One of Bishop Galante's stated rationales for the "reconfiguration" (destruction) of the Catholic churches in the Diocese of Camden is the need for a different model of parish community.* Recently I've found myself considering the irony in this. I think it's absolutely amazing how the movement to save our Faith, our churches, our common and yet distinct histories has brought us all together. Only a couple months ago I never knew anyone in any of these places. Sadly, there are people on my own street who I don't know, but now I know people in Pitman, Wildwood Crest, Pittsgrove, Malaga, Waterford, Woodbury and all over the diocese. I know people now in my own church who I never knew before, and we share something precious because we are united by Our Lord and His will for us as His people.

When I consider the friends I've made in this short time and the bonds of Faith and conviction in a common goal that unites us, I am truly grateful. Because Bishop Galante and Msgr. McGrath's schemes have threatened our beloved houses of God and our shared Faith, we know people we never would have had the opportunity to know and are united in ways we never would have been, had circumstances been otherwise. What a gift. God truly is incredible. Even in tragedy He transforms us and draws us to Himself. All strength can be derived from Him. Through this ordeal he is purifying his Church, washing us in His Precious Blood, calling us to Him, calling us to friendship with one another, and increasing our Faith. How could any artificial, contrived community be superior to the real community in Christ we have now?

Let us continue to pray that Bishop Galante will follow the example of Christ and be the type of shepherd he is called to be. Remember him before the Blessed Sacrament and during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Ask our Holy Mother to intercede for him. Let's also remember to "stay close to Jesus," as Sr. Regina used to say.** He is our Good Shepherd. He will lead us along the right path--we must stay with Him.***

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep. But the hireling, and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and flieth: and the wolf catcheth, and scattereth the sheep: I am the good shepherd; and I know mine, and mine know me. As the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father: and I lay down my life for my sheep. And the hireling flieth, because he is a hireling: and he hath no care for the sheep. John 10:11-15

* Here's a link to the protestant church he mentioned at St. Mary's: Gloucester County Community Church. And here's a program that is highlighted and run by the order the bishop wants to bring into the diocese: St. Paul's "Small Church Communities." These "mini-churches" are all the rage amongst the evangelicals and even the "emergent church" liberals. They are called everything from "small groups," to "cells," to "small churches," to "ministries." In my opinion, they are a way of of having your cake and eating it too, so to speak. In other words, you can be a "Catholic" or part of a fairly large mainstream church and yet have your little circle of friends and form your own little huggy-kissy group and do things your own way. If you read the newsletter I link to above, you'll notice it sounds very corporate, right down to the powerpoint presentation, and one wonders how the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass factors in at all. You may also notice a similarity to the many "ministries" of GCCC (click here to view) and many other protestant churches.
**Sr. Regina was a high school religion teacher, and that simple phrase will stay in my mind always. She died not long after I graduated. 
***See also Ezekial's prophecy. It's definitely worth a read.

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