I recently heard from a teacher friend in the school district that the successful Teen Angel program is being revamped and will now be run by a Cody Smith. Word is out that apparently this person visited her middle school to announce the program changes and indicated that Marie McCaig would no longer be involved in the program which has been around for years. She called Marie to ask what this was all about and Marie was stunned to find that this was taking place. I have been a monetary supporter, shopper and have even helped with the gift wrapping when needed at Christmas time almost since the inception of the program. Could someone kindly enlighten me as to what this is all about?
Well wasn't the Teen Angel program developed by All Saints Parish staff originally? Therefore, it should continue to be run by parish staff. Right?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the question, Steve. I am not aware of the history of Teen Angel.
ReplyDeleteI was on the founding committee for Teen Angel, in 2000, I believe. There were 10-12 of us, from many backgrounds and religions. We were independant of the church. We each invited 10 friends to become a Teen Angel by donating $25.00 and soon we had several thousand dollars to get the program rolling. I believe it was Chris Sorge who came up with the clever name. Marie McCaig is the heart and soul of the program. I have no idea what is going on but I plan to find out. If someone from the parish is trying to take the program away from her leadership, this is a foolish idea. The program is helping hundreds of teens each year. There is no need to disturb this unless Marie is the one who wants to resign from leading the program. Leave well enough alone.
ReplyDeleteThis is Kathy and I am on the Youth Ministry Council and yes, there has been some confusion. Please hold on as we straighten things out. As I believe in full transparency, I will post my findings.
ReplyDeleteWhy is this so confusing. Cory (Not Cody) is the youth minister. Marie is NOT. Cory has the right to run the Teen Angel program as he sees fit. When Marie resigned she forfeited all rights to running any program in the parish. Some people have a hard time moving on. Get over it.
ReplyDeleteMay I ask justwonderin' just why is is so necessary not to have lay people, who are not part of the admisistration, running some of the programs within the parish? The more I read your remarks and others from the administration, I am getting a strong feeling of oppressive leadership rather than servant leadership. What ever happened to the spirit of Vatican II? Yes, I know there are lay people involved but as I have heard from parish council persons,they were asked to serve and were not elected by the parish. So how is that being a representative of the people? Talk about confuising to those of us who are trying to live Vatican II!!!!! If it was not broken given the success and confidentiality of the Teen Angel program, just what is informing the change?
ReplyDeletejust wonderin' Do you have a copy of the Teen Angel Charter that you would be willing to share, since you have clearly identified yourself as a staff member? (See your posts in the Dinner and Dialog Blog) Additionally, will you be calling for the forfeiture of any volunteer leaders of any other groups, such as Right to Life Committee? Please provide in writing the Diocesan guidelines which support your very provocative posturing. Kathy
ReplyDeleteWell, just wonderin very rarely do you see someone correcting the spelling of a name unless it is their own to begin with. Seems to me what you better "get over" is the fact that the youth and the parents of this parish were very happy with Marie as Youth Minister and that was apparent because she had such a large youth group (something we havent seen since her departure). She is and always will be loved and respected for that and for her kind and giving ways. As I recall, Teen Angel project was started around a kitchen table with about a dozen or so caring people who gave a donation to a worthy cause and it grew and grew from there. Correct me if
ReplyDeleteI'm wrong (and Im sure you will) but Marie no longer worked for All Saints in 2006, maybe you can explain to everyone why it was just fine for her to keep Teen Angel program going until 2010? Just wonderin' you have made a grave mistake by interferring with what was one of the most successful ministries in the Corning Painted Post area. As far as some people that have a hard time moving on... maybe you should give it some consideration.
I talked to somebody who is close to the Teen Angel program. There is a misunderstanding that is being worked on. There is confusion about who is running the program this year and if there are changes being made. Also, there is a question about if changes can be made without consulting others involved. That's all I was able to find out.
