What should I tell my priest?

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Bohm_Bawerk

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I’ve missed Mass for several weeks since I’ve come back from the World Youth Day as I’m an atheist and I no longer believe in God. I was just told that my priest wants me to give him a call.

I’m incredibly, incredibly worried. What should I tell my priest? He was expecting more from me :(. I may call him tomorrow, but to say to him up-front that I’m an atheist is probably not a good idea. I’m really confused…please help.
 
In addition, I was thinking of returning to Mass in about 2 weeks time for the sake of me “being there” (not participating in the Eucharist as I don’t believe in the Real Presence). The problem is, I don’t want to keep sitting in the pew and making myself look like a great sinner to the congregation.
 
Surely you should tell him that you’re an atheist and maybe he’ll be able to provide answers to your reasons for rejecting the existence of God, he has studied this you know.
 
If you feel bad over talking to your priest, imagine to God! 😃

Tell him the truth. You could have a wonderful conversation about it!
 
Bohm_Bawerk said:
In addition, I was thinking of returning to Mass in about 2 weeks time for the sake of me “being there” (not participating in the Eucharist as I don’t believe in the Real Presence). The problem is, I don’t want to keep sitting in the pew and making myself look like a great sinner to the congregation.
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Hey,

First, I think you need to stop calling yourself an atheist. I’m not sure why you are so gung-ho on taking that label. Don’t you think you are more of an agnostic? It’s okay to struggle, but there is no reason to adopt a label so readily.

I honestly think it is Satan who is urging you to define yourself that way. (Yes, I know you don’t believe in Satan. :p)

I think you should be honest with your priest about your unbelief and receive counsel.
 
Bohm_Bawerk said:
. . . I’m an atheist and I no longer believe in God . . . my priest . . . was expecting more from me . . . I’m really confused…
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Doubting the existence of God does not make you an atheist, rejecting it does. The very fact that you acknowledge that there is something “more” for your priest to expect from you seems to indicate that you don’t completely reject God’s existence but rather (as you yourself state) have become very confused and aren’t sure what to believe anymore. You sound like someone seeking truth; I would dive into the writings of St. Justin the Martyr. Also, I would definitely call your priest and talk to him.
 
Bohm, I remember you really looking forward to Madrid and WYD. What’s gone wrong?
 
Be honest with yourself. Be honest with your friends, priest, everyone. It will set you free.

Personally I think the Holy Spirit is working in you and you should seize it and tell meet with your priest or anyone else who wants to know why you have chosen this label.

Let us know what happens…
 
Bohm_Bawerk said:
In addition, I was thinking of returning to Mass in about 2 weeks time for the sake of me “being there” (not participating in the Eucharist as I don’t believe in the Real Presence). The problem is, I don’t want to keep sitting in the pew and making myself look like a great sinner to the congregation.
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There is no reason for an atheist to attend Mass. That would be pure hypocrisy. It sounds like you want to have it both ways, and you can’t.
 
You should tell him the truth, as you should tell all people. Belief in God is not the only reason to do what is right…

… and if there was ever a clearer “right / wrong” situation then “telling the Truth / Lying”, well, I just can’t think of one.

If you are it, own it… Be honest.

God bless and I’m still praying for you

Mike
 
Myqyl said:
I STRONGLY disagree. Keep coming to Mass…

God bless
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He’s afraid of what his priest will think, and he only wants to attend Mass 'for the sake of me “being there” '. He wants to call himself an atheist but he doesn’t want to actually walk the walk.

Now, if he were saying he’s not sure any more about being an atheist, and wants to attend Mass to sort out whether he should come back, then of course he should keep attending. But he shouldn’t attend just to hide his atheism from others.
 
When I have crises of faith I keep going to Mass and praying the Divine Office. Drag yourself kicking and screaming if you have to. If your priest does ask, say you’re having a crisis of faith, and have difficulty believing at the moment. I am pretty sure he will understand. If his is a mature faith he too will have had is own “dark night of the soul” at some point in his journey.

