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Tuesday, 1 March 2005


Dear Everybody,

This is a lengthy post, but it is worth reading for it ultimately is about evangelization.

My parish is closing. It is St. Casimir�s Roman Catholic parish in Fremont, Ohio, USA. The news was announced this Sunday (27 February 2005) after Mass. We have been expecting this news for several months. But, hearing it didn�t make it any easier.

This is especially so since I (along with five others) was on the committee to keep St. Casimir�s open. We organized the parish to write to the bishop. We instituted Eucharistic Adoration -- for the year of the Eucharist the pope proclaimed but also to pray to keep the parish open. We put together a very good presentation for the bishop when he arrived for his visit and in writing. We proposed a short term solution (keeping our current priest, who is at retirement age), a medium term solution (finding a foreign priest) and a long-term solution (offering to financially sponsor men for the seminary). We also pointed to the bishop my parish�s special role in ministering to the elderly of my town. We were respectful and professional in all of this.

Nevertheless, my parish was selected (along with several others) for closure. (See http://www.toledodiocese.org/embracing.htm for more information.) The upshot is that there simply are not enough priests in my diocese to continue all the current parishes. Moreover, many of our priests are old, and many will retire in the next 10 - 20 years. Few men are applying to the priesthood, and those few are not enough to replace those who are retiring or dying. Thus, the bishop had a choice. He could have kept all the parishes open, but that would have exhausted our dwindling number of priests and it would have meant some parishes would receive the sacraments less and less often. Or, he could have closed some parishes, consolidated the laity and priests in the remaining parishes, and maintain the opportunity for frequent reception of the sacraments. He chose the later option. The parishes to be closed are small. Some of them are rural -- founded in the days before the automobile; now one parish will serve a general rural area. Other parishes (often ethnic parishes) are urban, and the Catholic population has since moved away. Existing or new parishes will serve the places in the cities where the Catholics currently live. And, some parishes were apparently deemed superfluous. That, apparently, was the case with my parish. My town of 17,000 people has four Catholic parishes. My parish is the smallest: maybe 220 families and 800 total parishioners. So my parish shall be closed, and the people will be free to go to one of the other three parishes in town.

Overall, the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio, USA will close 17 parishes. An additional 12 parishes will be closed by merging, forming 4 new parishes. Other parishes will now be �twinned�: two parishes sharing one priest.

This process is not over; it is just beginning. There are 24 other parishes in my dioceses which are being studied for possible closure. Furthermore, 3 parishes will be closed as parishes but will remain open as chapels. This will allow them to continue to provide the sacraments and to reserve the Eucharist in the tabernacle. However, it is widely regarded that the designation of chapel is only a transition to full closure in a few years. Supposedly, after the next round or so, the closing will stop. However, I predict it will continue so long as the number of new priests continues to fail to replace the number of retiring priests.

In of all of this sadness, there are some good points.

First, the bishop (H.E. Leonard Blair) gave the parishes the courtesy of visiting the parishes that were recommended for closure. During these visits, he listened to the complaints and the proposals and he responded with the realities of the situation. He behaved himself professionally and compassionately. (So did his staff.) This is in gross contrast to the closing of Holy Apostles Byzantine parish, in Lake Worth, Florida, USA, which was given scarcely any forewarning.

Also, the bishop gave us substantial notice. The decision was made public four months before the closings take effect.

Third, the diocese as a whole is now on notice that the priest-shortage is no longer an abstract concept or something happening somewhere else. It�s real. It�s here. It�s my parish (and 28 others) being closed -- and more next year, and more in the years to come.

So far, all I�ve written is about facts and findings and rational reasons. I can�t adequately describe what this means in an emotional sense. I have only been a member for two years, and this hits me hard. There are many people who have been members for their whole lives. Some are kids,. Some are middle aged. Some are old. Some have been members for 80 years. Their parents built the parish -- literally. The Polish immigrants built the church building brick by brick by their own labor. Then there are all the baptisms, weddings and funerals that have taken place there. There are confessions and miracles of grace that took place there. There are the religious vocations the parish produced. And, there were the many Masses / Divine Liturgies that were celebrated there. We are the only parish to have daily Mass *every* day of the week. And, we get good attendance at that daily Mass. And so on. It is a small, vibrant, spiritual parish. And now, it�s going to die. It is the death of a community, and it�s so sad.

