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Bishop Brandt must fully reopen closed churches

By Sylvia Rattay 3 min read
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Have you ever read something and had to read it again because it didn’t make sense?

I had to do this when I read the press release issue recently by Bishop Lawrence Brandt.

One year ago, Bishop Brandt closed four local churches and called it a “merger.” These four churches appealed to the Vatican and a decision was finally made. When I read that the Vatican upheld the merger, my heart sank. But as I continued to read, I knew something was missing. Why would the Bishop decide to reopen all four churches to celebrate Mass only twice a year?

The answer _ The Vatican stated some provision must be made for the faithful to exercise the right to worship afforded to them by Canon Law 1214. The Vatican directed Bishop Brandt to make provision “for the faithful to enter all six churches of the parish of St. Francis of Assisi for the exercise of diving worship.”

The Vatican also stated that it is most appropriate that Holy Mass be celebrated annually on the anniversary of the dedication of each church and on the feast day of its patron saint. Beyond that, the type and frequency of worship is left to the “prudent judgment” of the “competent authority.” Please read that last sentence again.

When the Vatican stated that the churches were to be open, Bishop Brandt responded with a press release that left out this important information. He could have opened every church immediately, but chose to do only the minimum required. Once again, there was no discussion with the parishooners, just a press release.

As for the parishioners of the four churches, are we pleased that our churches must remain open? Yes! Are we satisfied with Bishop Brandt’s decision? No! Are we willing to meet with the bishop and find an amicable solution? Absolutely!

It has been one year, and we have come full circle. The faithful have lost so much and gained so little. The newly merged parish is not working financially or spiritually. In order for it to succeed, the support of these four churches is needed.

I have a plan that will allow all of the churches to celebrate a Holy Mass every Sunday. It will require compromise, financial accountability, and unity from the diocese and all six churches. If we are one parish, then we mus be treated as equals.

Bishop Brandt has the ability to end all of the suffering and let the faithful worship in the church of their choice. I need to worship at St. Mary’s every Sunday, not twice a year. I miss my my church family. I want to go home.

Sylvia Rattay is a resident of Edenborn.

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