ReplyDeleteTo Evelyn- When a staff becomes galvanized,they are threatened by anyone who would question their leadership. I have experienced this in the business world and believe this is what we are experiencing at All Saints parish. They have built a protective and defensive structure that is impermeable. They have put the parishioners in a position where you are either for them or against them. There is no middle ground and there is no negotiation. As we can see, this approach is one of fault. The consequences are predictable; volunteers stop volunteering, parishioners leave the parish, the once vibrant spirit dies.
ReplyDelete4thetruth...thank you for your insights. It explains the situation clearly but still saddens me since we are church that preaches acting as much as possible like Christ taught us and lived not like a business.
ReplyDeleteWord's out that people on the inside are fighting among themselves. I'm justwonderin if someone jumped off the bridge if the others would be so dedicated that they would follow..I doubt it.
ReplyDeleteI feel really sad for the parish staff that are being thrown to the wolves because their paychecks come from a primary administrator that is not very popular among community members. Why can't we all take some time to mention, in a positive way, the nice things that have been done and the hard work staff as put in - sacrificing time with family, vacation, relaxation. Who would like to begin?
ReplyDeleteSteven, I for one, am very grateful any time the staff does nice things or works hard or sacrifices. I am equally grateful when volunteer parishioners do so.
ReplyDeleteLet me begin:
ReplyDeleteThank you Father Lew- you are a holy priest, with an endearing personality and pretty comical as well!
Thank you Deacon Jim Hankey- you are a humble and faithful servant of Christ.
Sandra- We miss your sweet presence at the desk. Please be well soon.
I appreciate all the long hours parish staff puts in. I used to work in parish ministry (in PA) and, it is truly a vocation. You do it because you feel called to do it. It is that "calling" that keeps you going back day after day...and, the retirement plan is "out of this world." :)
ReplyDeleteRegarding Teen Angel...This needs to get fixed fast. We are quickly approaching one of its busiest times. We need to pray for a resolution so that the "angels" can get back to helping the teens. Teachers, Nurses, Social Workers...hang in there and hold onto those requests (or wish lists?) We'll get this working again (even if it takes each of us finding 10 friends to donate $$ again)
Oh, justwonderin' why are you still so bitter?
I had a conversation with the coordinator of Teen Angel, Marie McCaig. She gave me permission to share some information. She said that there has been some misinformation presented to the district by a parish representative. They were told that Marie was no longer coordinating the program and no one would be shopping for the kids. But not one person from the parish staff had told Marie this. Her name has been recently removed from the bank account. It has been on there since the money was turned over (over $21,000) and she has asked why it was removed. She also also requested the names of the 3 Teen Angel auditors who were appointed 3 years ago from the finance council and if she can see an audit. She also would like to have copies of monthly bank statements because this was promised when she turned the money over to All Saints and it did not happen. I think we all need to remember that this program was not started as a parish program and that the people who started it have the right to make the decisions. The parish has enough bad things going on, can't we just let the good stuff be?
ReplyDeleteSo, now we are suppossed to share all of the parish financial information with the McCaigs? NO WAY. It's really none of her business how much money is in a parish account. If she wants audits and bank statements, tell her to join the finance council.
ReplyDeleteSo let me get this: Marie McCaig and some other individuals in our community started an ecumenical ministry to aid and bless teens. It was very successful. At some point parish administration leaned on Marie to hand over the money but to continue on as the administrator. Being obedient, she does so. Stipulations were put in place to assure that she would be able to continue on in that role. Except now, for some reason, it isn't convenient to have her administrate the ministry. Wonder why. I wonder why our parish leaders want their hands on $20,000...
