Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 2/13/2006

Question
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Hello do not worry about the delay. I am patient. Thank you again for your time. Thank you for letting me know about the delay.
Again most importantly your prayers are  asked for the community of St. Francis here in Orem Utah.
We  now have a WONDERFUL deacon who is with
the parish also. This Deacon is going to become a Priest. Well our Priest who a lot have trouble with has put Deacon in charge of the Diosecean Developement Drive to raise money for the Diosease. The priest told the whole congregation that "If you like Deacon you'd better give to the Diosecean Development Drive or he does not get my recomendation into the priesthood if he cannot raise the money or meet the quota" I do not think that is very profesional at all. No one was laughing.
Thank you again God Bless you for all you do. And aagin just being heard helps a lot. Thank you.
Susan Crouder



Followup To
Question -
Hello,

In our Parish we had a change of Priest's.
We all know that can be difficult with changes etc....... I accept that a new Priest will have changes.
But this is way different than we all expected.

This Priest has hurt many parishioners.
Many parishioners have talked to the new priest and that actually made thing worse. He is not easy to communicate with.
We no longer have:

1. No Youth Group.
2. No Womans Group.
3. No Parish Council.
4. No Boy Scouts
5. No Cub Scouts.
7. No Bingo
8. No Leisure Club
9. CCD teachers have been told they are not needed and we have very few to begin with.
10. No numbers on the front of the Bullentin with any organization the Parish has to help or  volunteers and their numbers or RESOURCES.
11. No finance commite, or financial statement
to show parishioners.

All these groups that I know of and there are probably more, have dwindled since this new Priest has come.
Many have written to the Bishop for the problems
they experienced and HURT they experienced by the new priest.
Well the priest up on the pulpit will tell the
congregation about a situation and say "Go ahead and write the Bishop and laugh.

My question I know Priest's cannot be fired,
Many have forgiven him.
But at the same time where is the rights of the
Parishioners to have a Youth Group and Parish Coulcil and activites to be provided for by the Parishioners?

Besides praying and this has brought many to their knees is there any thing to do?

I heard that every parish must have a Parish Council. Is that in Cannon Law?

Thank you for reading this and your time and especially your prayers.

P.S. We are in Orem Utah and there a not many Catholic Churches to choose from in this area.
This especially should be a place where we
have many, many activities for Catholicism and community.
I again thank you for listening, just to have a ear helps a lot.

God Bless you,
Susan Crouder
Answer -
         peace

dear Susan Crouder
  I am sorry for the delay. I have my computer in the shop, so I am "forced" to use one at the public library on my rare day off.
 I believe there is a canon laws that do establish Parish councils. They are only advisory, the pastor can reject their adgenda as he desires.
 I will read over my notes and some other resources. Write me again in a few days, and I will try to have a more complete details.  My time is limited here at the library.

         your servant ear,
         george

Answer
         Peace

Dear Susan
 Computer is still down:(

But if need an ear, feel comfortable to spout off to me. I got tough skin. Side note: is your parish st Francis of Assisi? Well, St. Francis of Assisi was a deacon and he had to deal with some of fellow clergy, who were troublesome for him. Perhaps he will join our prayers for your pastor and parish.
 A friend has my canon law book, he will return next monday if not before. Until then and always God Bless,you and St Francis of Orem.

         your friendly eared friend
         george