Of course, there are many emotions resulting from the news. Anger is at the top of the list. Bitterness and sadness are close seconds. Cynicism is third.

There is also considerable desire to pass on a legacy of dignity and charity. As our little committee met again tonight, we dedicated ourselves to transform ourselves from a �save the parish committee� to a �preparing our legacy committee.� Our goal is to give something good to Church in our closing: by wisely apportioning our resources and by giving the members of the parish ways in which to savor our community before we close. It�s kind of bizarre to be planning our own wake and writing our own will as a parish. Nevertheless, the job has to be done; and we are doing it with dignity and charity.

Like many small parishes, ours was thrifty and it managed to save a considerable sum. There are those who say my parish (and others like mine) is being closed so that the diocese can get the money. And, there is probably a measure of truth in that. But, the main reason is simple, and it is it not about money. My parish is closing, like so many other parishes, because there just aren�t enough priests.

And that is why I am posting this thread on the �Evangelization� board.

You see, my parish is closing because there are not enough priests. It is not about the money. It is not about the land. It is not about politics. It is not about anything except that one fact: there aren�t enough priests.

There aren�t enough priests because there aren�t enough men who are saying �yes� to Jesus Christ and His gift of priesthood.

There aren�t enough men saying yes to Jesus Christ because there aren�t enough men who love Jesus Christ. I know that may sound silly, like an oversimplification. But, I think that is the root of all of this problem.

History is clear. When men and women (and boys and girls) truly love Jesus Christ, they are willing to give up money, property, honors, careers, family, even their very lives -- for His sake. There is no other reason to explain 2000 years of saints and martyrs, in all countries and times, who endured the pains of earth and hell for the sake of Jesus Christ. They loved Him. They loved Him more than anything else: literally.

But, apparently, not many Catholics in America love Jesus Christ very much because not many of them are giving up everything to serve Him in a religious vocation: including the priesthood. Of course, most people are not called to a religious vocation; most people are called to a lay vocation. Nevertheless, �many are called but few are chosen.� I am certain that Jesus Christ is going around the world, offering His gift of priesthood to many, but not many are saying yes to Him. In America right now, few men are saying yes to Jesus Christ. And the only reason that can adequately explain this is that not many Catholic men in America love Jesus Christ.

It�s pathetic.

It�s also the reality of the situation.

And it thus demands an evangelical response. If people don�t love Jesus Christ, that is sometimes by choice. However, it is often by ignorance. They reject Jesus Christ because they truly do not know Him. Meanwhile, they believe the lies of the devil who seeks to entice Man to worship the triune idol of Man�s selfishness: lust, anger and greed, in the form of sex, power and money. This, clearly, is the need of evangelization in modern America.

If we fail, more parishes will close. Today it is mine. Tomorrow it could be yours. This is for real, and it is a wake-up call to any who have ears to hear it. I know that many of you who are reading this are already deeply aware of the need and are already deeply involved in the new evangelization which the pope has called for. God bless you. For the rest, this post is a warning.

In closing, I will suggest one thing that could really change the situation: personal sanctity. As St. Francis of Assisi said, �Preach the Gospel always; use words when necessary.� After all the liturgies, devotions, writings, outreach and so on --which are all necessary and good things-- nothing shows the truth of Jesus Christ more than a person in whom Jesus Christ has been invited to fully dwell. That kind of example and witness convinces people of the Truth of the Gospel more than anything else except, perhaps, outright miracles. If people come to know the Truth of the Gospel, they will come to know Jesus Christ. If people come to know Jesus Christ, they will come to love Him. If they come to love Him, they will come to serve Him. And if people serve Jesus Christ, we will have enough priests again and our parishes will remain open. In short, the solution to problem of closing parishes is the solution to the priest shortage, which is te ultimate form of evangelization: personal sanctity. It is not an immediate solution; it does not produce priests overnight. But allowing Jesus Christ to dwell within us fully is the only lasting solution. For as He said: �Without Me, you can do nothing.�

God bless you all. May God grant you and your parishes have �many years.�

--John

Thank you for sharing this heartfelt message. My brother and family attend a downtown Toledo RC Church. I did not notice whether it was a cathedral though it is rather large but not as well attended as one might expect. It is a lovely parish with a fine priest. If you are interested in connecting with this Church I can contact my brother.

