Talking To A Catholic Priest

[Introverted1293]

Is it wrong for a non-Catholic man, like me, to talk to a Catholic priest about my struggles? They seem so good at listening. I would also like to do confession. It would make me feel good. But is that a good idea?

 

[Michie]

Is it wrong for a non-Catholic man, like me, to talk to a Catholic priest about my struggles? They seem so good at listening. I would also like to do confession. It would make me feel good. But is that a good idea?

You can talk to a Catholic priest. That’s not a problem. Not sure you can do confession though.

 

[chevyontheriver]

Is it wrong for a non-Catholic man, like me, to talk to a Catholic priest about my struggles? They seem so good at listening. I would also like to do confession. It would make me feel good. But is that a good idea?

You can talk to a Catholic priest. No problem there.

If you do talk to a priest, do let him know you are not (yet) Catholic. He can still talk with you, pray with you, advise and counsel, and all of that, but no sacramental confession. I suppose you could even tell him your sins. He would have to hold them in the very strictest of confidences just as if it were confession. So you can be free to have a very deep conversation.

You can also become Catholic if you want to. It often takes a long while to do so, many months sometimes.

 

[Basil the Great]

It is my understanding that he can only grant you absolution of your sins, as a non-Catholic, in extreme circumstances, such as if you are dying, or something like that, if he goes by the rules of the Church anyway. However, he could still listen to you and counsel you.

 

[Pavel Mosko]

Protestants can indeed go to Confession providing they meed the following requirements.


Most notably, “they [must] manifest Catholic faith in these sacraments,” meaning they must believe about them what Catholics do — e.g., that they are sacraments, that confession forgives sins, that anointing conveys spiritual and (if it is conducive to salvation) physical grace to the recipient, that Christ is Really Present in the Eucharist, etc.

http://jimmyakin.com/can-protestants-go-to-confession

 

[Michie]

Is it wrong for a non-Catholic man, like me, to talk to a Catholic priest about my struggles? They seem so good at listening. I would also like to do confession. It would make me feel good. But is that a good idea?

Why do you seek out a Catholic priest as compared to someone in the Protestant clergy? I’m just curious.

 

[Introverted1293]

Why do you seek out a Catholic priest as compared to someone in the Protestant clergy? I’m just curious.

Good question

I did not know that there was a Protestant clergy. But I do pass the Catholic church all the time. And I do know that there is a priest always there ready to talk to people. That is why I asked.

 

[Michie]

Good question

I did not know that there was a Protestant clergy. But I do pass the Catholic church all the time. And I do know that there is a priest always there ready to talk to people. That is why I asked.

Well it’s nice that there is always a priest there willing to talk! I can see why that would be an attraction for you. By Protestant clergy I mean pastors.

 

[chevyontheriver]

It is my understanding that he can only grant you absolution of your sins, as a non-Catholic, in extreme circumstances, such as if you are dying, or something like that, if he goes by the rules of the Church anyway. However, he could still listen to you and counsel you.

I think you are right about how anyone can confess if they are in danger of death. I suspect great latitude is given allowing a priest to do what he can to save a soul.

 

[Lost4words]

Maybe God is asking you to go see that priest my friend. No harm at all in having a chat with him. You may very well get lots of Godly advice and help.

It can be a very rewarding and moving experience when you open up to a priest and witness a servant of Jesus helping you in your struggles etc.

I know from first hand experience. I honestly thank God for His Holy Priesthood.

God bless you my friend

 

[Tigger45]

I do and have sought the counsel of Catholic priests but then I was baptized and at least nominally raised in the Catholic Church so it’s very familiar to me. I loved it before our local Catholic monastery closed down. ‘Men’ could spend a night or two and request time with one of the monks.

My suggestion is to just be open and honest with them.

 

[zippy2006]

Is it wrong for a non-Catholic man, like me, to talk to a Catholic priest about my struggles? They seem so good at listening. I would also like to do confession. It would make me feel good. But is that a good idea?

No, it's not wrong. In fact priests are supposed to be responsible for the Christians within their parish boundaries, not just the Catholics.

 

[Introverted1293]

Maybe God is asking you to go see that priest my friend. No harm at all in having a chat with him. You may very well get lots of Godly advice and help.

It can be a very rewarding and moving experience when you open up to a priest and witness a servant of Jesus helping you in your struggles etc.

I know from first hand experience. I honestly thank God for His Holy Priesthood.

God bless you my friend

God bless you too. Thank you

 

[Introverted1293]

Thank you everyone and God bless you.

 

[Introverted1293]

Well it’s nice that there is always a priest there willing to talk! I can see why that would be an attraction for you. By Protestant clergy I mean pastors.

Oh

I never heard them called clergy. But you learn something knew everyday. LOL

I don't know if I trust them or not. They don't seem to be as open as priests. But I could be wrong.

 

[Michie]

Oh

I never heard them called clergy. But you learn something knew everyday. LOL

I don't know if I trust them or not. They don't seem to be as open as priests. But I could be wrong.

Well I have had counsel from both. I’m a convert to Catholicism.

 

[crossnote]

Personally, I go by Scripture...

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1Ti 2:5)

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1Jn 1:8-9)

Some things we don't see, but we walk by faith in His Promises.

 

[Lost4words]

Personally, I go by Scripture...

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1Ti 2:5)

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1Jn 1:8-9)

Some things we don't see, but we walk by faith in His Promises.

Sometimes we need guidance by the Holy Priesthood that Jesus gave and left us my friend.

 

[Radagast]

I did not know that there was a Protestant clergy.

Protestant clergy are generally called "pastors" or "ministers" (and sometimes also "priests").

Do you not have your own pastor?

 

[Introverted1293]

Protestant clergy are generally called "pastors" or "ministers" (and sometimes also "priests").

Do you not have your own pastor?

No, I actually don't. I haven't attended church in almost a year.