An admission of weakness, a demonstration of strength

Earlier this week, Priest’s Secretary.posted about a Massachussetts priest whose weekly letter to his parish was a bit unusual. He wrote:

…For my own health and to answer God’s call to the holiness of the priesthood with which I am blessed, I have asked for help.

This Monday, 25 October, I will travel to the Guest House at Rochester in Minnesota. It is a Catholic clergy treatment center for addictions. Step one is a full evaluation by medical personnel. This takes approximately three weeks. At the end of that process I will either then return to Saint Lucy’s and PMA (Presentation of Mary Academy) involved in a local outpatient program or remain in Minnesota for an inpatient program a for a yet to be determined length of time. In any case I pledge to do everything in my power to return to our parish and my school ministry.

It is truly a most humbling moment. I pledge to come back and hit the deck plates running (Navy talk)... Please support those who will hold down the fort in my absence. Please pray for me as I pray for you.

Now there may be some who are scandalized by Father Burton’s admission. But I find it refreshing that he would openly acknowledge that he has a problem and is seeking help. Can you imagine how much better this world would be if each of us had the courage to acknowledge our weaknesses and ask for help, rather than putting up a false front of perfection?

Please join with me in praying for Father Burton and for all those who, like me, have weaknesses and failings and imperfections in need of God’s healing touch.

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Visit Conversion Diary each Friday for 7 Quick Takes.

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