| Author | |
onemoretracy
Forum Pro
Joined: Aug 03 2006
Location: Georgia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 329
|
| Posted: Aug 19 2007 at 5:53pm | IP Logged
|
 |
|
I need some advice from you. I have a strange dilemma.
My children are in CGS at our parish. The director of CGS is also responsible for training in our archdiocese. She also has a part time job helping out with CGS at an episcopal church where my mom works.
My mother was raised Catholic, but is now Episcopalian (of a very liberal sort)after an divorce and remarriage. She really wishes my DH and I would be Episcopal and often gets in little comments etc.. about the RC Church (which do not influence us at all)
Ok, so today my mom informs me that the CGS director, E., went to her church this morning and then she proceeds to tell me (proudly and somewhat slyly?) that E., recieved communion there.
UGH!  I just so wish she had not told me this. I immediately said I wish she had not told me that and it was none of my business and not really hers either. My mom then said she only wished me to know that something about the Episcopal Church and how they believe in the True Presence as well. I calmly said that it didn't really matter if people believed in it, there either is the True Presence or there isn't. God's presence does not depend on our belief. My sister (who is not religious) interuppted and changed the subject.
Ok, so that is the background. Now I am feeling upset, but I do not know what if anything I should actually do. My concern is for E. and also for the whole CGS program. My kids are in it and I know several families and trainers. Part of me feels her leadership is comromised. Am I obligated to talk to E one on one about this? How could I do it? I would be bringing my mom into the discussion and her 'telling' on E. and that might bring further waves.
My DH wants to pull the kids out of CGS immediately, but even that would cause big waves. I am remembering the gospel today especially.
I appreciate all advice and prayers on this. I feel sick at heart and I have been praying Hail Marys to ease my mind and help me feel peace.
__________________
Tracy
DH Lee
DS Jake-10
DS Ryan-9
DS Luke-6
DD Laine-6
DD Mary Clare-3
DD Sara (Dec.6 '08)
My Blog
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
kingvozzo
Forum All-Star
Joined: March 28 2005
Location: Maine
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2653
|
| Posted: Aug 19 2007 at 9:23pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Ugh, Tracy...I don't blame you for feeling sick about this. Don't you just wish you didn't know?
I'm praying for discernment for you.
__________________
Noreen
Wife to Ed
Mom to 4 great kids and 10 sweet ones in Our Lady's arms
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
happymama
Forum Pro
Joined: Feb 05 2007
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 410
|
| Posted: Aug 19 2007 at 11:02pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
This really is too bad! What about taking the issue to your parish priest? He could talk to her without revealing your name.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
onemoretracy
Forum Pro
Joined: Aug 03 2006
Location: Georgia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 329
|
| Posted: Aug 20 2007 at 5:57am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I was able to talk to my spiritual advisor last night. She gave me some help. I think I do need to talk to E. directly. I am praying that God will give me the grace of the right time, place and words to use.
Our kids will stay in the CGS for now and I am sure there is a way I can talk to her without it seeming as if my mom was 'telling' on her. I know my mom is just really wanting validation that she is on the right path spirutually. I do not expect E. to defend herself to me or anything. I hope I can be a gentle and humble reminder of what communion is and what it means if we recieve it in their church. Because she is a catechist trainer it is hard to believe she doesn't know all of that  , but I must give her the benefit of the doubt as I would like it given to me, while also upholding and witnessing the faith.
Please pray for us and this conversation! 
__________________
Tracy
DH Lee
DS Jake-10
DS Ryan-9
DS Luke-6
DD Laine-6
DD Mary Clare-3
DD Sara (Dec.6 '08)
My Blog
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Maryan
Forum All-Star
Joined: Jan 02 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3145
|
| Posted: Aug 20 2007 at 6:42am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Prayers Tracy.
__________________
Maryan
Mom to 6 boys & 1 girl: JP('01), B ('03), M('05), L('06), Ph ('08), M ('10), James born 5/1/12
A Lee in the Woudes
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Jane Ramsey
Forum All-Star
Joined: Jan 05 2007
Location: Florida
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 652
|
| Posted: Aug 20 2007 at 7:45am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Tracy,
I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this!
I think you do need to speak to her, and I would suggest you approach her in a very non-confrontational way. No one likes being told they have done something wrong (whether out of ingnorance or not)!
I would start by asking her some leading questions, such as, "What is your understanding of the difference between Communion in a Catholic Church and communion in a Protestant Church?" or something of that nature. By her answers you will get an idea of whether she is really ignorant of Church teaching or not. If she seems to have the proper understanding, then you can bring up the issue of what your mother "thinks" she saw (not being accusatory, just trying to get the facts) and go from there.
If she doesn't seem to understand Church teaching, you can suggest that she look it up in the Catechism (it's # 1400) or speak to the pastor.
Either way, you are giving her some room, either to defend herself or to learn something new.
I hope that helps, and I'll be praying for you (and her!)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
organiclilac
Forum All-Star
Joined: March 30 2006
Location: Illinois
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 640
|
| Posted: Aug 20 2007 at 12:52pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
onemoretracy wrote:
| Because she is a catechist trainer it is hard to believe she doesn't know all of that |
|
|
Unfortunately, to be a catechist or even a catechist trainer, it seems that not much knowledge is required beyond the actual content of the presentations. This is a huge flaw in an otherwise wonderful program, IMO.
__________________
Tracy, wife to Shawn, mama to Samuel (4/01) and Joseph (11/11), and Thomas (2/15)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
onemoretracy
Forum Pro
Joined: Aug 03 2006
Location: Georgia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 329
|
| Posted: Aug 20 2007 at 3:56pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
organiclilac wrote:
onemoretracy wrote:
| Because she is a catechist trainer it is hard to believe she doesn't know all of that |
|
|
Unfortunately, to be a catechist or even a catechist trainer, it seems that not much knowledge is required beyond the actual content of the presentations. This is a huge flaw in an otherwise wonderful program, IMO. |
|
|
It is so interesting to hear that. I have never heard whif of a flaw in CGS, but now that this has happend it does make me wary. I guess I was wary of 'traditional' religious ed., but I had seen CGS in this little halo glow.
I agree it is a wonderful program, but I guess I needed this reminder that when it all comes down to it, we are the ones responsible for our children's religious education. I mean I knew that all along, but I had kind of seen CGS as this almost perfect no-fail program. of course, we are all human just as we can mess up and distort the beautiful gifts we are given from God we can distort a wonderful and fully Catholic program like CGS.
__________________
Tracy
DH Lee
DS Jake-10
DS Ryan-9
DS Luke-6
DD Laine-6
DD Mary Clare-3
DD Sara (Dec.6 '08)
My Blog
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Please help with my dilemma
