Corporate logic poisons the precepts of faith

 

They came by the thousands from every ethnic background and passed through Ellis Island to points all across America.  They settled in big cities and small towns like Oil City, PA.  The largest contingency to settle in Oil City were the Polish immigrants.  In 1899 they established the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish so they could worship God in the traditions of their heritage.  This example was replicated in ethnic enclaves all across the Country.

 

As the Polish community grew in Oil City, its work ethic played an integral role in the town’s economy.  The history of Oil City’s Polish community on Palace Hill has been documented in a book by Steve Szalewicz, Polish Boy, Polish Girl.  Within the pages of the book, Mr. Szalewicz  caught a very dynamic community with strong ties to its church.  A move is now underway to designate Palace Hill an historical district.

 

In addition to this book, the Assumption Choir undertook a major project to preserve its Polish religious heritage for future generations.  They called it The Polish Heritage Project.  It is a collection of tapes, CDs and hymnals.  The project’s website can be found at www.pastelrecordmusic.com/tapes.   Unfortunately, the Diocese of Erie has directed the parish to disassociate itself from the project by saying that “Assumption parish should not be engaged in any endeavor that does not benefit the parish or promote the mission of the Church”. 

 

One of Assumption’s most famous sons was Col. Francis S. Gabreski (1919-2002).  He was one of the greatest flying aces in both WW II and the Korean War. Col. Gabreski attributed much of his success to his family and church.  The values he learned at Assumption were guides for his future.

 

This love of God and Country fostered a familial feeling at Assumption.  All felt welcome.  Within any family is a degree of trust.  So, it was not unusual for the people of Assumption to trust their church leaders.  Unfortunately, that trust now seems to have been undermined. The Roman Catholic Hierarchy seems to have betrayed the trust of its people.  Behind this betrayal is an ethnic cleansing, the closing of ethnic parishes.  The modus operendi is consolidation.  While sighting financial concerns and lack of vocations as the two main reasons for consolidation, diocese across the country have closed ethnic parishes.  Ironically history will show that these ethnic parishes have long been a source of many vocations and financial support.

 

Acknowledging the seriousness of the lack of vocations within the Church, the source of the problem is internal.  Perhaps the Church needs to reassess its requirements for ordination and other religious life.  Something is wrong internally when even the ordained are leaving.  Lack of vocations is not the fault of the people.

 

CHCM cont.

 

This blaming has caused the Church to lose contact with its people.  Through out history, this policy has been driven by exercising control.  Church laws reflect that.  But the ultimate control comes from the Provincial Councils of Baltimore which grant the bishops ultimate control of all property and money.  Most people are unaware that they do not own their parish nor control its money.  When a parish closes, everything goes to the bishop.  How?  It’s simple.  The bishop is considered a “corporation”.  Once established, civil laws regarding corporations apply. As a result of these laws, all properties and finances stay within the control of the chancery.  The people have no recourse. Further information can be obtained by going to the website www.newadvent.org and research “Our Faith and the Facts”, “Provincial Councils of Baltimore” and “Civil Incorporation of Church Property”.

 

There is a growing distrust today between the people and the Church Corporation.  Like the many workers who have been displaced by the corporate raiders, the same appears to be happening when people lose their parish.  Because of this duplicity between corporate and religious ideologies, people are confused.  The end result is loss of trust.

 

Exemplification of the loss of trust can be seen in the current scandal rocking the Catholic Church today.  One can only wonder how the Church will under-write the unprecedented  financial settlements.  What part will the Church’s corporate mentality play in this conspiracy?  Consolidations?  Closings? 

 

People who question Church authority are not trying to create a schism.  They seek to be an integral part of the Church and not just a token drone.  Patronizing and condescending rhetoric by church officials only continues to escalate the rift.  Hidden agendas only create an atmosphere of distrust.  Such actions have created the scandals ravaging the Church today.

 

Therefore, if Holy Mother Church is to reestablish itself with its people, it must reconnect with them and start rebuilding the bridge of trust.  The ordained must lead by example, as our Holy Father John Paul II has done.  They need to remember that respect is not an entitlement but is earned.  The tenants for this reconnection can be found in the simplicity of faith that was nurtured and practiced within ethnic parishes.  If a parish is a viable and active community, where is the sense in closing it? Corporate logic poisons the precepts of faith. 

 

Catholics must stand up and speak out against autocratic authority.  The Church must realize that people are not money machines.  People cannot be like silent lambs lest they become the next closing.  Was it not written that there are many rooms in the House of God?

Joseph C. Brozeski