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I love my father of confession and he has helped me many times. However, lately I feel that he has been getting more and more busy (though this may just be for these days until we get a new priest to help him). Recently, I was unable to set up a time with him for confession/spiritual guidance and I had an urgent matter needing guidance at the time, so I spoke to another priest. This priest is in a nearby city though I never met him in person but by phone. He was very helpful, gave me the time I needed (as opposed to feeling rushed or that I am taking up time from him as I often feel with my father of confession lately), and gave me a lot of practical advice (much more than my father of confession usually does). I am torn on what to do. Should I remain with the same father of confession for the sake of distance? Should I change my father of confession, but perhaps all of our interaction would be over the phone? I am also unsure if the new priest with whom I spoke may in the future also have time constraints, but only gave me much time because it was my first time with him. If it is helpful, since I am in college out of town, the times that I am in college I have confession over the phone anyways. There is a priest in my college town, though I feel a bit uncomfortable confessing to him because he is a monk and I am female (confession with him would just be just during my time in college). I can also try confessing to him if you think that may be best, as I think he would be able to give more time on a regular basis because our church here is very small and I would be able to have face-to-face confession throughout most of the year. By the way, this monk-priest is only here for us during his graduate theological studies at the university; otherwise, usually he is in the monastery in a different state.

Since you already have a very good relationship with your confession father, there is no need to replace him. Many clergy have been under extra stress due to COVID-19 issues, congregants becoming ill, innovative ways to serve and pray liturgies, take confessions, etc. People need to confess the correct way, meaning the Holy Mystery of Confession should just be for absolving your sins. You could set up a different appointment to discuss plans, advice, etc. You will become more confused by switching your confession father, unless it is warranted. In general, it is not advised to confess to a monk-priest, unless he is assigned to your church. In the scenario you present, he is just there temporarily for studies. Thus, he will eventually leave.