ReplyDeleteFor the benefit of all, maybe someone who is truly familiar with this program could describe the relevant history without editorializing. Any consideration of this issue without accurate context does us and our parish a huge disservice. Just the facts to start. Then let's talk.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent suggestion, Bill.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. Another wonderful thing that Marie has done for years is being taken away from her. What doesn't the parish understand? Marie does these things out of the goodness of her heart! If Cory, or anyone else in the parish wants to do some community service work there are many many possibilities. Why on earth would we want to mess with a successful program? Be creative and do something else!!I know first hand the joy Marie/Teen Angel has brought to many. Oh my goodness I just can't believe the mess this parish is in! Are those that are trying to take this from her acting in a Christian way or just being spiteful? I am so discouraged by all of this. The leadership in this church needs to pray that there will be a Catholic parish left in the Corning/Painted Post area when this is all over.
ReplyDeleteBill, I think that is what Teresa did in her first post, very simply.
ReplyDelete"I was on the founding committee for Teen Angel, in 2000, I believe. There were 10-12 of us, from many backgrounds and religions. We were independant of the church. We each invited 10 friends to become a Teen Angel by donating $25.00 and soon we had several thousand dollars to get the program rolling. I believe it was Chris Sorge who came up with the clever name."
Plus, Ann also comments about speaking directly with Marie McCaig. See her post above.
Please pray this is resolved quickly...or a "Teen Angel Too" type of program gets started in its place...if we have Faith the size of a mustard seed -- we can move a mountain or pray for a miracle.
Finally, justwonderin' again why you are STILL so bitter.
Oh, one more thing, justwonderin,
ReplyDeleteYou imply that "joining the finance committee" is something any parishioner can do. I know of an individual with an accounting degree who offered his services to the finance committee. He was told that his help wasn't needed. Imagine that!
I am thinking that Bill was hoping to get information from those people who are involved --the school employees, the parish staff, and so on.
ReplyDeleteMary, thank you. What's missing for me is the piece where it gets handed back to the church and why. I'd also like to understand more fully the conditions that were attached to it. These speak to the expectations and privileges of the people involved.
ReplyDeleteGretchen- The Corning schools had no resource before Teen Angel. If a student needed a coat, new shoes, boots, anything, we struggled to come up with necessities. If the items were provided, it was at our own expense. I am saddened to hear that there are problems with the program. PLEASE work it out. Many teens need the angels who look out for them. For some of these teens, there is no one else in their life who can provide for them.
ReplyDeleteNancy
Bill...it is my understanding that when Marie became a paid in employee at ASP a "request" was made to turn the financials over to ASP finance committee for their management. But for me to say anything more is pure speculation which you do not want.
ReplyDeleteAs Nancy conveys so eloquently above...this NEEDS to get worked out NOW. Keep praying for a miracle.
Ironically, St. Vincent de Paul is known for caring for the poor. As we try to convey to ASP Admin many of our desires to keep SVdP as a worship site, I can't help but think that God is trying to tell us something.
Bill-
ReplyDeleteThe Teen Angel confusion is in response to inaccurate information that was shared with school district employee's in regards to the Teen Angel program. I recently received a phone call from the East High nurse during which she stated that she was sorry that I was no longer coordinating the Teen Angel program and also that she was not as comfortable with the new procedures for the program. I had no idea what she was referring to. I contacted the nurses and social workers from West High and our 2 middle schools. They had received the same information- that I was no longer coordinating the project and that district officials would be responsible to do their own shopping, with the parish reimbursing them after receipts were submitted to Cory Smith. I contacted Kathy Warner from the Central office. She responded by stating that there was a misunderstanding and that the program would be running as it had in the past, with one change; referrals were to come through Cory Smith, who had already been in communication with district Teen Angel contacts. Two days later, I learned that my name had been removed from the Teen Angel bank account. My name has been on this account since the Teen Angel funds were turned over to the parish in 2007. I hope this information provides clarification.
Marie McCaig
It does. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marie. I am sorry that there is a problem with the program. Do whatever has to be done to keep it going. If you decide to start a new program with no affiliation to the parish, you know there is a ton of support. Think about it. Is it worth the headache? Moving on and moving apart may be the best solution for all.
