...of those disallusioned with their church's leadership?

Our church has been dealing with a major divide between the parish and the school. Basically, it is the perception of many school families that our priest is not supportive of our school and sees it as a financial drain on the parish. We had a meeting earlier in the week to discuss some of these issues. I saw our priest today and made a comment about the meeting, and he went off about some of the families at the meeting. I was completely taken aback. He came across very mean-spirited and slightly irrational. It was a side of him that I had heard about, but hoped didn't actually exist. I realize he is human and sinner too, but it was a bit disturbing to hear some of the things he said. :(

I feel like I need to vent, but I don't want to talk to anyone IRL and add to the school/parish tensions. Thanks for listening.

((((((((hugs))))))))))
Only God is perfect right? but it still stinks when spiritual leaders act on their human nature and not by Gods guidance.

I know about not wanting to talk to anyone irl and add to tension. Look at where it got me :rolleyes

anyway, prayer mama. Turn to God and He will lead the way. Will keep your church and you in our prayers too

MA, this is pretty common, I think, in many places. Here many of the Catholic schools are now regional schools and they serve the diocese rather than the parish just to avoid these kinds of conflicts. There are still a few parish schools left though.

Thanks guys. I feel so disheartened about the whole situation, I think I just need someone to commiserate with me. :rub: Our diocese was in the beginning stages of making the transition to regional authority when our bishop passed away unexpectedly. We were without a bishop for about a year, and I don't think the new bishop has made a decision on it yet. I used to be a little leary about taking control from the parishes, but now I am seeing how that might be a very good thing. It's such a mess here. Ugh.

We have been at both kinds and I like them both - not any real problems. I like th eidea of regional to avoid the conflicts and the idea of parish for the community. The problem is that even parish schools have poeple from outside the community that have a lot of influence. One parish here has always had a social ministry to the homeless. many people come for assistance, food, clothes, and the lunches. Kids froms chool used to help out with it when my oldest 2 were there. Now they had to move because people paying big bucks who are not Catholic and not parishioners are complaining about this. The new priest said if it goes, so do I. I love him just for that- they threatened him with media coverage and all, and the diocese backed down and moved it further away from the school. There had never been a problem and all of the homeless knew that if they stepped near a kid they'd be banned. Sad that kids have to be so sheltered that they can't even fulfill a mission of the Church. That's school politics, though.

Good for your priest Jeni! It just saddens me that we are all suppose to be part of the Body of Christ and work together and yet we have these disputes cropping up. Last year, when things were really getting ugly and some awful rumors were flying around, I sent our priest a letter to let him know that I felt bad about what was happening. I also mentioned some of my concerns about the school v. parish issue. I thought it was a very supportive and overall positive letter. He never responded, but I mentioned at the end that I didn't expect one. When I was talking to him the other day, he mentioned about all people want to do is "b*tch, b*tch, b*tch and talk about things they don't know about "like that letter you sent me last year." I really feel awful about that. I had no clue that he was upset by the letter, and I feel rather foolish that I've been oblivious to it this past year. We're not friends by any means, but I always thought we were on friendly terms, kwim? So I sent him a brief card telling him that I was sorry if I upset him and that was not my intention and then I think I am going to try to put the whole episode behind me and do my best to avoid our priest like the plague. ;)