[metmom]

I do not believe that the RCC interpretation of those verses is correct and justifies the priesthood, especially in light of the fact that we are promised that we can pray to God, the Father, Himself and HE will answer and forgive our sins.

Unless you think Jesus was wrong or lying here.

Luke 11:1-4 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread, 4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”

Jesus HIMSELF taught us to go to the Father for forgiveness.

[Heart-Rest]

Luke 11:1-4 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread, 4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”

Jesus HIMSELF taught us to go to the Father for forgiveness.

Yes, He most certainly did, and He also told us in the verse just before the one you emphasized -- "...forgive us our sins..." -- to also ask Our Father to "Give us each day our daily bread", but He was NOT telling us to never go shopping for our food, or to never make use of grocers (or some other human beings) to get our daily bread (or to avoid human spiritual teachers for spiritual bread).

Do you just wait indefinitely for God to hand you your daily bread directly each day, or do you sometimes go out shopping for groceries through various other human beings?