there church before come in and speak to a priest or pastor personally about a personal issue they are having. i haven't been to church in a long time, but i really need some advice and i dont know if i just walk in to a church i've never been to before if they will see me or not, will they be too busy?
2007-12-02 14:31:27 · 18 answers · asked by Y 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
A Catholic priest is busy, but you can usually make an appt. to talk.
2007-12-02 14:34:42 · answer #1 · answered by mysterian 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I can't imagine a priest or pastor of any church I've ever attended being "too busy" (in general) to talk to anyone that has questions...counseling people is one of the primary roles of a pastor. A few caveats though...
First, some churches (esp. the larger non-denominational ones...at least in my experience), divide up the "pastoral" duties. The senior pastor might talk to someone initially, but some would refer you to someone that specialized in the particular issue you're having (e.g., a marriage counselor, grief counselor, addiction counseling, etc...). For example, at my church, if you had a spiritual question, our senior pastor would probably handle it himself...but if you had issues with addition, he would give you some general counsel and then refer you to the recovery group coordinator for more specific assistance.
Second, also in my experience, pastors wear a lot of hats...they generally put MANY miles on their cars traveling around visiting shut-ins, meeting with pastors at other churches, having staff retreats, and more. While most wouldn't be too busy to see you "sometime", many might be too busy (or simply unavailable) to help you if you just walk in off the street. Thus, I would suggest that you pick a church (or two) and call them to schedule an appointment...get the pastor's name from the phone book and call to ask what would be a good time to stop by to talk with them.
Finally, I would highly recommend that you do some research beforehand...and by research, I mean showing up for church to hear the person speak. Actually, you don't really have to show up...many churches now make previous sermons available on the Internet or they broadcast the service on the radio or television. Make some attempt to determine if the person is even capable of providing the assistance you need before wasting your time on an appointment. For example, if your problem requires more than a legalistic solution, then asking a legalistic pastor is pointless...I love my pastor because his perspective is so practical. He doesn't dumb down the gospel but he focuses on idenfitying solutions instead of problems. If you happen to be in the Corpus Christi area, I know he'd love the opportunity to talk with you.
2007-12-02 14:53:03 · answer #2 · answered by KAL 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most Catholic churches are very open about allowing anyone to speak with a priest or a pastor about personal issues. You may want to call the rectory of your local to schedule an appointment as most pastors/priests have many duties to attend to other than saying mass.
2007-12-02 14:35:38 · answer #3 · answered by pandora1251 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Do not be afraid to approach a priest and initiate a conversation. If the matter(s) you wish to discuss with the priest are apt to take some time, the priest will most likely want to schedule a appointment in the coming week during which you and the priest can speak at length about whatever. The conversation will be private and confidential if you wish.
2007-12-03 07:17:15 · answer #4 · answered by Daver 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many priest or pastors may want to make an actual appointment with you. This used to bug the daylights out of me. There are some that will speak to you immediately.Keep knocking on those church doors untill they do.
2007-12-02 14:40:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's going to depend entirely on the church. Some Pastors will have a very full schedule, and you'll have to make an appointment...perhaps several weeks in advance. Others will see you immediately.
2007-12-02 16:55:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are able to continuously call the church and ask if the priest or pastor will see you. the place I stay, we've experienced counselors at our Catholic Social centers enterprise who're greater probable to have the time and adventure which provides help to, so as that is yet an alternate determination for you.
2016-10-18 22:23:46 · answer #7 · answered by staude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
You can contact any Catholic Church and make an appointment to talk to a priest about any issue in your life.
With love in Christ.
2007-12-02 17:03:13 · answer #8 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the individual church, but I know my priest would be happy to talk to anyone who wants to talk to him. Just go to one and try.
2007-12-02 14:34:22 · answer #9 · answered by Purdey EP 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
They will not be too busy, but it is best to call in for an appointment, since it is possible he could be tied up just when you do a walk-in.
2007-12-02 14:35:19 · answer #10 · answered by gismoII 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