Q: My church just got an older priest who is very difficult to understand. He rushes through the prayers. I think I am sinning because I am finding it so hard to concentrate on the most important reason I attend: to receive Jesus. Am I sinning by being so upset? Should I find another parish to go to? I know there is a shortage of priests. That’s why we get priests from India. I don’t want to leave church worse than when I came. Please advise. – Carla
Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC
A: It’s no sin if you find it hard to concentrate because the celebrant is difficult to understand.
As for being upset: If you are deliberately giving into anger, then that could be sinful. Only you know what you were thinking at the moment.
It’s up to you whether you go to another parish. (You wouldn’t want to totally cut your ties to your current parish, but that is another matter.)
The key is to attend Mass and allow yourself to be fed by Our Lord. You might want to follow the prayers closely in a missal so that you don’t lose their meaning.
You mention the shortage of priests: Yes, the shortage is real and getting worse.
It might be good to see how you can encourage vocations in your parish and diocese. You might consider promoting Eucharistic adoration.
For more ideas, see the Vocation Ministry site.
It probably wasn’t easy for your priest to leave his homeland. He came halfway around the world to make Mass available for you.
The fruitful reception of the Eucharist should help us grow in the virtues, including gratitude. Be sure to offer a prayer of thanks for your priest.