But just keep going to Mass, at least for several months and see what happens.
 
agnes_therese said:
He’s afraid of what his priest will think, and he only wants to attend Mass 'for the sake of me “being there” '. He wants to call himself an atheist but he doesn’t want to actually walk the walk.

Now, if he were saying he’s not sure any more about being an atheist, and wants to attend Mass to sort out whether he should come back, then of course he should keep attending. But he shouldn’t attend just to hide his atheism from others.
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I’m sorry, but for a Catholic to tell someone to stop attending Mass is outside my realm of reality. I wish every Atheist would attend Mass. What possible harm do you see in him being exposed to the Word of God and being in the presence of the Presence of our Lord? If he feels compelled to attend Mass, what possible reason could we have not to welcome him with open arms and loving hearts?

Keep on coming Bohm! We’ll keep the light on for you!

God bless
 
Myqyl said:
I’m sorry, but for a Catholic to tell someone to stop attending Mass is outside my realm of reality. I wish every Atheist would attend Mass. What possible harm do you see in him being exposed to the Word of God and being in the presence of the Presence of our Lord? If he feels compelled to attend Mass, what possible reason could we have not to welcome him with open arms and loving hearts?

Keep on coming Bohm! We’ll keep the light on for you!

God bless
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The harm is that he’s only there to hide his atheism from others. As I already said, if he’s truly still sorting things out, then of course he should come. But he claims to be an atheist, yet doesn’t want to act like one. Hypocrisy is NOT a good thing, no matter what the reasons.
 
TrueLight said:
Hey,

First, I think you need to stop calling yourself an atheist. I’m not sure why you are so gung-ho on taking that label. Don’t you think you are more of an agnostic? It’s okay to struggle, but there is no reason to adopt a label so readily.

I honestly think it is Satan who is urging you to define yourself that way. (Yes, I know you don’t believe in Satan. :p)

I think you should be honest with your priest about your unbelief and receive counsel.
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I really agree with you here.
 
agnes_therese said:
The harm is that he’s only there to hide his atheism from others. As I already said, if he’s truly still sorting things out, then of course he should come. But he claims to be an atheist, yet doesn’t want to act like one. Hypocrisy is NOT a good thing, no matter what the reasons.
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I respectfully stand by my answer.

To turn someone away from Mass, even if you don’t approve of their motive for being there, is unconscionable. I don’t know his motives for going to Mass, but I can pretty much guess the Holy Spirit’s motive in prompting him to go.

I guess we just disagree on this.

Keep on coming Bohm!

God bless you both.

Mike
 
Bohm_Bawerk said:
In addition, I was thinking of returning to Mass in about 2 weeks time for the sake of me “being there” (not participating in the Eucharist as I don’t believe in the Real Presence). The problem is, I don’t want to keep sitting in the pew and making myself look like a great sinner to the congregation.
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What to tell your priest? That you would like to go out for coffee (or tea) with him after you attend Mass, would be my suggestion. Then you can discuss your situation with the priest, who knows you and can help you far better than any of us here at CAF.

As far as the “sinner in the pew” thing, once I invited a Protestant friend to attend Mass with me. I made sure to warn her that when she entered the church building, she was going to be surrounded by sinners. And in fact, she would be sitting next to one … Namely, me. There’s room for improvement for all of us! :o

:blessyou:
 
the_phoenix said:
What to tell your priest? That you would like to go out for coffee (or tea) with him after you attend Mass, would be my suggestion. Then you can discuss your situation with the priest, who knows you and can help you far better than any of us here at CAF.

As far as the “sinner in the pew” thing, once I invited a Protestant friend to attend Mass with me. I made sure to warn her that when she entered the church building, she was going to be surrounded by sinners. And in fact, she would be sitting next to one … Namely, me. There’s room for improvement for all of us! :o

:blessyou:
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Great advice here. 👍

I think that you need to examine this whole issue with yourself and with someone you respect and can communicate with. It will take time and effort, but it will be worth it.

Peace
James
 
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