Dear Readers,
An anonymous priest contacted savestmarys.net this evening and strongly suggested that we have letter writing campaigns in which we write to the Archbishop of Newark (who is also the metropolitan) and the Apostolic Pro Nuncio about the crisis in our diocese. It seems that taking the time to write Bishop Galante may be better served by writing the Nuncio in DC and the Archbishop, so skip letters to Bishop Galante. The addresses you need are on our homepage and below:
There were other things said in the email but he asked that I not publish the email online. I can say, however, that he is in support of our movement to save the parishes and expressed that most of the priests he knows are extremely distressed about what the bishop is doing. He also expressed reservations about contributing to the bishop's appeal (House of Charity), a reservation I share. Perhaps contributing directly to Catholic organizations would be a better way to go. Father asked us to keep up the good work. I commend and thank Father for taking the time and effort to write to us. He asked for our prayers! Please, I cannot request strongly enough that we pray for our priests!
Now, for whatever it's worth, in obtaining the mailing address for the Archbishop in Newark, I saw that the Archdiocese of Newark is currently doing a very similar "reconfiguration" plan, but it seems a bit less heavy-handed, at least in the way it's being depicted on the website. I only mention this because I cannot help but wonder if our protestations to a bishop leading a similar process in the north will fall on deaf ears. I have absolutely no idea what he is thinking about Bishop Galante's scheme, but I do think it's worth writing to him. At worst you've wasted 42 cents, at best you've alerted him to the scandal. They in turn alert Rome to the problems and perhaps a coadjutor would be sent.
Those of you whose churches are planned to be closed, I would strongly suggest that you start writing campaigns NOW. Set up a table that people must pass on the way out of mass. Have pre-written letters (from a computer) as well as a selection of stationary and postcards available for people to hand-write letters. You may use pre-typed labels with addresses and pre-stamp your envelopes. Make it as easy as possible, yet the letters should not all look exactly alike. There should be a little variation.
Letter writing campaigns are not difficult, it just takes a tiny bit of organization and the approval of your pastor. If your pastor is reluctant to have it appear to be sanctioned by him, do it on your own. Organize a group of two or three parishioners to spearhead the thing and do it in the parking lot, if need be, or via a mail/email list.
An anonymous priest contacted savestmarys.net this evening and strongly suggested that we have letter writing campaigns in which we write to the Archbishop of Newark (who is also the metropolitan) and the Apostolic Pro Nuncio about the crisis in our diocese. It seems that taking the time to write Bishop Galante may be better served by writing the Nuncio in DC and the Archbishop, so skip letters to Bishop Galante. The addresses you need are on our homepage and below:
WRITE THE NUNCIO!
Please write the Apostolic Pro Nuncio:
The Most Rev. Pietro Sambi (In your letter, address him as Your Excellency)
Apostolic Pro Nuncio
3339 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008-3687
CONTACT THE ARCHBISHOP!
Please write Archbishop Myers, the Archbishop of Newark Diocese and the metropolitan of the state of NJ.
The Most Reverend Archbishop Myers (Address him as Your Excellency)
171 Clifton Avenue
PO Box 9500
Newark, NJ 07104
(phone #: 973-497-4000)
There were other things said in the email but he asked that I not publish the email online. I can say, however, that he is in support of our movement to save the parishes and expressed that most of the priests he knows are extremely distressed about what the bishop is doing. He also expressed reservations about contributing to the bishop's appeal (House of Charity), a reservation I share. Perhaps contributing directly to Catholic organizations would be a better way to go. Father asked us to keep up the good work. I commend and thank Father for taking the time and effort to write to us. He asked for our prayers! Please, I cannot request strongly enough that we pray for our priests!
Now, for whatever it's worth, in obtaining the mailing address for the Archbishop in Newark, I saw that the Archdiocese of Newark is currently doing a very similar "reconfiguration" plan, but it seems a bit less heavy-handed, at least in the way it's being depicted on the website. I only mention this because I cannot help but wonder if our protestations to a bishop leading a similar process in the north will fall on deaf ears. I have absolutely no idea what he is thinking about Bishop Galante's scheme, but I do think it's worth writing to him. At worst you've wasted 42 cents, at best you've alerted him to the scandal. They in turn alert Rome to the problems and perhaps a coadjutor would be sent.
Those of you whose churches are planned to be closed, I would strongly suggest that you start writing campaigns NOW. Set up a table that people must pass on the way out of mass. Have pre-written letters (from a computer) as well as a selection of stationary and postcards available for people to hand-write letters. You may use pre-typed labels with addresses and pre-stamp your envelopes. Make it as easy as possible, yet the letters should not all look exactly alike. There should be a little variation.
Letter writing campaigns are not difficult, it just takes a tiny bit of organization and the approval of your pastor. If your pastor is reluctant to have it appear to be sanctioned by him, do it on your own. Organize a group of two or three parishioners to spearhead the thing and do it in the parking lot, if need be, or via a mail/email list.