Is it right to sit right outside the sacristry?

General
1

There’s a particular parishioner in my parish who’s an alcoholic & he has other issues. He sits RIGHT OUTSIDE THE SACRISTRY which is annoying for me, as I’m an Altar Server & I’m visually impaired, epileptic & I have needs myself. He can be a wee bit mouthy sometimes, I say to him “excuse me buddy could you please move, Mass is about to start.” & he replies with an agressive sounding “no” he’s unwell, God bless him, but If I’m unable to perform my duties safely, I’ll have not choice to resign after 21 years of Faithful service. What do I do?

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On one hand if he is there for Jesus, then if that is all the closer he feels comfortable at this point in his walk, then I have not problem with him sitting right outside the Sanctuary, but if he is sitting right outside the Sacristy (where the Priest and Altar servers get ready for Mass, I have to ask why?

And if this gentleman is only there to pan-handle, as I know many in Cities realize that Christians tend to be more charitable and will perch outside of Churches to beg for money. I find this tactic kind of scammy (like how telephone/online scammers will target the elderly, because they know that older people tend to be more trusting or more easily duped).

We had a Priest who never wanted to be a Parish Priest, but loved doing missionary work in South America. When our Priest died in a tragic auto accident, the Diocese re-assigned the Missionary Priest to be our Parish Priest. Being a missionary, he brought many homeless and individuals with mental illness to Church (not a bad thing), but there are problems that come along with this.

As Christians, these are some of the things that we must discern. I am hearing that you have been an Usher for 21 years and that you are concerned for your safety (a valid concern). Have you talked to your Priest about this? Why is this gentleman sitting in this particular spot is unclear to me. What if you were to put a chair elsewhere that is special for this man, would he then be willing to sit elsewhere? If not, why?

3

Thanks for your comment, & I’m an altar server, not an usher. I’ll ceatainly talk to my parish priest about this, but I just wanted dome advice from fellow disciples, so thanks!

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