This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Not Just Pawns

East Haven has shrunk from three parishes to one. Our Lady of Pompeii is the primary parish. The two priests will sleep at St Vincent’s. This is a poorly thought-out plan. The church should be centrally located.

Growing up, we were cautioned to avoid discussing politics and/or religion. I’m breaking that rule today. We have all heard about the church closings and mergers. It was inevitable. There are many factors: aging buildings, steadily declining church attendance, the world we live in, lack of priests, sexual predators, etc. What troubles me is that I have not heard one word about those priests who have served us well. They have sacrificed and been with so many of us during good and bad times. They have made sacrifices because they have faith and believe in the Lord. I am a Catholic, but I do not accept everything. I believe in the Church of good deeds. I believe in spiritualism.

I’m concerned for all of these priests who are now asked to perform the Herculean task of further mergers, closings, etc. This was not part of the sign-on package. I ask that people have mercy and not blame them. They will receive some support, but the truth be told they are the point person. They are expected to meet our demands and needs and then deal with business issues for which they have no training.

Why is it that in the Year of Mercy, we do not hear about these men instead of the buildings? They are humans with feelings and the need for compassion. They are not just pawns. So Are they objects or people to Archbishop Leonard Blair, or does he even care?

Teresa M. Sirico

East Haven