ReplyDeleteSince Marie McCaig's name was removed from the Teen Angel bank account that must mean it was done by whoever has the power to authorize it. I don't think the youth minister has that power. He wasn't acting alone, but I bet he gets all the blame.
ReplyDeleteJust an idea... Doesn't Marie attend a new parish now? Maybe she could start a nice Teen Angel program there where there are, I am sure, underprivileged youth and allow Cory to do some nice things in Corning? I do see him as being very helpful and think he could do a wonderful job if he was supported... :)
ReplyDeleteOnce again, bypass the problem and sugarcoat the rest. It doesn't matter that the leadership does thing underhandedly to benefit himself. Thanks Marie..you did a nice job and all the footwork so now just move on and let someone else take it over. You can start one in Addison. I don't believe what I am hearing. You miss the whole point! You are clueless.
ReplyDeleteLet's get one thing straight - Teen Angel was NEVER an All Saints Parish project - it was a COMMUNITY project. NO staff member of ASP should have any right to the project or its money.
ReplyDeleteAMEN!
ReplyDeleteMaybe its time to get books audited and find out if the money is still there or used for something else. Too bad its come to the point where our children in community may suffer. Give the money back to the community where it belongs. I always heard that among us there is always a Satan trying to make things hard and it looks like that may well be the problem with the decisions being made for All Saints. Enough Said but something to think about
ReplyDeleteIf All Saints or its Youth program want to start a charitable organization then START one. Leave the Teen Angel program alone. You are hurting many many young people in this community.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the above blogger who stated that if Marie wants to start another similar program she will have support. Just look at the FBI. Marie is doing wonderful things for this community. Too bad All Saints Parish can't recognize this. Marie, keep up the good work - your reward in heaven will be GREAT!
Marie resigned from her position- left the kids high and dry. She is no longer attending mass here- bailed out again. Why in the world would she have any rights to manage the Teen Angel program?
ReplyDeleteTO ANONYMOUS ABOVE:
ReplyDeleteFROM THE WAY I UNDERSTAND MARIE DID NOT LEAVE HER POSITION BY CHOICE. AGAIN THE TEEN ANGEL IS COMMUNITY FUNDED AND ALL SAINTS NEEDS TO SHOW THE COMMUNITY HOW MUCH MONEY IS IN THE BANK AND SHOW BANK STATEMENTS.
Marie McCaig has never had an agenda or ulterior motive yet some of you choose to throw her under the bus to silence what she knows. She is known and recognized by the youth in this community as genuine and concerned for their faith and well being. Her home is open to them as needed and I can't recall her ever turning any youth away. Teens and young adults currently and from the past love her. Why not ask them? Scared of what they might tell you? Now let's look at the current leadership. I'll bet you he doesn't know a handful of kids by name, where they live, who their parents and friends are, what school they attend, what sports or activities they participate in and the list goes on and on. Marie has not bailed on anyone. That is why she is fighting to preserve a program initiated by a non All Saints group and one that she has put her heart and soul into since it began. Instead of coming after the one who loves the kids, try going after the one who, as I was told this past summer, intends to close down All Saints Academy, get the city to close down the street in front of St. Mary's and make his dream mega complex a reality. If Marie isn't a force to be reckoned with, then why are you wasting your time dragging her through the mud?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteKeep it civil, please.
ReplyDeleteLeave her alone. She is not, and never hes been, the problem. In fact, the spirit in the parish seemed to go down hill shortly after she resigned, and Father Phil left and the Alene and Eleanor were cut. So, look to place the blame elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteJust a thought from an outsider, if numbers are low in the youth group, there is only 1-2 RCIA members and if this is the lowest number in the confirmation class, why don't we just let the Teen Angel program succeed as it is and focus on the dwindling numbers? Let Marie run it and let Cory spend his time trying to figure out where the Catholic kids are and why they aren't coming to parish activities.
ReplyDeleteActually there over 80+ kids registered for youth group, and I believe 4 people in RCIA with the possibility of more joining.
