Priest won't call me back-what do I do now?

AeroGrl0504

Back when I was first engaged, I decided that I wanted my former pastor, and family friend, to preside over my wedding mass.  Because I currently live 1200 miles away from where the wedding will take place, my mother has been helping me with finding vendors, tracking people down, etc. 

In my home church, the resident priest will only do one wedding a day, and another wedding was already booked for the same day I've chosen, so in order to book my mass, I needed to have my priest (no longer at my parish) call the rectory.  Trying to be helpful, my mother tracked him down at his new church, but he said he would only book if I called him.  This was the week before Easter and he said that I needed to get a hold of him before Holy Week started, as he would be busy with church preparations.

I left him three voicemails, and he finally called back on that Thursday.  I was working, so he left a voicemail saying that because Holy Week had started he wouldn't be able to do anything until the next Monday.  I have been calling him several times a week since then, leaving voicemails and messages with the secretary.  I called tonight to find he's been transferred to another parish, and he STILL hasn't called me back.

I am hurt that he hasn't bothered to try to contact me again, and worried that if I don't find a new priest soon that I am going to miss out on the date I want.  Do I find a new priest?  If so, how do I go about finding a priest that I've never met at a parish that I've never been to that's going to want to do my wedding at my parish?

ring_pop

The entire Easter season is pretty busy for priests, not just Holy Week. Not only that, but your priest was busy being transferred to another parish. Is he actually the pastor of his new parish? If so, things are probably even more hectic.

I'd give it a few more weeks, say early to mid June. (Pentecost is May 23 and I bet he's got confirmations to take care of.) In the meantime, it couldn't hurt to at least ask the church where you'll be married about other options. If that pastor only does one wedding a day, maybe he has other associate priests or even deacons who will take the others. (Deacons cannot say the mass, however.) Hopefully they can offer some other options.

[Deleted User]

Priests are very busy, busier than some realize. I ditto pp. I would be patient, but don't give up just yet.

AeroGrl0504

I've been calling since March.  I called on days he specifically said to call on.  I realize priests are, indeed, very busy, but isn't making time for people interested in keeping with the Catholic faith part of what they're supposed to do?  My wedding date, hopefully, is 9-10-11-a day that will book FAST.  He knows this and also knows that another wedding is already booked that day.  I've know him since I was 8 r 9.  I guess I'm more hurt that he can't find the time to call an old friend.  :-(

Calypso1977

september, 2011 is a long way off.  he probably just doesnt see the same level of urgency as you do.

what's more important, having this particular priest or having your wedding booked?  if its having your wedding booked, then i'd pick another date and use the priest at your parish where you attend now.

if its having the priest, then you will jsut have to be patient.  if there is already a wedding booked there taht day anyway, i'd say the chances of someone else booking is slim to none.

Theresa626

When you book your wedding at most churches, they will provide you with a priest.  If you're just concerned about getting your date then book another date at the church you want and use the priest there.  

If I were you, I would just book a different day at the church I wanted and if the other priest calls back and is available then, great.  If not, I'd just use the priest at that church. 

Enchanted616

Aww, that's really too bad.  I completely understand how tough that is, and I agree that he should have gotten ahold of you by now.  If he cant or wont do your ceremony, it's only fair that he let you know.  As others have said, I understand priests are busy, but cant return a call in two months?  Thats really unfair.

As for the 9-10-11 thing, dont listen to others to say its too far away to worry about!  I had that day picked too, and it got booked over a month ago at my reception venue while I was being indecisive.  And I don't think its fair to say shes just concerned about getting her date -- obviously shes worked really hard to try and have a priest who means something to her.