(From Save Saint Adalbert’s Committee)
This year, the “Save St. Adalbert” group had a table at the Broadway Market (across from the Easter Bunny). We sold St. Adalbert coffee mugs, pens, chocolate last suppers and other items to fund our appeal to Rome. Hundreds of visitors stopped by our table and shared their parish stories. Many had connections to St. Adalbert and were happy to see us. One of the first comments most people make is: “We thought you were closed”. The second is: “We hope you stay open”. This is followed by: “What happens next?”
To answer the first question – WE ARE OPEN!
As a group we try to provide only the facts regarding our appeal and to give confirmed information. Regarding St. Adalbert’s appeal which began when Bishop Kmiec decided to merge St. Adalbert parish with St. John Kanty parish, we have this to say: In December 2007 the Congregation of Clergy upheld Bishop Kmiec’s decision to merge the two parishes. As parishioners, we petitioned a higher court, the Apostolic Signatura. This petition was denied because “we must first try to resolve the issue at the local level by asking the same Bishop to emend or revoke his decision (canon 1734)”. Failure to observe this requirement was the fundamental reason for the rejection of the petition of December 4, 2007. This letter from the tribunal was dated February 13, 2008 and received on March 12, 2008. That same day, after repeated requests for a meeting over the past several months, Ted Kniazuk (Parish Trustee), Ron Suchocki (Parish trustee) and Stan Kowalski (Parish Council President) had a scheduled meeting with Bishop Kmiec, Msgr. Slubecki, and Sr. Regina Murphy. The Bishop gave us an opportunity to present our reasons for keeping St. Adalbert parish open along with our plan for the future.
The lines of communication between Bishop Kmiec and the parish remain open. It is our sincere hope that we can resolve this issue at the local level. If resolution at the local level cannot be achieved, the appeal will continue.
The number of people who come forth to share their individual stories of pain resonated in our hearts. We are grateful to have met people from all over our Diocese and beyond. Names of closed parishes now bring to mind the faces of the people that once worshiped in these houses of prayer, your presence represents thousands. Your support has been heartwarming and overwhelming.
Thank you for believing in us. St. Adalbert church truly does “expect miracles”.
Ronald Suchocki, Parish Trustee
Ted Kniazuk, Parish Trustee
Stanley Kowalski, Jr., Parish Council President
Donations can be made through http://savesaintadalberts.org
They need to update their website then with this news.
I am sure we will.
Do you want us to close or something?
I for one know how incredibly difficult it to keep websites updated…it is tough…
I don’t think anyone wants Saint Adalbert’s to close…
🙂
I know people who think that because of the Signatura turning the appeal down that means St. Adalbert’s is gone for good. That’s why I suggested updating the Save site since so many people look to that for info.
Of course I don’t want St. Adalbert’s to close!
Your friend at St. Ann’s…
Congratulations on your meeting with Bishop Kmiec . Your cause will be won by demonstrating your responsiveness and longterm plans for a vibrant and lasting faith community. Keep up the good work.