“Ask a Priest: Why Would the Clergy Bristle at Questions?”

Regnum Christi Spirituality Center Ask a Priest
Q: In my life I have had some doubts. It seems to me that when questions are raised, clergy of many denominations are defensive or take offense. I want to be clear that I would never mock anyone for having a belief. So why do some clergy take offense at questions? I do not understand why combativeness or defensiveness or insults come into play. Why can’t we all have open dialogue? – W.B.

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC

A: I’m sorry to hear about your experience. I can’t speak for all Catholic clergy, of course, much less those of Protestant denominations.

Ideally, Catholic clergy should be able to offer answers or at least point someone in the right direction. They should take up the advice of Scripture and “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope” (1 Peter 3:15).

Being human, though, they might be caught off-guard in the middle of a difficult day. Or a question stumps them, and they feel bad about not being able to offer an adequate reply on the spot. Not everyone has mastered the art of apologetics.

Another factor could be the way a question is posed. Some inquirers, without realizing it, might come across as combative themselves.

So the reasons for the cold shoulders could vary. This isn’t to condone any bad behavior. But clergy are human and make mistakes too.

In any case, it helps to remember that we are here to help one another get to heaven. We want to stay focused on Jesus.

Where there is disunity, the devil is usually lurking in the background.

 

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Alex Kucera

Atlanta

Alex Kucera has lived in Atlanta, GA, for the last 46 years. He is one of 9 children, married to his wife Karmen, and has 3 girls, one grandson, and a granddaughter on the way. Alex joined Regnum Christi in 2007. Out of the gate, he joined the Helping Hands Medical Missions apostolate and is still participating today with the Ghana Friendship Mission.

In 2009, Alex was asked to be the Atlanta RC Renewal Coordinator for the Atlanta Locality to help the RC members with the RC renewal process. Alex became a Group Leader in 2012 for four of the Atlanta Men’s Section Teams and continues today. Running in parallel, in 2013, Alex became a Team Leader and shepherded a large team of good men.

Alex was honored to be the Atlanta Mission Coordinator between 2010 to 2022 (12 years), coordinating 5-8 Holy Week Mission teams across Georgia. He also created and coordinated missions at a parish in Athens, GA, for 9 years. Alex continues to coordinate Holy Week Missions, Advent Missions, and Monthly missions at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Cumming, GA.

From 2016 to 2022, Alex also served as the Men’s Section Assistant in Atlanta. He loved working with the Men’s Section Director, the Legionaries, Consecrated, and Women’s Section leadership teams.

Alex is exceptionally grateful to the Legionaries, Consecrated, and many RC members who he’s journeyed shoulder to shoulder, growing his relationship with Christ and others along the way. He knows that there is only one way, that’s Christ’s Way, with others!