text: Thank you for your posts and those of AnneMargaret in this string.   The points you both make are helping me work through the role of the priest in this process of discernment.  I have been rather stuck on the idea that Francis is requiring a priests okay, a priests acceptance of the discernment made by the remarried Catholic.  I do think ultimately the discernment is that of the individual and the role of the priest is that of helper.  But, I also think that some people don't really need some sort of agreement from a priest - a seal of approval - they have already reached an understanding that they are walking a path of faith in a new marriage, that "solace of conscience".  
  
  It is hard to break habits of thought and untether thinking that ties both mercy and faith to the law of the Church.  And scary.