A parishioner at St. Bernard’s parish in Newton, Mass., writes an op-ed about why his people are occupying the church even though it isn’t closed yet. It’s the usual stuff, blaming the archdiocese, and saying that it’s really a land grab.
The occupation of St. Bernard’s has been conducted with the utmost dignity and respect for this sacred space. These people are not leading a revolution. They are striving to right a wrong committed by a hierarchy which has mismanaged the sexual abuse scandal, the shortage of available priests, and the financial crisis currently facing the Archdiocese of Boston.
Notice how the blame for everything always falls with the bishops. Granted, our bishops have had their serious failings, but what about our own failings? How many parents actively encourage their sons to consider a vocation to the priesthood? When was the last time a majority of parishioners in any parish gave anything even close to a tithe to their parish or diocese?