ReplyDeleteanonymous,
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that sounds like alot to you...but before the Deacon and Cory there were hundreds of kids in the youth group and a dozen or more in RCIA. The parish also had more people attending. It wasn't perfect but things are getting. Worse not better.
If there are 80plus teens registered, they are not attending. Some kids are registered just because they want to play CYO. There are not very many kids involved. I sit in the parking lot every Sunday night. I know someone from the senior high program and my daughter is in the edge program, only because she is being confirmed. I think there were only 7-8 confirmation kids at the meeting I attended with our sponsor. I am not happy with the parish but will stay in the programs until my daughter gets her confirmation. I don't know about RCIA but have heard that the hole Alene left is a big one. I can't blame the people who took over the RCIA. Most people who know about the parish and the problems would not want to join the church. I
ReplyDeleteWe need to get out of this small town mentality of "worshipping" certain select people in our community. As Fr. Fred stated, one day all the staff will be gone, but the community will still exist. Reality is reality, and if you choose not support or help out in church programs, then they will suffer because of that and you just create a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure. Have a mentality of "well the particular person I like is not running it so I'm just take my toys and go home." How immature and un-Christlike. I'm sick and tired of people being so selfish. As Fr. Lew has stated numerous times in homilies, "We need to stop thinking about me, me, me, me." For people who accuse the staff of being intolerant, I have certainly found comments on this blog that don't even resemble anything close to tolerant or giving those the benefit of the doubt. Many parishoners think differently than you and remember that there are many more people in this parish outside of your little "circle of friends" who engage in group-think.
ReplyDelete8:42 You are on target but targeting the wrong people. It is the leadership who desires to be worshipped and thinks only of me, me , me.
ReplyDeleteI don't have an opinion on how things are going, but the recent junior high retreat was canceled. Not enough kids registered. Never a good thing when opportunities are provided and the response is poor.
ReplyDeleteMe, myself and I..that's what the deacon is all about.
ReplyDeleteGretchen...Why aren't these posts, like the one above, being deleted? They are unkind and do not lead to finding a positive, holy resolution. Your refusal to remove them demonstrates an unfair, overly biased approach to finding a fair resolution which very much proves the point of Anonymous 8:42
ReplyDeleteCan we tone down the bashing on both sides please...
ReplyDeleteSteven, Marie asked me to delete the blog post above. I did so, which also deleted your comment and question. To answer your question though, I believe she often attends daily mass here. If I am wrong, someone please correct me.
ReplyDelete8:42 There is nothing wrong with people being attached to a particular person, a teacher, a leader. There is nothing wrong with people grieving when someone they love and respect is no longer there. We have lost several key staff people who were instrumental to the success of programs in the parish. In ordinary circumstances, people would have already moved on. But this is not the case because of the damage that was caused, not by these people leaving, but how they were treated by the Parish staff. No good-bye parties, no thank-you card, no gift certificate to Tony R's. No appreciation. Nothing. These actions contribute to the the wounds that won't heal. When people are treated in an un-Christ like manner by people who should know better, the damage is deep.
ReplyDeleteThat would explain why I couldn't respond to Steven's comment, please indulge me here...
ReplyDeleteSteven, The youth are a important part of the parish, and they too can have a role in saving our parish. Why not welcome some of their positive energy on this blog. Who knows where it may lead and remember...The Lord works in mysterious ways.
Amen to 9:54pm! We can move on without Father Phil and Alene and Marie and Eleanor. It's not fun but we can do it. We can't move on under a current administration that won't let the wounds heal and in fact continues to rip them apart with their actions. To take it a step farther, I am happy that Father Phil, Alene, Marie and Eleanor are no longer in positions where they have to deal with current administration. They deserved better. So please stop blaming those who have left, if their legacy is a threat to you, you need to build your own.
