Re: “Parish Consolidation Is a Failure for Seattle Archdiocese Management” [Nov. 9, Opinion]:
Understanding that there will not be sufficient clergymen to satisfy the wants of Catholics in Western Washington and accepting that Mass attendance has declined and together with that monetary help, I don’t see how closing parishes and making Mass attendance tougher solves both challenge.
Quite the opposite, a discount within the variety of parishes will in all probability end in fewer individuals collaborating in Mass and due to this fact continued reductions in monetary help.
I’m left with what I see because the crux of the matter:
A. Within the face of declining vocations to the priesthood, we proceed to disregard vocations of Catholics who don’t meet the narrowly outlined standards for ordained ministry. Future deacons, pastoral life leaders and gifted lay individuals are ready within the wings to be invited to serve.
B. In gentle of declining Mass attendance, we’re closing church buildings, which makes Mass attendance tougher.
God has not failed to offer for the Catholic Church. We’re unable to acknowledge that the “indicators of the instances” are main us towards changing into a church that removes boundaries to service and will increase alternatives for worship. The companions within the gospel plan do neither.
Colleen Wartelle, Everett
