To the editor:
Due to declining attendance, population shifts, high building-operation costs and financial burden, Bishop Matthew Clark has sadly had to close or merge Catholic churches in the Diocese of Rochester.
Some critics have said that the older generation kept the churches open, while our youngsters of today have found other ways of worship without attending church. The latter may be true in some areas, but not at Our Mother of Sorrows church in the town of Greece of which I’m a parishioner. With its rich history that goes back as far as 1829, the Holy Spirit is alive in parishioners young and old, especially during recent years, thanks to the dedicated effort and teamwork of our pastoral staff led by our Pied Piper, Father Alexander Bradshaw. He is ably assisted by our retired priests in residence Fathers Winfried Kellner and Edwin Metzger, including Sister Leandra Kosmoski (pastoral associate) and Parish Deacon Thomas Kluchko.
Our office staff is second to none with secretary Linda Hoefler and Shanna Yerdon-Walker, business manager. Our music director is Bradley Kummer, and cantor is Larissa Myhowych. Our school principal is Samuel Zalacca. Youth ministry is led by Jodi Schott and Funtime Program by Barbara Leary. My apology to our leaders in various programs too numerous to mention such as, our Pastoral Council, Liturgy Committee, Stewardship, Men’s Club, Pre-Cana, RCIA, Community Life, Boy and Girl Scouts, Sports Program, Legion of Mary, etc.
I’m proud to be parishioner of my church where we try to actively practice our faith by challenging ourselves to be centered in Jesus Christ, inspired by the Holy Spirit to seek and do God’s will. We live Stewardship and are grateful to God for the many gifts we have received like time, talent and treasure, hopefully ensuring long-term stability for our parish.
Joseph P. Paris
Greece