ReplyDeleteAnon. 9:54 What you aren't getting is when people are let go, there is NEVER a good-bye party in any business. This is typically because the people who were let go would have preferred not to be let go, so it makes a 'celebration' out of an unfortunate circumstance entirely inappropriate. And how do you know there wasn't thank you cards given amongst the staff?
ReplyDelete"These actions contribute to the wounds that won't heal" Can someone tell me how a parish staff member being let go wounds you personally that you can't move on? What an unhealthy attachment! Its time for us to grow up. And yes, there IS something wrong with being "attached" to a leader. You can have respect for someone, yes, but being attached to a leader means you are ATTACHED TO SOMETHING OTHER THAN CHRIST AND OUR FAITH. People's faith in this blog is rested in buildings, personally liked former staff members. If you find yourself grieving over what is really someone else's professional business you need to find something else more worthwhile to put your time into.
Everything in this world will pass away--it is our faith in Jesus Christ that will last forever. Some, I fear, on this blog will just never get this. They will never be happy unless St. V's is kept, Dean is removed, and the whole current staff is basically fired. You have decided your happiness. Your faith and happiness was set on a few particular people and few life circumstances (availability of a church, for example) and that was it for you. Nothing can change. I hardly think Christ is proud of signs put around town proclaiming that the parish can't get along--it is simply away to hurt the morale of everyone involved in the parish leadership and just creates animosity. For you all not to see that is simple turning a blind eye, as it is not earning you any points with anyone except for community agitation, making this blog's goal seem like its purpose is to create such a ruckus that the everyone involved in years of planning to just give up.
Are we supposing that God Himself enjoys reading this blog? But you know who would enjoy it? Satan. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane prays for unity among his followers. What perfect way for Satan to create division than to create a mentality of a war between parishoners that claim there is a "right way" and a "wrong way" to do something, and (in keeping with Deacon Ray's homily this weekend) we demonize the other side. In essence, "everyone on staff is just a bunch of no-good jerks who are just dedicating their lives to harming parishoners." We fail to see the good in any of their actions, so, thus, we refuse to work with them and support them.
If we are to look inside ourselves, what is our ultimate goal? Is it REALLY to have the best parish possible for ALL involved? Or is to destroy the reputation of the people we personally have disagreements with? Some may argue that the best parish possible is in fact to destroy those in leadership we disagree with. You honestly think Jesus Christ would approve? People will counter that the leadership wants to destroy those that they disagree with. I don't see the leadership starting a blog that insults parishoners that disagree with them, or publicly insulting those they disagree with (community flyers, yard signs). I see them, yes, wanting to promote a plan of how to financially succeed, but they are not trashing those they disagree with like what goes on here. Who has taken the higher ground? Everyone wants the parish leadership to "give ground" on issues, but it appears giving ground on anything is the last thing anybody on this blog want to even consider.
I hope everyone prayerfully meditates on what has been said here and try to have an open mind. Thank you.
Anonymous 10:38 -- being long-winded does not mean being correct. Your post evidences a typical spiritual blindness. You cannot 'hear' or understand what others are saying. You acknowledge no validity to what others have shared. None. You seem to be more concerned with how this situation is viewed by the community in general than that there are serious leadership problems harming our people, our churches,and the needy teens in our area. You should take your own advice and prayerfully meditate on what it means to be a follower of Christ. Since I didn't attend mass in the parish today, I actually got a homily that had to do with the readings. It's a parable you might want to refer to as you pray and meditate.
ReplyDeleteDeacon Ray's homily had much to do with the readings--this only further proves my point of typical cynicism that permeates this blog.
