Here's a wonderful letter to the editor of the Hammonton Gazette I just read last night:
Calling all parishioners in the Camden Diocese whose parishes are listed for merger! Don't be fooled! "Merger" is only another wayof telling you that your church will eventually be closed. Perhaps and not immediately, but give it time and a reason will be found to say that your merged church is no longer necessary.
There is no clergy shortage in the Camden Diocese. If there was a shortage, why did Bishop Galante recently permit two of our priests to accept voluntary assignments outside of the Diocese? [Actually, as I understand it, the number's closer to 20, not 2, when you include forced relocations and forced retirements.]
Don't sit back and do nothing. Now is the time to act. A Vineland attorney. Leah Vassalo, is now organizing a group currently representing 10 parishes [actually when I spoke to Kevin the other day the number was up to 22!] for the purpose of protesting the bishop's reconfiguration plan. Call her at (856) 692-0222 and ask what you can do to help.
Write to Archbishop John J. Myers of the Diocese of Newark at 171 Clifton Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104-0500 and tell him how Bishop Galante's merger plans will drive Catholics from our faith. Archbishop Myers has already begun a review of the merger plan.
By acting together, we will save our local parishes and our faith.
Thomas J. McGeary, Sr.
Egg Harbor City
Amen, Thomas! Well said!
Calling all parishioners in the Camden Diocese whose parishes are listed for merger! Don't be fooled! "Merger" is only another wayof telling you that your church will eventually be closed. Perhaps and not immediately, but give it time and a reason will be found to say that your merged church is no longer necessary.
There is no clergy shortage in the Camden Diocese. If there was a shortage, why did Bishop Galante recently permit two of our priests to accept voluntary assignments outside of the Diocese? [Actually, as I understand it, the number's closer to 20, not 2, when you include forced relocations and forced retirements.]
Don't sit back and do nothing. Now is the time to act. A Vineland attorney. Leah Vassalo, is now organizing a group currently representing 10 parishes [actually when I spoke to Kevin the other day the number was up to 22!] for the purpose of protesting the bishop's reconfiguration plan. Call her at (856) 692-0222 and ask what you can do to help.
Write to Archbishop John J. Myers of the Diocese of Newark at 171 Clifton Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104-0500 and tell him how Bishop Galante's merger plans will drive Catholics from our faith. Archbishop Myers has already begun a review of the merger plan.
By acting together, we will save our local parishes and our faith.
Thomas J. McGeary, Sr.
Egg Harbor City
Amen, Thomas! Well said!