By Don Glynn
Niagara Gazette
June 5, 2008
http://www.niagara-gazette.com/opinion/local_story_157174523.html?keyword=topstory
The past several months have been traumatic for countless Catholics whose churches were closed and their parishes merged.
Known as the Journey in Faith and Grace, the eight-county Buffalo Diocese plan was to address the acute shortage of priests, declining attendance at Mass and the drop in population throughout Western New York.
Some people, unfortunately, still struggle with bitterness over their shuttered landmark churches that were so much a part of their lives.
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Amidst those difficult days for them, however, one parish not affected by the current diocesan downsizing is reaching out to help members of two other parishes that merged.
After it was announced that Sacred Heart Church, 11th Street and South Avenue, would be joined with St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus, College Avenue, to form the new St. Raphael's (at the St. Teresa site), some Sacred Heart parishioners were concerned about the extra distance they would be forced to travel.
The parish council at St. Peter's Church, Lewiston, with the assistance of the pastor Rev. Sebastian C. Pierro decided to provide a 15-passenger van to transport people from the Sacred Heart location to St. Raphael's for Mass.
Noting the overall restructuring has not been an easy experience, Father Pierro said: "We have witnessed struggles, disharmony and a lack of faith and trust in diocesan leadership."
As a result, St. Peter's parish council opted to venture into a new ministry and help ease the burden for Sacred Heart parishioners. Reanne Argy-Tyler, who owns Niagara Falls Coach Lines, worked closely with St. Peter's to bring the project to support the project, Pierro added.
After the shuttle service is in place for six months it will be evaluated to determine its usefulness.
A recent item in the St. Peter's bulletin added: "It is our hope to provide this service so our neighboring parish will continue to prosper as a merged community."
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MIXED REACTION: The same day that Youngstown Police Chief Chris Salada issued a press release about the village police officers "educating motorists on traffic safety," a former village official was livid that the roadblock had been set up.
The irate ex-official questioned why there was any need for such enforcement in "a quaint village" like Youngstown. "And it took two police cars to do it," he snapped, "And then we wonder why the business owners complain about a lack of business."
Chief Salada explained it was all part of the statewide "Buckle Up New York Program" to remind drivers how important it is to wear seatbelts.
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IN THE PARK: For an unmatched view of the Niagara Gorge, you should consider signing up for one of the hikes Friday, National Trails Day. The hikes are set for 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
That's the anniversary of the Schoellkopf Power Station collapse (June 7, 1956).
For information and registration, call 745-7848.
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OUT OF THE PAST: Remember The Comet, the high-speed coaster that dominated the rides at the former Crystal Beach Amusement Park?
It's now enjoyed by thousands of seasonal visitors to the Six Flags' Great Escape Park in Lake George, north of Albany.
You'll have a chance to see it again in September when WNED-TV (Ch. 17) features a special program about Crystal Beach.
A station spokesman said producer Lynne Bader-Gregory plans interviews with longtime fans of the summer playground from both sides of the border.
The park, which closed in 1989, was later converted to private development that includes gated condominiums overlooking the once-popular sandy beach.
Contact: glynnd@gnnewspaper.com
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