Saving Sacred Heart in North Wilkes-Barre
Posted by Raphael on January 6, 2008
The Times-Leader has an interesting article today about an effort by parishioners of Sacred Heart Church in North Wilkes-Barre, one of the city’s most important historical landmarks. It is encouraging to see the laity of the diocese working hard, even amidst opposition, to do the right thing. It is deeply troubling, however, to note the rhetoric coming from clergy and diocesan officials in response to the group’s efforts. The following is a quote from a letter by Msgr. Bambera, Episcopal Vicar of the Central Pastoral Region to members of the foundation:
Demographic studies have long indicated that the population of the portion of Luzerne County in which Sacred Heart of Jesus Church exists is diminishing rapidly. This fact, coupled with a parish debt to the Diocese of Scranton in excess of a half million dollars and the ever increasing estimates for repairs to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church building which now carry a price tag of approximately four million dollars serve to give us all reason to pause and question what is best for this particular parish community in light of the overall mission of the Church.
No one, including the parishioners of Sacred Heart of Jesus – Saint John parish, Bishop Martino or Monsignor Sempa wants to see a church building deteriorate or close. That being said, the expenditure of millions of dollars for the repair Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in light of the current profile of its parishioners and the questionable future of many parishes throughout the Diocese would reflect an irresponsible use of funds, given the many needs of the Church both in the parish and throughout the Diocese of Scranton.
Once again, the leadership of Diocese of Scranton shows a blatant disregard for art, beauty, heritage and tradition. A parishioner-initiated endeavor to save a church of great historical and cultural significance is by no means an irresponsible use of resources. I hope others follow the brave example these parishioners set.
Godspeed, Sacred Heart Foundation!
BERNIE URICHECK JR said
I TOTALLY AGREE, THE DIOCESE OF SCRANTON CLOSE ST JOHN NEPOMUCENE CHURCH LOCATED IN FREELAND PA. LOADED WITH STUNNING DEPRADO STATUES AND ONE OF THE BIGGEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL PIPE ORGANS IN THE STATE. AND DECIDED TO LEAVE OPEN A MUCH SMALLER CHURCH (ST. ANN’S) WHICH HAS NO PARKING WHAT SO EVER. THE DIOCESE DIDN’T CARE WHAT THE PEOPLE HAD TO SAY, THEY CLOSED OUR CHURCH AND DIDN’T EVEN HAVE A CLOSING MASS SO ALL US PARISHONERS COULD SAY GOODBYE.
DIOCESE OF SCRANTON DON’T LOOK TO ME FOR MONEY FOR YOU ANNUAL APPEAL…YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN!!
The Rockin Traddy said
Hold on! That church has beautiful statuary and a high altar unadulterated by the spririt of Vatican II.
Of course it’s going to close.
Tomorrows Trust - A Review of Catholic Education » Blog Archive » Scranton Catholic Teachers into second year of labour dispute with Bishop – no end in sight said
[...] with many parishioners over the closure of a number of parish churches, in particular the historic Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Perhaps it is little wonder he is still a million dollars short of his annual [...]
Deb said
Not even considering the religious aspects of the church, the building has historical significance as well!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jozef_Murga%C5%A1