Expert: Fr. Timothy Johnson - 7/6/2011

Question
Dear Father Johnson;

What is going on with our priests and religious, that scandals keep occurring?  Now it's maybe John Corapi, and in the past it has included priests, nuns, deacons, even bishops.  I really feel abandoned by the Church, even though I have a strong faith in God and in God working out all things for the best.  I have seen examples in my own parishes.  I say "parishes" because I move from church to church to make sure that the priest is well intentioned and moral personally.  I have seen 5 blatant examples where this was not so, and in all cases there was no or little reprimand, and continued access to ministry as a pastor or assistant.

I can and do forgive, but I cannot condone leaving people in authority in the Church who break their vows and help to break those of others.  This is very difficult for me to deal with, and it's to the point where although I worship in a Catholic church and with Catholic prayers, I cannot imagine God working through some of these people, especially while they are indulging in grave sin.

I have to assume that God comes directly to me at Mass, the Sacraments, and in any prayers.  Please help me to understand the way through this for those who are still trying to be good Catholic Christians in the midst of all of this.  No wonder that so many people, especially young people, are turning their backs on the Church. With all of the disconnect between the behavior of a number of priests and religious, and sometimes the very poor teaching that they promulgate, blatant heresy is either lived out or taught. People are leaving.  Please help us all to understand.

Your brother in Christ,  Frank

Answer
Hi, Frank:

I feel your pain.  Who can fathom the depths of the mystery of iniquity?  I do not understand this problem among some Priests and Religious myself.  There has definitely been a long-standing problem now of "diabolic disorientation" within the human element of the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ.  It is a test and challenge for all of us who are sincerely striving to live the Holy Catholic Faith.  Take courage, do not be afraid, and persevere in the Holy Teachings and prescribed practices of the Catholic Church.  God will take care of and save His Church... We will not save the Church by our own power and efforts.  Stay in the battle, strong in the Faith of Jesus Christ.  May God bless you!

Fr. Timothy Johnson