My Dear Little Sheeps #2: Pastors Must Discipline Other Adults

My dear little sheeps....

I wanted to comment on a recent event in our parish where I, as your spiritual Father, was required to discipline some of my spiritual children.

It seems a small group was trying to meet together, outside of our small group system, for prayer and reflection in their homes. Of course, I required of them, out of the obedience they owe to me as their Pastor, to cease their meetings. My staff was afraid this group might create their own independent thinking on matters of faith. As you know, my dear little sheeps, the only thinking allowed in this parish is that of Holy Mother Church herself, which I alone pass on to you as it has been passed on to me by the bishop as was passed on to him by the pope, which of course came unerringly and without change directly from the apostles and you know of where they received their instructions: the Sacred Lips themselves!!

Of course, it is always a hard decision to discipline one's children. Oftentimes, just because someone is an adult in the corporate world they believe that they can make independent decisions regarding their faith life. This is of course is not true, as the church teaches. You need my guidance as spiritual children and must follow it without question, just as I do to the words of my superiors. You cannot disobey your pastor.

I present this to you in love. Just like you expect your children to never question you, (and I know they never do as you are all good Catholic parents with fine children so well kept in line!) I do require that my children be unswerving in their obedience to me. And I know, just as your children have no right to question your decisions, that you will not ask me to explain myself when these kind of decisions are made. Accept my decisions in holy submission and humility. After all, I have never questioned a decision of my superiors! And, you would not want to create any stress for me, your humble Shepherd, would you?

I pray that these people can see the Truth and cease meeting independently without my approval via the staff. Otherwise, additional discipline may be required. Peace to you all.

Leading you onward,

Fr. Ty Rolean, OMFG
Pastor