Diocese, Parishioners Tussle over St. Adelbert's, by Mike Desmond, WNED, July 25, 2011

Diocese, Parishioners Tussle over St. Adelbert's

By Mike Desmond
WNED
July 25, 2011

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wned/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1831831/WNED-AM.970.NEWS/Diocese..Parishioners.Tussle.over.St..Adelbert's

BUFFALO (WNED) - Saint Adelbert's Basilica is still slated to lose its shared priest in September but parishioners aren't giving up yet.

Yesterday, they held a polka Mass and reception as part of its 125th anniversary celebration and distributed lawn signs proclaiming "Save Saint Adelbert's."

"It's more than just a church. It's a family," said church trustee Lori DiNero.

"We want our family to keep going and keep continuing and thriving like it is now."

After a four-year process, the Vatican ruled the church would stay open but left staffing decisions up to the Catholic Diocese.

The Diocese again ruled the church would become an oratory, which isn't staffed and is only used for special occasions.

"We're trying to make the best use of the limited number of priests that we have," said Diocesan Communications Director Kevin Keenan.

St. Adelbert's currently shares a pastor with Saint John Kanty and Saint Stanislaus Churches.

Keenan says Bishop Kmiec "doesn't want the priests to be, the term he has used is, 'circuit riders.' We just do not have enough priests."

DiNero says the church is doing well financially and has dedicated parishioners.

Volunteers from the 300 families in the congregation keep the church going and in good shape.

"They (the Diocese) have churches in the suburbs that bring in quite a bit of money," DiNero said.

"Their focus is there. Their mission has been there. Unfortunately, at this point, their mission hasn't been in the city."

While downsizing during its "Journey in Faith and Grace," the diocese since 2005 has shrunk from 271 worship sites to 197, including 170 parishes.