These articles (scroll down for links) were sent to us by a few people. Quote:
Let's face it. If merged entities close (like churches, for example), that's all the more rationale for building giant, evangelical protestant-style "McChurches." And rather than make Catholic schools what they should be--truly Catholic schools that are affordable and provide quality education--then let's just consolidate, merge, close 'em down. Why not invite in an order of teaching sisters to open or teach at a school? Yes they exist! But does our Diocese want them?
One person who sent us a link said this:
A total aside regarding religious education: I remember being in the car driving to Sunday School, watching our pastor, Msgr. Coyne, walking the not-so-short walk to Holy Spirit High School, where we had CCD classes, after mass on Sundays. He did this at least once a month. We knew that that Sunday he would be checking up on us, popping into the classrooms, asking randomly selected children questions. It was a little scary, but we all loved him anyway. And we knew he cared about us and about our Catholic education. He wasn't trying to consolidate our CCD program or shut down our church, he was trying to grow them! And let me tell you, things weren't necessarily perfect, but that parish did prosper and grew tremendously under his care.
When was the last time you saw a priest do something like that? I do know of a couple, but it's not very common. We need priests and pastors who take a genuine interest in the religious instruction and education of those in their charge not because it's their job as a principal, president, teacher, or what have you, but because they are the shepherds of their flock who would lay down their lives for their sheep. No, it is not necessary that a priest or pastor participate in the CCD program each and every week. But they should show their concern and interest for those in their care, even if that only means a periodic visit, say a pop-in once a month or so.
Anyway, there's an absolutely beautiful statue of Our Lady holding the Infant Jesus that was being transported from the closed school in the Philly.com article. Another person who sent us a link said this:
Read CP article by clicking here.
See Philly.com picture with links to 2 pieces by clicking here.
Another article here.
Ant the most comprehensive article is here.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Regional School in Barrington has closed its doors for good due to low enrollment.Big surprise...as if Bishop Galante, Roger McGrath, Peter Joyce, and the rest of the Administration didn't predict this kind of thing would happen. People get nervous, confused, and uncertain when things get shaken around this much. And people don't want their kids caught in the thick of it. It's no wonder attendance declined precipitously.
Let's face it. If merged entities close (like churches, for example), that's all the more rationale for building giant, evangelical protestant-style "McChurches." And rather than make Catholic schools what they should be--truly Catholic schools that are affordable and provide quality education--then let's just consolidate, merge, close 'em down. Why not invite in an order of teaching sisters to open or teach at a school? Yes they exist! But does our Diocese want them?
One person who sent us a link said this:
I am shocked and saddened by this news. Practically speaking, a Catholic school cannot run with only 79 students. However, my son graduated from that school and I remember the faith and dedication of the sisters and lay teachers as they taught, in word and deed, not only the 3Rs but the many aspects of our faith. I believe that they were hurt by the huge tuition increase and having the parish face a demotion as a secondary worship site. Many parishioners believe that the church will close soon as well.
Please pray for the people of Barrington. This is a great loss.
A total aside regarding religious education: I remember being in the car driving to Sunday School, watching our pastor, Msgr. Coyne, walking the not-so-short walk to Holy Spirit High School, where we had CCD classes, after mass on Sundays. He did this at least once a month. We knew that that Sunday he would be checking up on us, popping into the classrooms, asking randomly selected children questions. It was a little scary, but we all loved him anyway. And we knew he cared about us and about our Catholic education. He wasn't trying to consolidate our CCD program or shut down our church, he was trying to grow them! And let me tell you, things weren't necessarily perfect, but that parish did prosper and grew tremendously under his care.
When was the last time you saw a priest do something like that? I do know of a couple, but it's not very common. We need priests and pastors who take a genuine interest in the religious instruction and education of those in their charge not because it's their job as a principal, president, teacher, or what have you, but because they are the shepherds of their flock who would lay down their lives for their sheep. No, it is not necessary that a priest or pastor participate in the CCD program each and every week. But they should show their concern and interest for those in their care, even if that only means a periodic visit, say a pop-in once a month or so.
Anyway, there's an absolutely beautiful statue of Our Lady holding the Infant Jesus that was being transported from the closed school in the Philly.com article. Another person who sent us a link said this:
"This picture is of the statue of Mary being transported from the school in an old van. It really sums up Bishop Galante's reign in the Camden Diocese."
Read CP article by clicking here.
See Philly.com picture with links to 2 pieces by clicking here.
Another article here.
Ant the most comprehensive article is here.