haven’t spoken to you in a while, but I’ve been thinking about you. I certainly can’t give you any suggestions on par with what you’ve already got, but know that you’re in my prayers.
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Haven’t spoken to you in a while, but I’ve been thinking about you. I certainly can’t give you any suggestions on par with what you’ve already got, but know that you’re in my prayers.
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
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antiaphrodite
Guest
those who should know better aren’t doing God’s will. now He has chosen you, a new convert, to repair His Church. (or at least, get construction on the way
) i think it’s wonderful. so like God.
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antiaphrodite
Guest
yep!
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antiaphrodite
Guest
yep too!
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CARose
Guest
Antiaphrodite,
Isn’t it a kick to see how God tests whether we’re willing to play the role of fool for him, to humble ourselves to his plan. It so reminds me of St. Francis, early in his conversion, when praying to the Crucifix in San Damiano, and Christ speaks to him from the cross, telling him “Francis, Go now and repair my church, which you can see is falling down”. Now this was just before the Protestant revolt, but Francis thinks Christ means the physical Church building is what is being referred to. Turns out, as time goes on, he fully discerns that he’s being called to reform the church, for it was full of decay from within the clergy and the religious orders.
But at the onset of following Christ’s call, St. Francis was the least prepared to carry out such a task, but he said Yes and prayed for guidance each step of the way. It was in his humble assent to what God asked that much was able to be accomplished. When he sought Papal approval for his Order, the Pope at the time had a vision of St. Francis holding up a falling down church, St. John Laterine (one of the 4 main Basilica’s in Rome). The next day, the person of his vision (St. Francis) enters for an audience with the pope. Gosh, how disposed do you think the pope was to listen to and grant his request?
Through Christ, amazing things can be done by the smallest messenger, as long as we remain small so that He can grow in and through us.
God Bless ya’ JM, God’s got something in mind for you. Don’t 'cha just wish he’d let you in on the whole secret up front. But then that wouldn’t require faith, would it?
CARose
Isn’t it a kick to see how God tests whether we’re willing to play the role of fool for him, to humble ourselves to his plan. It so reminds me of St. Francis, early in his conversion, when praying to the Crucifix in San Damiano, and Christ speaks to him from the cross, telling him “Francis, Go now and repair my church, which you can see is falling down”. Now this was just before the Protestant revolt, but Francis thinks Christ means the physical Church building is what is being referred to. Turns out, as time goes on, he fully discerns that he’s being called to reform the church, for it was full of decay from within the clergy and the religious orders.
But at the onset of following Christ’s call, St. Francis was the least prepared to carry out such a task, but he said Yes and prayed for guidance each step of the way. It was in his humble assent to what God asked that much was able to be accomplished. When he sought Papal approval for his Order, the Pope at the time had a vision of St. Francis holding up a falling down church, St. John Laterine (one of the 4 main Basilica’s in Rome). The next day, the person of his vision (St. Francis) enters for an audience with the pope. Gosh, how disposed do you think the pope was to listen to and grant his request?
Through Christ, amazing things can be done by the smallest messenger, as long as we remain small so that He can grow in and through us.
God Bless ya’ JM, God’s got something in mind for you. Don’t 'cha just wish he’d let you in on the whole secret up front. But then that wouldn’t require faith, would it?
CARose
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