Discernment, Authority, and Avoiding Scandal in Catholic Groups

Catholic faith is meant to be lived in community. Parish study groups, prayer gatherings, and formation nights are real graces when they are ordered properly. Yet the Church also warns that spiritual confusion often arises not from bad intent, but from enthusiasm detached from discernment.

So how does a Catholic participate faithfully in group settings—without causing scandal, confusion, or drift from the Church—while still remembering that people are people, not enemies?

The answer lies in understanding authority, humility, and the limits of personal experience.

1. What the Church Means by “Scandal”

In Catholic teaching, scandal is not mere disagreement or discomfort.
Scandal occurs when a person leads another into error or spiritual harm, especially through influence or perceived authority.

The Catechism states:

“Scandal is an attitude or behavior which leads another to do evil.”¹

In group settings, scandal often arises unintentionally:

• when personal spiritual experiences are shared as universal truths

• when emotion substitutes for doctrine

• when unvetted materials shape belief

• when group authority replaces ecclesial authority

Most often, no harm is intended. The danger is structural, not personal.

2. Most Confusion Comes from Weak Catechesis, Not Malice

It is important to name this clearly:
The majority of doctrinal confusion in Catholic groups does not come from evil intent.

It comes from:

• incomplete catechesis

• poor theological formation of lay leaders

• exposure to non-Catholic Christian media

• a culture that equates intensity with authenticity

The Catechism reminds us that faith must be formed and instructed, not improvised.²
Charity requires patience—but charity does not mean silence when truth is at risk.

3. Private Experiences Are Not Public Teaching

The Church draws a firm distinction between public revelation and private experiences.

“Throughout the ages, there have been so-called ‘private’ revelations… They do not belong to the deposit of faith.”³

Even approved private revelations:

• are not binding on the faithful

• cannot add to or correct doctrine

• must always be discerned

Personal spiritual experiences should therefore be:

• discerned privately

• brought to a priest or trained spiritual director

• never presented as teaching or guidance for others

Sharing such experiences publicly without discernment risks confusing others and undermining trust in the Church’s authority.

4. The Order of Authority Protects the Faithful

Catholic faith is hierarchical by design—not to dominate, but to safeguard truth.

The proper order is:

1. Christ

2. The Church

3. Sacred Scripture and Tradition

4. The Magisterium

5. Ordained clergy

6. Lay leadership

7. Personal experience

When this order is reversed—even unintentionally—confusion follows.

The Catechism emphasizes the unique role of bishops and priests as authentic teachers of the faith.⁴
Any group that discourages transparency with clergy or promotes secrecy has already departed from proper discernment.

5. How to Act Wisely in Group Settings

Faithful participation does not require confrontation. Often it requires grounding.

Helpful practices include:

• redirecting discussion to Scripture, the Catechism, or the saints

• asking clarifying questions rather than making assertions

• refraining from affirming claims you are unsure about

• resisting pressure to validate every “God moment”

• quietly stepping back when confusion persists

There are moments when silence and withdrawal are the most faithful response.

6. When Matters Must Go Back to a Priest

Certain situations always require clerical discernment:

• claims of visions, messages, or prophetic insight

• teaching that contradicts Church doctrine

• discouraging sacramental life or obedience

• requests to keep spiritual matters hidden from clergy

The Catechism affirms the priest’s role as a shepherd and spiritual guide.⁵
Referring matters to proper authority is not disloyalty—it is obedience.

7. Charity and Truth Belong Together

Catholic maturity resists two extremes:

• harsh correction without mercy

• false unity without truth

We are called to both charity and clarity.

We can:

• assume good intentions

• remain calm and respectful

• protect others from confusion

• uphold the Church’s teaching authority

Walking away from confusion is not pride.
Choosing obedience over affirmation is not weakness.
Preferring truth over popularity is not unkind.

It is Catholic.

Closing Reflection

Not every group is meant to carry doctrinal weight.
Not every spiritual experience is meant for public sharing.
And not every silence is cowardice.

Sometimes faithfulness looks like:

• humility over visibility

• obedience over validation

• clarity over comfort

The Church does not need louder spirituality.
She needs grounded disciples who know where authority lives, how discernment works, and when to step back in peace.

Catechism Footnotes

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), §2284

2. CCC §§84–87

3. CCC §67

4. CCC §§888–892

5. CCC §§1547–1551