Not sure why God wants us here right now, but His will be done.

Again - thanks for the prayers.

Go to my blog and search on the term “school” and you will see how my family went through this same thing over the past year and a half. And now–we’re “settling.” Because there’s no other choice.

I don’t know how things are going with you & your parish and school right now–but I will pray that your family has prayed your way to a decision that will bring you all closer to God and happier too.

I am/will continue to pray for guidance. The family is going to go through a period of discernment of what is best. I will speak when the time is right. Thanks for all of the advice!

Adoro, thanks for the book reco. I’ll check it out.

I have also asked the advice of a priest friend of mine across the country. I am hoping he might provide insight as well.

Thanks!

My first instinct would be to “jump ship” (thanks ironic catholic, great term), and make sure the priest knew why…copy a letter to the bishop. It seems that this is a situation that should not remain at that parish and SOMEONE needs to be made aware of it. You likely aren’t the only person to feel this way about the parish.

Next…well, I’d recommend reading, if you haven’t already, a book by Fr. Mitch Pacwa called, “Father Forgive me for I am Frustrated.”

And then finally, the advice I recieved this summer from Mother Assumpta: Do what you can do.

Maybe the best thing is to leave, but if you do so, you still have a responsibility to inform the appropriate parties as to the WHY of your decision.

And Pray. That’s the best thing. Always.

Could you write to the Dean about the problems you are experiencing and your parish priests bias?

I think I’d have to try to do something about it before I looked to worship elsewhere.

The parish priest is the pastor of the entire flock, not just his best buddy in the congregation. Some priests are better at ‘pastoring’ than others, but that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t ever be corrected.

I would ask for a personal meeting with the priest. Express your concerns and ask what he is going to do about your concerns, if nothing comes of it, start climbing the rungs of the Clergy ladder until someone listens to you. You can’t be the only one that this situation is upsetting or affecting.

Praying for your situation.

If we change, the transition will take months as the kids need to finish the school year.

We are going to pray. I am still not sure about talking to my priest.

Any other advice is definitely welcome (Jerry, thanks for the email).
Thanks!
Rob

Is it healthy for your family’s spiritual growth to attend the parish you’ve invested your time in?

Often change, though we dislike it, brings about exactly what we need for growth in many areas of our lives.

Your family (especially your kids) will be much happier in a place where the community is strong and friendly.

Why prolong the frustration and misery?

I would continue to pray for the church, but I would definitely find a new place to call home.

And kids?

It sure sounds like you want to jump ship, and for some valid reasons.

If they more or less agree, I’d do it. It’s important to stick with community and work through differences, but you make it sounds intractable. Best wishes.