"he considerd himself a shaman". Novus Ordo laity at their finest and it gets worse: the whole parish is fail. He "read scriptures from the lectern, sometimes delivering insightful or funny remarks off the cuff". Reading Scripture during the liturgy is a job for clergy. Delivering a commentary on Scripture is also a job for clergy and doesn't happen during the readings. No matter what the pastor supposedly did or didn't "know" of this "shaman's" intentions, it's clear he's been letting his parish turn into a circus with this clown being the ring-master right down to the "elaborately carved walking stick".

Good analysis and instruction on your part, Father. As far as the diocesan guidelines are concerned, the allowance for absolution in the case of someone who is merely open to changing their mind seems quite wrong, to me. One needs true contrition, even if it only is due to a fear of eternal damnation. The “beginning of contrition” is a good thing, I suppose, but is inadequate matter for absolution. Also, my understanding of assisted suicide laws is that they require that a person be of sound mind, able to make the choice to kill themselves, without duress. This would seem to make mortal sin public, and official.