Correcting a priest? How can that be?

June 7, 2017
Bishop Sheen

Question:

Can you correct a Catholic Priest if he says something that is doctrinally incorrect?

Answer:

Yes, The Church obligates us to "instruct the ignorant" (CCC 2447) in charity (cf. Ephesians 4:15). Furthermore, the Catechism states...

CCC 907 "In accord with the knowledge, competence, and preeminence which they possess, [lay people] have the right and even at times a duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church, and they have a right to make their opinion known to the other Christian faithful, with due regard to the integrity of faith and morals and reverence toward their pastors, and with consideration for the common good and the dignity of persons."

 

CCC 1868 Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them:

- by participating directly and voluntarily in them;

- by ordering, advising, praising, or approving them;

- by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so;

- by protecting evil-doers.

 

"Who is going to save our Church? Not our Bishops, not our priests and religious. It is up to the people. You have the minds, the eyes, the ears to save the Church. Your mission is to see that your priests act like priests, your bishops like bishops and your religious act like religious" (Archbishop Sheen - 1972).