There are a couple of Byzantine Catholic Churches in your area. Information about them are on this website.

My prayers are with you.

In the area of evangelism. I believe you are exactly right about the long term solution. The Roman Catholic Church in America needs a blood transfusion. While there are vibrant parishes around there aren't enough. I believe it goes back to not challenging the people. If the people aren't challenged to raise the bar spiritually they are unlikely to do it. Men do not respond to a feminized message. Given the feminization of the Church in recent years it doesn't surprise me that there is a shortage of priests.

Dan L

This must be very difficult. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we will remember your parish at our Presanctified Liturgy tonight.

If there is any good to come of this (as it is the will of God that good come of any carrying of a cross) perhaps the bishop now has his wake-up call at full volume, loud and clear. Without some serious re-direction and massive work, it appears things will not improve.

Part of the problem is also an overall one of evangelical revitalization. Targeted vocations drives, etc. only target a limited population. What is needed is a larger evangelism that invigorates families as a whole.

Vocations come from families, and unless that seed is planted within the family, it will not often bear fruit.

I don't agree with this statement as a blanket statement. Locally, in some places, yes. But in some RC dioceses there are literally men on waiting lists to enter the seminary. It makes one wonder why some dioceses are in this condition and others with men to spare.

I wonder if we followed where feminism is strongest if we wouldn't find the answer to your last question.

I still remember Father Loya's reaction to an inter-Catholic meeting followed by liturgy. There were priests galore at this meeting. When the sacraments were served female extraordinary eucharistic ministers were serving the eucharist to Priests. (I used lower case on purpose). I don't recall if Father actually received from their hands or not but he was fit to be tied.

Obviously in the Joliet diocese feminization is running aMUCK making a MOCKery of the priesthood and we have a shortage of priests. Who needs them if the laywomen are able to take over the priests duties?

CDL

Dear friends, It is my impression that sspx has increasing numbers of vocations and members. Could it be due to what they call "Treasure" which each parish turns in to the US district? Here is example from their official website. It is also my understanding that in many of their schools pupils exchange letters and prayers with their seminarians. I know RC's used to do this years ago, but I haven't heard of it done much now. Just thought I'd present for your consideration.
November 2004
Daily Offering 12,494
Masses 6564
Sacramental Communions 5149
Spiritual Communions 10,686
Sacrifices 31,157
Decades of the Rosary 50,409
Visits to the Blessed Sacrament 4396
15 minutes of silent meditation 4358
Good Example 15,460
Number returned 516

Yes, I know your pain. My parish closed last year. Many Byzantine and Roman Catholic parishes are closing.

But as far as the issue of young men (and older men as well) "Not loving Jesus enough" isn't true. I, and many of my friends have applied to seminaries and were turned down because WE DO love Jesus. You don't think that a priest who mocks the Mass loves Jesus do you? Why are there so many liturgical abuses? I think that the abuse of the Eucharist and the abuse of children have something in common. Just because a seminarian gets straight A's in the seminary it doesn't qualify him to be a priest. But many men are ordained just because of their intellectual ability. We need holy priests.
But I think that many more parishes will be closed not because of a lack of priests but because of so-called lack of money. Many bishops are using that excuse to close parishes. As your parish, they had the people, they had the money. But I think the bishops are pocketing the money for their own personal gain.

Vito, It was still done here as of 5 years ago. We baked cookies, sent letters, and took up collections.

harmon,

Both my husband and I were touched by your message about your church closing. His brother's parish in rural S.D. just closed for the same reasons. Parishes in rural areas of Washington State are serviced by priests who often should be retired. Some have to go to three parishes on a weekend. Country people like us travel at least 30 minutes to celebrate Sunday liturgies sometimes in windy, rainy, snowy, or foggy conditions on narrow, winding roads. And our Bishop also says he doesn't have priests. As the older and retired men die or can no longer serve there will be even a greater shortage. This is reality.

I feel sad for you and for all of those people especially the elderly who have made your parish their church home, who have given their time, talents, and finances to their church. They will miss their sacred place and one another.

