When you trash the blood, sweat and tears of previous generations who built that church – who loved their community enough to provide an oasis of hope and help in their small corner of the world—you limit what the present and future children and grandchildren of that first generation can do in that neighborhood.
When you say a neighborhood Catholic church isn’t needed, you diminish the impact of a sacramental people on those who live near and/or attend that church. You belittle the dignity of those who cannot easily attend church elsewhere, who have supported that church in good times and bad. You belittle the unique character of that neighborhood church and the community family that was formed by that church’s presence. You limit the positive interactions between the church community and the neighborhood.
When you put ‘social justice’ ahead of the salvific nature of a Catholic church, you practically proclaim man to be a soulless animal, for you have plainly chosen the comfort of the body over eternal salvation. The destruction of an active Catholic church in order to build low-cost housing is the triumph of a secular political philosophy over the transcendent truth of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
When you say that present troubles justify destroying God’s house, you deny God’s people the opportunity to come together and rise above the troubles. What did Peter say? "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." (Acts 3:6)
I absolutely and wholeheartedly agree with your posting. We need to make our voices heard to save St. Vincents. This is not a situation to be passive with unless of course you have lost your soul. It is 'back room' dealings laced with dishonesty that will ultimately destroy our church. St. Vincents needs you to save it. It needs everyone young and old standing up for THE TRUTH PRESENTED TO YOU HERE. Be a part of the salvation of our church and you in turn save souls, if not your silence will contribute to its destruction.
ReplyDeleteThat is the exact truth. If you read that and felt a little uncomfortable, unsettled or even annoyed, remember the truth about yourself always hurts the most. People in this parish that try to run from their own conscience armed with their b.s. facilities and master plans that they copied from a local corporation or educational institution are just cowards. They grab onto any popular ideology that aids them in their flight from true conscience.
ReplyDelete..afraid the proverbial "dye is cast" and no one understands how long it's going to take for the stain to fade away after it's done. Such a huge travesty from a little insecure man.
ReplyDeleteDean is an unstable leader, he surrounds himself by people who will support him because of his title and not through his merits or past performance. Until these people wake-up and withdraw their support, Dean will proceed with his agenda. I honestly don't anticipate that these people will "get it". The blind leading the blind...
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. When people say, "It's just a building," I think of all the people on the Northside who gave money they really couldn't spare to build St. Vincent's Church. They could have kept worshiping in the school, but they believed in their faith and themselves. I think of the pride, hope, and sacrifice, as well as the example it set for the young and others in the neighborhood. And yes, they gave precious time and money to charity too. It's not an either/or. In fact, when you demoralize people, when you drive away parishioners, there is less giving. We have about 22% of our parish participating in CMA. Hello, Rochester! Are you listening?
ReplyDeleteWow...Gretchen what a moving piece. Empowering too.
ReplyDeleteSusan...I think of those same people each Sunday I sit in a pew at SVdP church. I am struck by the beauty of the people that built it -- which is reflected back in the beauty and warmth of the church.
I would have given money to build that church and I would/will give money to save it. Ironic that I won't get the chance to do either. Even more ironic that in this day and age we rarely get to give money for the building of a Catholic Church. They just want our money to (in essence) tear it down.
Gretchen- This is an powerful, gut-wretching article. One can only wonder what Dean is thinking when he reads this. Will anything or anybody move him to reconsider his position?
ReplyDeleteIf we think Dean is immovable from observing his behavior and words, then it is vital we go the next step to the next level up the ladder. Many feel it is a done deal but I for one when I read that the director of PH is "mulling over" plans for the St. Vincent campus and that no proposal was submitted to the state this year, I think there may still be hope. So, I beg those of you who really do not want the church to be demolished as a place of worship, write to the director of Providence Housing, Monica McCollough, Providence Housing, 1150 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 12624. Be sure to express your desires and any facts relating to the decision making by Dean and his committees. We are at a period in our history as nation and church where we can no longer sit back and not be heard.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 10:02! There is hope! Definitely not a done deal.
ReplyDeleteRead about the churches saved in Boston and Syracuse.
Amen. The American church is changing - a number of very liberal bishops are "aging out" and retiring. We have a pope who is very aware of what's happened to the American church. Population-wise, the US is a small part of the church. Regarding money and influence, the US is very important.
ReplyDeletePlease write to Monica McCollough at Providence Housing (see 10:02). She needs to see our passion and commitment to St. Vincent's.
I have been away from the forum for a little while tending to other personal matters. However, after reading your post, I asked myself...what can be more personal than my relationship with God? I will see you all tomorrow at St. Vincent's.
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