Rude Priest!(???)

[Angeles]

Of all the things in the world...this is the last I expected...
I've been out of work sick for a week and decided today to go to church for confession since I ussually don't have time for that. My expectation was to feel better after confession and stay a little in Church to pray afterwards. Ussually you sit in front of the priest. Today this priest was sitting in front of me but facing the other way. I started by telling him I was going through a difficult and painful illness and he just cut me off abruptyly saying "I just need to know your sins from last confesions" I was shocked this is the first time a priest answers back to me like that so rude. So I jsut said ok 1, 2,3 sins. He replied what I needed to pray and rushed me out. Never looked at me didn't say a word. I left in tears and but I dried them quickly b/c I can't afford to have an emotional breakdown b/c of that. I didn't stay to pray b/c I know I'd be in more tears and I can afford that know . I'm just recovering from a bad cold that I got after a bad emtotional breakdown.
Coincidence or not my sister who works in a hospital was telling right before I went to church that I priest treated her very bad (the priest was a patient) when she was trying to help him today. Maybe that was a sign and should just have stayed home and pray here.
Anyways I'm planning to write a letter to the church explaining what happened. The purpose of my letter is to maybe avoid this from happening in the future to someone else. Can you imagine?
I understand that he maybe had "a bad day" in that case he should not be there then b/c people that come to confession could be going through alot and that's the last thing you excpet...from a priest....
What in the world is going on...?

[sleepyangel30]

wow... im sorry u were treated bad.. that was down right rude he will have to pay for his sinful acts..

[Bessie]

Well that priest needs to go to confession for his sins and for not showing you any compassion. I know they have bad days too but a little kindness goes a long way. We just need to pray for them

[kadi]

You know, my mom & I last went to confession together 22 years ago. I hope you won't mind this story. We went into the church. There were 2 confessionals with 2 different priests. She got into the shorter line for confession (that should've been a tipoff!), I got into the longer one, spoke with my priest, received absolution & came out.

Mom was sitting in the pew, doing a rosary, furious. I asked her what was wrong, she said, "What happened in yours?" I said, "My priest said to tell you I'm sorry and to try harder next time". She got even madder, I said, "What's wrong?" again.

She said, through gritted teeth, "All I got to say was, 'Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been 6 years since my last confession.' He then told me that my first sin was arrogance & that I needed 'to go sit in a pew & say 20 rosaries for my lack of humility', and THEN I can come back & confess." I asked her what she wanted to do & she said, "I'm done", we left, and sadly, she has rarely set foot in a church again.

I say to a church losing members (the American Catholic church is struggling), it should really look at these issues. Your story & mine reflect that often humanity is lacking at the very point people need it most & are most vulnerable, in the confessional. I think your approach, of addressing this as a "personnel" issue is a good one, rather than allowing it to drive you away from your faith. I'm sorry you had that experience. I don't think you are alone & I hope that your letter brings some attention to a problem that doesn't get dealt with enough---

[Roxie2007]

Hi Ladies,
I'm SO sorry for what you have gone through, past and present. I hope things will be much better from now on......Roxie

[vm]

I'm sure that was very hurtful. I know when we go to talk to someone about things we feel badly about we are so very vulnerable. Then to have them react in a brusque manner really, really hurts.

I do think it's important to remember that every religion on the face of this earth has people in it - lay people or "ordained" - who fall very short of the ideal. Every religion.

[Waves]

I'm so sorry about what you went through. I'm Jewish and told my Rabbi, a few close friends in my synagogue, and nobody seems to care.

I've found that when I mention it to people whom I need to, unless they are very empathetic or have someone close to them in a similar situation (i.e, a couple with a son with HIV were fabulous, asked kind questions, always ask how I'm feeling today), people don't care/don't want to be bothered. I think people don't know enough about it. At some point when I have a bit more money, I may try to get some of the general brochures just to give people, even if they throw them out.

Perhaps you should send a letter to the priest with some information?

Sending you support and good wishes,
Waves

[tigger_gal]

I am so sorry that you were treated do badly. I too will share a story with you.
First off tho, I have never really been a religious person, but what I done was important to me and my daughter at the time.. Most of you will not believe my story. I had lived in my house a little over a year, strange things happened, it was really weird. My dog even refused to stay here alone, let alone me. Things fell, broke, lights on turned off, and ones that were off turn on. I could leave after locking my house and come home to an open doors in my house. That was just the beginning of my problems. I needed the house blessed. I got laughed at by 2 churches, Not being catholic I was hesitant on calling a catholic church. I called, and explained to them what was going on in my home, and my 3 year old was terrified to sleep in her own bed room. She said there was a lady in her closet and she did not want any adults on her property. Then told me that she dreamed that tudy's (our dog back then) bones were in her grave. The priest agreed to come to my home. He came in as we talked about things in my house a smirk of laughter crossed his lips. He blessed my living room and kitchen. I had to beg him to do the bedrooms. He nearly laughed a couple of times during the event. I still have "happenens" now and again in my house, but not the scary ones. After that my then 3 year old had no problem and liked her room again. My dog would stay home, and I was more at ease. However, after 10pm my dog refused to leave the living room and the hairs on her back stood straight up when she looked in there. so thats my story.

[ICNJess]

I am so sorry that happened to you. The last person you'd ever expect to emotionally hurt you would be a Father!!!

And to rush you out of church...my goodness. I would maybe find a different church to go to. You could give him and the church a 2nd chance and if you are treated so poorly again, you could find that new church. It's just horrible!

[Zygala87]

Religous leaders often burn out and /or have terrible troubles in their own families. Please forgive this man. Pray for him and you will feel better. They , like us, often suffer mental problems. Of coruse I don't know what is wrong with him but something is. No one cares about my pain or troubles except my Husband, kids, and people on this site. Expect nothing and you will get a surprise. I care about you very much. We here seem to be a family of strangers that have much in common and therefore can understand your pain and upset. Is it possible to try a different Priest? Hugs, Ziggy

[Angeles]

Thanks all for your support. Yes I lighted a candled for the Father last night and said a prayer. I will still write a letter to the church, more like a constructtive criticism, not really to accuse him, no. I just want them to know the other side of the coin and maybe handle things differently in the future. I'm more concerned about someone else going thrugh the same as I did, than for me. I'm not going to that church again, and will go to another one. Who knows, maybe it was a blessing in disguise

[**Angie**]

When things like that happen don't you wish you were strong enough to say something right then. That just makes me so mad when people are rude and I just walk away. I want to point it out sooo bad. I'm to afraid of what they'll say back and not sure if I could respond or just get more upset. Write the letter. He needs it pointed out to him--he's there for "you".

[July]