Not Bunny Related, can someone advise me what to do.

[Sr. Melangell]

So last night I had a bit of a problem and thought I would talk to the priest in charge at the church, it was 5:00 at night, the priest was not there but the priest I saw was the elderly one who asks me about 6 or 7 times who I am, I didn’t really want to talk to him about the problem but he asked what it was about so I told him,  I told him not to worry and that I would talk to the priest in charge, the elderly priest asked me a different question, he asked me. ‘Who am I?’ He was quite angry and  I said. “You are Father.’ Then said his name, he started shouting saying. “Who? Who did you say I was?” Then said. “It gets me angry when people knock on this door.” His voice had changed a bit and I have heard it before, usually when people are scared of me, so I smiled and said. “Never mind I’ll talk to the other priest later. Then asked me again who he was, then said. “I don’t know why you are out at this hour of the night.” But it was only 5:00 at night, he gave me a funny look and slammed the door.

I have tried to contact the priest that is in charge, but this elderly priest answers the phone and shouts that ‘He is not here’

I know the main priest’s bike was outside the church today but I couldn’t go in because I thought I might meet the old priest.

All I want to do is make sure this elderly man is OK and he may need a little help, or someone to keep an eye on him, also to explain to the main priest so he can explain to this man that I’m not there to cause any harm, of course anyone elderly answering their door anytime of the day is very wary and so am I when I answer the door.

Should I write to the Priest in charge?

Should I wait until after tomorrow’s Sunday service and try and catch this priest?

I don’t want to get this priest into trouble and I will have to be careful what I say.

Anyone have any ideas?

[jerseygirl]

Oh wow it all sounds very odd. I think I would wait until you could talk to the main priest face to face. An email might be read by the other one and cause an issue. Even if you or the main priest don’t have time or the privacy to talk tomorrow after the service, perhaps just ask that he ring you when he has the chance? 

What about a Parish manager? Is there someone like that you could contact with your concern about the priest instead?  I wouldn’t think you will get him in trouble. I think they would be grateful to learn if something was amiss, if they are not already aware. As long as you make it known you are concerned about his welfare, or concerned that you had upset him somehow and that you just want to clear it up. 

It sounds like the older priest was very confused or perhaps had been dealing with some nuisance callers/visitors beforehand.

If it’s a matter of his mental health, it’s not unusual for there to be some mental confusion around that time of the afternoon or early evening. Have you heard of Sundowners syndrome before?

[LBJ10]

Hmm… it would probably be best to simply find a time/place where you know you’ll catch him. Does he leave/arrive at a specific time each day? You could wait for him outside. Or, like you said, run him down following a service.

[Ava]

I agree, it sounds like a face to face talk with the main priest would be best. If you could catch him after the service and if he’s very busy talking to other members just ask to schedule a quick meeting. Or if you’re unable to catch him, is there a secretary that could schedule a meeting with him? I hope everything works out.

[Vienna Blue in France]

run him down following a service

Not sure that would be legal LBJ …
“Run him down” in UK English is driving with intent to Knock someone down…..

My Mum, in order to explain she talked to someone earlier, used to say “I ‘got off’ with so and so today……”… errr no Mum you can’t say that any more….

[BrunosMama]

Lol Vienna I understand. One time after shopping, my mom declared “Well I have officially shot my wad.” Meaning she’d spent all her money. My sister and I died laughing and told her she couldn’t say that these days. She got huffy and pouted ” you can’t say anything anymore.” It was quite funny

[Sr. Melangell]

Posted By LBJ10 on 11/18/2016 9:47 PM

Hmm… it would probably be best to simply find a time/place where you know you’ll catch him. Does he leave/arrive at a specific time each day? You could wait for him outside. Or, like you said, run him down following a service.

Hmm, yes, ‘Running him down’ sadly I don’t have a drivers licence because I’m visually impaired, so the problem is if I did have access to a car or something I might miss him 

[Sr. Melangell]

JG yes I have heard of Sundowners syndrome before, well today I went down to the church and in the yard was the old priest, now I must try and find the main priest, because the old priest was stood taking money out of his wallet and pockets and counting notes, there were people watching him across the road, someone could have snatched his things or something, I stood so he couldn’t see me and watched, because if anyone tried to take anything there would have been world war 3.

[LBJ10]

Well Vienna, at least she would have him that way! ;p

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