January 13, 1999

 

Bishop Donald Wuerl

Pittsburgh Diocese-Roman Catholic Church

 

Dear Bishop Wuerl,

 

I am writing you in reference to the article-"Declining Catholic Membership in Pittsburgh Affecting Parishes" which appeared in The Derrick 1-4-99.  I was very upset with the arrogance of the statement you were quoted as making:  "Ethnic traditions are not the responsibility of the church.  We are here to save souls."

 

Such a statement shows a lack of an understanding of an intrinsic part of the Catholic mystique-the uniqueness of the ethnic heritage.  For centuries the Church has flourished ONLY because of the strength of the ethnic heritages within.  One of the reasons that there is a decline in the strength of the Church today could rest with your own words.  Understanding who you are and where you came from can only enhance the institution that you believed in.  It's ludicrous to think that one can separate heritage and soul.  They are intertwined.  They co-exist.  Throw one away and the other withers.

 

Why do you think that there is such an interest today by people seeking to know their roots?  Could it be that they are experiencing a void in not knowing something about themselves?  Who better than the Church to help fulfill that seeking?  Unfortunately, pious, pompous, pontificating and patronizing prelates miss the boat.  They fail to see that the beauty of the various cultures and heritages can only make the Church more human.  Instead, it's easier to close a parish (along with that heritage) and say "Most people in the diocese consider themselves to be fully integrated into American society."  Remember those words Bishop Wuerl?  Shame.

 

Yes, I do understand that there is a shortage of priests and vocations.  There is no simple explanation but one reason for that could be the failure of the integration you made mention.  The irony of this problem is that these ethnic cultures taught respect for God and the Church.  They lived what they preached.  They were a family.  They nurtured the desire for vocation.

 

Upkeep of parishes today is expensive, especially when membership is down.  Yet, this upkeep is not as expensive as the lavish and questionable projects that the Church authorizes so as to make it appear contemporary.  John Denver's words: "They wrote it off as the progress of man." 

 

Here's a thought for you to ponder Bishop Wuerl.  A lady recently wrote me regarding pastors.  She felt that before a priest becomes a pastor, or even a bishop, he should have to serve in the missions for a couple years so that he could understand what's important and how hard it is for people to make ends meet.  By so doing maybe there would be a rekindling and understanding of the values of ethnic traditions. 

 

Bishop Wuerl, you are not alone in your attitude towards ethnic parishes.  It's rampant all over the country.  If you, and the other leaders of the American Catholic Church, are concerned with saving souls, don't alienate them by "integrating".  Try saving them by understanding.  There in is the responsibility of the Church.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Joseph C. Brozeski

 

JCB/