To the editor:
The sad misconception our church leaders have is that our Church is a business. Our Church is, in reality, the Trinity. It’s a way of life. It’s faith, hope and love. It’s the joy of attending a place of worship where people can share their lives with their faith family. It’s in the number of ministries performed by dedicated servants of the Lord: feeding, clothing and giving assistance to the poor, delivering the Eucharist to the homebound, holding activities for the areas youth, all taking place in one of the poorest neighborhoods in our community.
When current and former parishioners raised nearly $500,000 12 years ago, it showed that St. Andrew held a special place in the hearts of many. The Mass celebrating that renovation was standing room only. Unfortunately, too many who attended that day returned to their suburban churches, flush with cash but lacking in our history.
Parishioners from a wealthy suburban church used to go to another state for two weeks every year. Can you imagine if those resources were spent in the area surrounding St. Andrew? Wouldn’t it have been smart if our Church leaders had assigned a suburban parish to a city parish with the mission to help serve the poor? What better way for all of us to learn more about life than to experience first-hand the plight of the poor; neighbors less fortunate yet still precious in the eyes of the Lord? Above all else, this is where the Catholic Church needs to be; this is where we are called by Jesus Christ. It’s not too late for our Church leaders to step up and see that this area is ripe for evangelization! Instead of closing St. Andrew’s doors, we should be encouraged to continue the mission at St. Andrew Church.
Rich Mileo
Rochester