ReplyDeleteI was at Mass and heard Deacon Ray's homily and it certainly didn't have anything to do with Gospel. What I heard was politics (thought there was something about dividing State and Church) I have not got anything from the Homily in several weeks. In fact I have been coming home from Church and watching EWTN and listening to the Homily. It sure isn't anything about what Deacon Ray and the others have been preaching for weeks. Lets get back to the way Mass used to be. Prayers for all
ReplyDelete10:38pm- Pretty sure parish staff has been blogging and it gets nasty on both sides. We all need to do better and to be better. I will disagree with you on one point. The staff does have a forum to express their opinion through homilies and the bulletin. In their own way, they have attempted to quiet and discredit those who oppose. Sometimes very subtly and other times more obviously, but the message is there: We are right and you are wrong. How does this help heal a broken parish? It only further divides. I have not heard one person from staff publically say "I'm sorry that there is pain. And if I caused anybody pain, please forgive me. And please, please come to me and tell me what I can do to fix this because YOU MATTER TO ME." What we have seen from staff (not all members included) is a response that states we are holier than you, we know what God wants for this parish and how dare you oppose. Honestly, this is what it feels like.
ReplyDeleteWhat is sad is that an outsider has succeeded in pitting those who support him, those who oppose him, and those who are neutral, against one another. We all used to get along fairly well. Now look at the mess. Whether you are the insider, outsider or just remaining in the middle, the source remains the same. There is no denying that.
ReplyDeleteTo those who want to blame the SOP and this website for the division, you are wrong. Every comment I have read on this site, I have heard at Curves, at Wegmans,at the ballgame, after mass...People have been talking for 4 years. People have been unhappy for 4 years. The only benefit this site provides is for Dean to see for himself how his parishioners are feeling. Most of these people tried speaking to him individually but we all know how disastrous these conversations are. Dean needs to take to heart what people are sharing, even if it hurts. He needs to acknowledge that he plays a role in the division of his parish. He needs to man-up. Hiding behind 3X5 cards was a terrible means of communication. Swallow your pride Dean. Make the choice to change. This community will forgive, but you've got to make the first step and it must be a sincere one.
ReplyDelete10:38- You spoke of parish leadership not giving up on years of planning, what about the years of planning it took for our community to get this parish and the years of dedication it took to keep it going that is what I am not giving up on! As for the best parish for ALL involved that includes those with opposing views from leadership, they too deserve the best so lets hear them out and actually DISCUSS how we can all have the best. And as far as parish leadership not trashing those they disagree with i will leave you with this ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!!
ReplyDelete10:38 - have you ever met "just wondering?" The two of you would have a great time passing judgment on...everyone!
ReplyDeleteI could comment on just about every point you tried to make but I have lots to get done tonight so I will limit to this...
You said: "I hardly think Christ is proud of signs put around town proclaiming that the parish can't get along--it is simply away to hurt the morale of everyone involved in the parish leadership and just creates animosity."
The sign on my front lawn (and many other parishioners for that matter) simply states: PRESERVE ST. VINCENT CHURCH. How on earth does that "proclaim that the parish can't get along." It just states that we want to keep it. We want to be able to sit there each Saturday or Sunday with our family and friends and listen to Sacred Scripture and receive the Eucharist. Frankly, I think Jesus is proud of the signs and the intentions behind them...why wouldn't He want us to preserve one of his churches (not ASP's, not Bishop Clark's, not the Pope's -- BUT JESUS' Church) If these signs have hurt some people's morale -- then, I am sorry. That wasn't the intent. When you make a major decision (the selling of SVdP) for a large group of people (the parishioners of ASP), you have to have a thick skin -- some will support you and some will not -- especially, if they were NOT part of the process.
Lastly...any further comments you make should be about Teen Angel for that is what this thread is supposed to be about.
Please feel free to start your own blog where you can vent about whatever you want, about whomever you want and I will make sure NOT to pass judgment upon you since that is truly the CHRISTian and FAITH-filled thing to do.
May God bless you.
I went to the parish website to see who was the contact person. The Teen Angel program is not even listed in the parish website. No mention at all. Anybody know why? Lay people are listed as contacts for other ministries.
ReplyDeleteI guess the million dollar questions are "who is running Teen Angel and who is not"; "who has what job"? It's time that we have the facts! Let's hear it from the man!
ReplyDelete