Did I overstep by suggesting a friend move to a different parish?
During lunch with a close friend she shared with me that she has been struggling with romantic feelings for our priest. She also said she plans to share this with him this Saturday to find out if he has similar feelings.
I get it, as single Catholic women we love a God fearing man. However, I reminded her that having a crush on a priest is the same as having a crush on a married man. You can’t help how you feel but you can control your response.
I suggested seeking support with a priest in a neighboring parish and attending Mass there. I offered to start attending Mass in the new parish with her so she would have a friend to support her transition.
She strongly disagreed with all of my suggestions and told me I am not being a supportive friend and accused me of being judgmental. She said our priest is an adult and I need to stop acting like his mother. He can handle this. She also told me she thought I was more “chill”….. I am chill as in no judgement, let’s handle this. Not chill as in yeah, that’s a great idea.
My thought was that if she went to our neighboring parish it would provide distance, clarity and the support she needs. I am also considering the thoughts, feelings and pressure our priest is under. Yes, he is an adult and I’m sure he is 100% capable of handling the situation. Wouldn’t it be ideal if he didn’t have to?
I really didn’t mean to upset her. I sincerely was trying to provide healthy solutions that would support her in overcoming these emotions.
Isn’t it our job as Catholic women to step in when a friend could potentially be harmed? Or when their actions could harm someone else? To help avoid or at the very least minimize damage if at all possible?
How could I have handled this better? Should I have just listened and prayed for her? Did I cross a line?