prairiebird Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 I feel barfy and upset about this entire thing and have no idea where to go to talk. I haven't been to Mass in three weeks due to bedrest, my traumatic c section, and recovery. I called the religious ed lady today to find out some things about upcoming classes and to get the next baptism dates for our sweet new little girl. I just found out that our pastor and the only priest at our small parish was just pulled out to face sexual abuse charges that have formally been made for an incident years ago. I feel completely in shock and uncomfortable. We've been assigned another for the time being to take over duties. I am also worried my DH will use this as a reason to avoid Church (I don't see him looking at alternative religions, I think he'll just not want to go since he's already reluctant.) I am going to ask for a few prayers sent my way to process this whole thing if you don't mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 :grouphug: I'd feel barfy, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ibbygirl Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 :grouphug: I'd feel barfy, too. Me too. How awful!! I'm so sorry honey. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 Oh man, that is rough Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyS Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 Pray a lot. For the priest, too. There is a good chance that it isn't true. Most of the allegations turn out to be false done by people looking for a paycheck because many diocese have been, IMO, too willing to just issue such checks without having trials first. Remember, this is a part of the reason why we are Catholic. We follow The Church, not an individual man. Even a terrible, horrible priest doesn't negate one single thing about the The Church at large or your parish in particular. Also, you might want to call and see if a minister to the sick could come out and bring you communion. That would help. It is a sacrament of healing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monica_in_Switzerland Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 Hang in there. A friend of mine went through this situation at her daycare- a person who had applied and applied and applied to work there was finally accepted, but a day or two before they were to start, sexual abuse charges came out against him and (thank God) he never worked with her children. I'm giving this example just to remind everyone that this is not unique to priests- sexual abuse is a reality EVERYWHERE, and we need to keep our eyes open. I'm praying for you and your parish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monica_in_Switzerland Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 Remember, this is a part of the reason why we are Catholic. We follow The Church, not an individual man. Even a terrible, horrible priest doesn't negate one single thing about the The Church at large or your parish in particular. :iagree::iagree::iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnitWit Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 Praying! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 :grouphug: prayers for you. Church scandals are so heartbreaking. I pray the priest you receive can bring a healing hand to your small parish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merry gardens Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 (edited) Praying. And...remember that care of an infant is a valid reason for missing Mass. Maybe when you're feeling better, if your dh is reluctant to go and avoiding Church, he can take care of the baby while you attend Mass. Congratulations on your new baby! I'm so sorry that your parish is going through this. :grouphug: Edited August 2, 2012 by merry gardens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfgivas Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 Pray a lot. For the priest, too. There is a good chance that it isn't true. Most of the allegations turn out to be false done by people looking for a paycheck because many diocese have been, IMO, too willing to just issue such checks without having trials first. . hi tammy - do you have a source for this? according to wikipedia, only 1.5 % of charges against catholic priests turn out to be false, and another 18% couldn't be substantiated (which is different than not true). so for me, that means there isn't such a good change that they are false..... at all. catholic online sources report a higher rate of false accusations. but the report i read posted by the catholic league also went to great lengths to "blame the victim", so i am not prepared to give their findings so much weight. yes, there is such a thing as false memory. yes, some of the allegations could not be proven. but when 80% could be, then that is still a very sad and devastating majority. peace, ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 Sorry for your troubles. I am also sorry to hear you had a difficult delivery. Take care of yourself. It can take a while to get your strength back. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbgrace Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 :grouphug: How horrible. Praying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisbeth Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 I would be prepared for your dh to feel like leaving. I know several staunch Catholics who left over this very thing. Their issue was not one local priest, but that upper leadership on up to the Pope knew and covered up. They couldn't get past it. I'm saying this to prep you for where your dh might go with this. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariannNOVA Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 Be kind to yourself.:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whereneverever Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 :grouphug: Not Catholic, but the last place we lived this had happened. The priest who came in was a really great guy who helped love his people through the pain. I hope that you And your family come through this ok. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juniper Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 :grouphug: I second the prayer that the priest you are getting is a very healing one. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizaG Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 Hi Prairiebird -- You might consider posting in the Catholic Homeschoolers social group. It's a supportive place for practicing Catholics to talk about faith-related topics and ask for prayers about difficult issues. Many of the members there don't follow the General board, so they aren't likely to see your post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiebird Posted August 2, 2012 Author Share Posted August 2, 2012 Pray a lot. For the priest, too. There is a good chance that it isn't true. Most of the allegations turn out to be false done by people looking for a paycheck because many diocese have been, IMO, too willing to just issue such checks without having trials first. Remember, this is a part of the reason why we are Catholic. We follow The Church, not an individual man. Even a terrible, horrible priest doesn't negate one single thing about the The Church at large or your parish in particular. Also, you might want to call and see if a minister to the sick could come out and bring you communion. That would help. It is a sacrament of healing. Thank you everyone. And I did have someone visiting me in the hospital, fortunately. I just got home late last week. Now my neighbors were saying that the cardinal sent letters out to some of the church employees and the school employees. Other than that, they are trying to keep things quiet. (we're in Chicago diocese). We have a monsignor there now. The priest in question voluntarily removed himself for the time being. I don't know what to tell my kids when they ask. He's very old, so I might just say that he's not feeling well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myfunnybunch Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 :grouphug: What a shock. I will pray for your church and for you. :grouphug: Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewellsmommy Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 :grouphug: I will pray for your church and your family. Hang in there. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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