The sentiments expressed herein echo those expressed by so many others throughout the Diocese. Just last night some parishioners of St.John Neumann visited us at St. Mary's and told us about how devastated people at their parish are, contrary to the rosy picture painted in the Courier Post. One wonders if Bishop Galante cares about his reputation and legacy. How will he be remembered here in the Diocese of Camden? So far, the opinions of the faithful aren't very positive, and who can blame them? Doublespeak combined with the stealing of the thing most important to many people's lives adds up to a less than favorable impression.
Here's the letter, and well stated, we think:
I have been reading and of course listening to all these changes that will be taking place in the Diocese of Camden. I have also listened to the parishioners and most comments are con not pro.
It is nice to give a positive spin on acceptance but to me it is an imponderable. These churches are home to those who attend them, and people were told this when they were being built. Often people sat in a gym or a hall until money was raised to build a church. Then they were asked to donate to the building fund, much like paying a mortgage. Some people donated benches, windows, etc. Others quietly paid more for things like elevators for the elderly or ramps for the handicapped.
Now these same people sit in church and are being told "Get over it; it's just a building!" Wasn't that building on consecrated ground and blessed? Now, like a bank, the church is foreclosing on worship at these homes. What will happen to churches such as Queen of Heaven in Cherry Hill that sit on valuable property? What will happen at holiday masses when the regular parishioners cannot find a seat now? Will the bishop offer a solution?
For now the bishop will have the churches he closed to fall back on but that will not answer the loss felt by parishioners. That, to me, is an imponderable, and the bishop and priest have not addressed this to anyone's satisfaction.
Yes, those priests who will have a new parish are excited and are looking forward, but please give both sides of this story. I think Bishop Joseph Galante should offer a better solution than taking away a home of worship.
JUDY SPAGNOLA
Cherry Hill
