By Jim Walsh
Courier-Post
May 28, 2008
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080528/NEWS01/805280363/-1/RSS07
FRANKLIN — Bishop Joseph Galante came here to listen Tuesday night and the leader of the Camden Diocese got an earful.
An overflow crowd of more than 200 people jammed into St. Mary's Church in Malaga, where they blasted the bishop's plan to shut more than half of the parishes in the South Jersey diocese. The small country church used by St. Mary's parishioners would close as part of the makeover.
Parishioners from across the region greeted Galante with signs that called for his resignation and described the diocese as a "destruction zone."
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| Helen Leach of Pitman joins other sign-toting protesters who greeted Bishop Joseph Galante when he arrived at Tuesday's meeting at St. Mary's Church in Malaga. Photo by Scott Anderson |
Many wore blue ribbons that read "Save St. Mary's," while others called for the survival of parishes like St. Gregory's in Magnolia and St. Anthony in Waterford.
"This isn't right," said Donna Bosco of Malaga, whose family has worshipped at St, Mary's for five generations. "I just pray they keep this church open."
Andrew Walton, a spokesman for the diocese, said Galante "reached out" to St. Mary's parishioners, who previously have protested outside the bishop's Camden office.
"The bishop is here to listen and at the same time he wants to explain to the people directly why he thinks the changes are necessary."
Walton said Galante has yet to make the formal decree that would initiate the planned changes. Under the proposed restructuring, St. Mary's parish would be merged with others in Newfield, Landisville, Minotola and Collings Lake.
The bishop, who was interrupted several times as he spoke at the end of the meeting, described the planned closings as a necessary change for the church's future in South Jersey.
"I did come to listen and I've heard a great deal," observed Galante, who said the region's parishes must become better able to mount substantial outreach efforts both for churchgoers and those who have lapsed in their faith.
"I am going to be 70, and I could have had a very nice quiet time and just leave the status quo," said Galante, as audience members gave ironic applause. "My conscience would not allow me to look the other way."
At least one participant spoke on behalf of a grass-roots group that has formed in opposition to the planned restructuring.
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An overflow crowd packed St. Mary's Church in Malaga on Tuesday night to voice their concerns to Bishop Joseph Galante. Photo by Scott Anderson |
"I want to see all the churches in the diocese stay open," said Kevin Kelton of Malaga, a St. Mary's parishioner and member of the newly formed Council of Parishes. He said the month-old group has members from about 20 parishes.
"We're still reaching out to other parishes," said Kelton, who contended the restructuring is motivated by Galante's "personal taste."
Galante announced plans in April to cut the number of parishes in the diocese from 124 to 66. The changes, accomplished largely by creating 38 merged parishes, will take place over the next two years.
The bishop said the reduction was needed in part because of an ongoing priest shortage. He also said the parishes in the restructured diocese would have stronger finances and would be better able to offer a wide range of ministries.
"Bigger is not necessarily better but outreach is absolutely necessary," he said Thursday night.
"A parish has to be active seven days a week," he said, prompting many in the audience to call out, "We are!"
Galante also noted St. Mary's was the first stop in March 2005 for a 15-month "listening tour" that helped him identify the diocese's goals.
More than 20 churches won't be used as worship sites after parishes merge in Camden and Gloucester counties.
The Camden Diocese serves about 500,000 Catholics in six South Jersey counties. Burlington County is part of the Diocese of Trenton.
Reach Jim Walsh at (856) 486-2646 or jwalsh@courierpostonline.com
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