We will be praying that all find another good church homes. That they are given hospitality by their new church and that they receive grace and strength from the Holy Spirit to endure these changes. God grant them good pastoral care wherever they go.

It is almost like being refugees in a way -- Church refugees.

In Christ,

M.J.

I think it's not just the Mass issue, Vito. I have a friend who teaches in the diocesan seminary in Monterrey, Mexico. That diocese would not be considered in any way "traditional" by SSPX liturgical standards, but yet they are one of the ones with men on a waiting list for seminary. Diocesan seminaries in Africa, South America, etc. are seeing similar kinds of growth.

But you do make a good point. Traditional orders (liturgically speaking) often do much better on recruiting vocations. That brings up a tangential curiosity why ECs with a rich liturgical heritage have difficulties and our own priest shortages.

I know an Orthodox bishop who, when he was a new young priest, visited a certain parish. The parish wished to call him to be their new rector. He asked the parish council if the parish had produced any priestly vocations from within. They said no. He turned down their call.

Things usually do not stay as they once were, no matter how stubbornly we take things for granted. Not all change is good or necessary, but there are consequences for how we live our lives, consequences that can lead to long-term changes that we may not be happy with.

Evangelization needs to be considered on many levels, especially long-term. Otherwise, it can be too late to prevent unplanned consequences from playing themselves out. It still hurts to say we saw it coming and could do nothing to stop it. There's got to be another, better way.

While we were preparing our case for the bishop, I did some research on this subject. I was curious because I had heard that some U.S. diocese have an abundance of vocations to the priesthood and others have a shortage.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I found that the following American dioceses (Latin Rite) have an abundance of vocations to the priesthood: the Archdiocese of Denver, Colorado; the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska; the diocese of Rockford, Illinois; and the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Georgia.

All of them, so far as I could discover, have the following characteristics: conservative bishops, who are loyal to the Bishop of Rome and the magisterium, who proclaim all of the Catholic faith, who expect their people to keep the commandments and to go to confession when they don't, and who encourage deep devotion to the Eucharist and the Theotokos.

Again, those are the diocese in America which are producing an abundance of religious vocations. Looking over those characteristics, I have to remark: It's amazing the good that can happen when the Gospel is followed and we do what we are supposed to be doing.

And, in fairness to my bishop: he just stepped into the job, and he has had a lot to do. His predecessor, of happy memory, Bishop James Hoffman, passed away in February 2003 after a long battle with cancer. Our new bishop, Leonard Blair, was appointed our bishop in October, 2003; and he was installed on 4 December 2003. Since then, our new bishop has had to deal with cleaning up the remnants of the priest-sex-abuse scandal, raising money for the diocese, one of the priests being arrested and charged with the murder of a nun, and not enough priests in the diocese to staff all our parishes. So, his decisions haven't been enjoyable, but he is reorganizing the diocese; and hopefully, after that housekeeping is done, he will be able to inaugurate a spiritual renewal here.

Be well. And, my sincere sympathies to those of you who know what a parish closing is like.

--John

Thank you, M.J. and your husband, for your prayers. That means a lot to me. God bless you.

--John

Dear John:

I commiserate with you for the untimely closing of your parish.

I think this is just a process in the "merger and consolidation" mode in the U.S. Catholic Church today.

Now, I see what you mean by the "shortage" of priests in your diocese.

The Diocese of Toledo is relatively of the same size, Catholic population-wise, as the Diocese of Rockford, IL, and Toledo has "only" 19 seminarians versus 44 for Rockford. It helps that Rockford is a suffragan diocese of the Archdiocese of Chicago, with its 2.4 million Catholic population base.

But having 19 seminarians is much better than a few, or none at all, don't you think?

Amado

I am not sure that the reason for the vocation shortage is a lack of love for Jesus on the part of young men. I suspect that perhaps the Church in some areas has become one that is seen as not worth serving. Another poster noted that the dioceses which are centered on Christ and orthodox Church teaching, seem to have plenty of vocations. Of course, in the parish closing mentioned at the beginning of the thread, what if the whole congregation went to the nearest Eastern Church, taking their contributions with them? Would that cause the bishop to push vocations a little harder and look for available priests elsewhere?

Dear friends, I think so much of what we lament, from lack of vocations to improper liturgics, is due to the fact that these things are rarely preached from the pulpits in our churches.