Not Too Late for N.J. Archbishop John Myers to Sell Mansion, Say Catholics

By Bob Holt
New Jersey Newsroom
April 14, 2014

http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/state/not-too-late-for-nj-archbishop-john-myers-to-sell-mansion-say-catholics

Last month Roman Catholic Archbishop John Myers announced the closing of elementary school Blessed Pope John XXIII Academy in West Orange.

A number of Newark Archdiocesan schools have closed in the past few years because the archdiocese couldn’t afford to keep them open. Yet at this point, renovations on Myers’ retirement home are within the church’s budget.

NorthJersey.com reported that the expansion of Myers’ home in two years includes fireplaces, an indoor pool, and a fifth bedroom, with costs adding up to more than $500,000. Protesters delivered petitions signed by 22,000 at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Sunday.

The latest school closing will take place June 30, because its enrollment has not gone up in the past seven years. “Our school has been deeply rooted in West Orange for years. Although our students come from diverse backgrounds, we are all dedicated to cultivating an environment that promotes equality and respect as well as spiritual and intellectual growth in our students,” said Principal Lynda Wright, according to The Alternative Press. “When I heard this news, I was brokenhearted for all of us.”

Some parish members have stopped contributing to Myers’ annual fund drive, which collects donations to faith initiatives and parish projects. According to NorthJersey.com, others were saying it wasn’t too late for Myers to apologize and put his 7,500-square-foot home up for sale.

An archdiocese spokesman said no parishioner funds were being used to expand Myers’ home. “The money that is being used in the house is money coming from other real estate, private real estate,” spokesman Jim Goodness said, according to CBS New York. Yet neither protestors nor reporters were given permission to question the archbishop Myers.

WABC reports that the Hunterdon County home’s 3,000 square foot expansion will include three fireplaces, an indoor pool, and a hot tub.