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	Bishop Ready for Challenges Catholic Schools and the Priesthood Face Hard Times The Bishop Is a Product of a Catholic School Education, Growing up in Camden, N.J. By Denise Dick Vindicator March 28, 2007 http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/12626759482975.php Youngstown — Bishop George V. Murry prefers music by Mozart, vintage sports cars and books of American history. That's how he'll spend his spare time as he tackles the challenges facing the Diocese of Youngstown — challenges that haven't daunted him. "I'm very happy to be here, and I look forward to meeting the people of the diocese," said Bishop Murry, 58. The bishop, with his easy smile, quick laugh and countenance that resembles a young James Earl Jones, will be installed in an invitation-only ceremony today at St. Columba Cathedral as the diocese's fifth bishop. A product of a Catholic education himself, Bishop Murry understands its importance. But enrollment is on the decline. He believes it's less an issue of people choosing not to send their children to Catholic schools and more an issue of them choosing to send their children to a particular school because of that school's offerings. "We have to look at how can Catholic schools compete to attract a wide variety of students," the bishop said. Pittsburgh International Airport Earlier this month, the diocese announced that it would close Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Niles at the end of this school year. Bishop Murry has spoken with people who send their children there and are upset about the decision. It's a matter he'll look into after his installation. Dwindling clergy Fewer men choosing a life in the priesthood is another challenge. "Every priest I know, myself included, became a priest because another priest said to us, 'You should think about becoming a priest,'" he said. It's a problem that requires a holistic approach to address, with clergy, religious men and women in churches and schools and families working toward the goal. Bishop Murry's family encouraged him to become a priest when he expressed interest as a young boy growing up in Camden, N.J. The two priests who approached him about the vocation, Monsignor Edward Alleyne and Father Vincent Henry, both retired, are expected at Murry's installation ceremony today. There are many reasons for the shortage of clergy, he said. Years ago, immigrant families with two sons expected one to get married and have children and the other to become a priest. That trend lessened as those families have assimilated more into middle-class society. Effects of scandal Another factor is the clergy sexual abuse scandal, the bishop said. "I've talked to many young men who say they are hesitant to enter the priesthood because they don't want to be associated with that," he said. One has to look at the big picture: Although it was an unfortunate period when the behavior of some priests damaged the lives of young children, it was a small number of priests, the bishop said. The majority of priests are men of faith, integrity and commitment, he said. The only way to combat that challenge is by rebuilding people's confidence and trust. Most priests — and Bishop Murry counts himself among them — are happy and fulfilled in the life they've chosen. "It's a joyous way of living," the bishop said. "There are difficulties and dark days, but I have a fraternity of priests around me and a strong family, and together we're able to face down those difficulties. There's nothing I'd rather do than be a priest." Meeting parishioners' needs There's been talk in recent years of consolidating or closing parishes in some areas of the diocese. "There's no question that we have to look at the distribution or ratio of priests to parishioners," Bishop Murry said. It's another topic he intends to study over the next year, talking to priests, people who work in the parishes and parishioners themselves. Closing a parish is a last resort, he said. There are options such as twinning, where two churches remain open but share the same parish council and finance council. Another is team ministry where a group of priests live together and travel to different churches to minister. It's also possible a new model could be developed here as another option. "The most important question is, are the needs of the parishioners being met?" he said. "Are we doing the best possible job to meet the needs of the people?" Hobbies and interests When he isn't performing duties of the church, Bishop Murry enjoys listening to classical music to relax. He lists Mozart and Beethoven as his favorites. He also likes reading, especially works of American history. He earned his doctorate in American history from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He's writing a book that expands on his doctoral dissertation about the role of the Catholic church in the resettlement of refugees from various countries from 1930 through 1980. Bicycling and playing racquetball round out his list of hobbies. But there's one more thing that might surprise many: "I'm a car buff," the bishop said. He likes everything about them — how they look, how they run, new designs, their safety features. He enjoys car shows too, especially those with sports cars and vintage models. "My favorite car is the '68 Corvette," he said with a glimmer in his eye. "That's a beautiful car." Contact: denise_dick@vindy.com
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