LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, You can’t imagine the insult I felt after reading a letter I recently received from Father Geary, Pastor of St. James Church, Belvidere, IL. Apparently, no one on his “team” bothered to look at my name, a name of which I am very proud: “Casey,” before sending out the letter. Our family has been a part of St. James Church for over seven generations. It is our spiritual home. Our father and mother, as well as our grandparents, instilled in my two brothers, my two sisters, and myself a great respect and love for our Church. They gave us a sense of protection and service. Assuming this letter was also mailed to some of my classmates and contemporaries, I feel it is important for them to know “the rest of the story” as Paul Harvey, a famous radio announcer, would say. Giving a donation to build a new church is really one to destroy a beloved old one for a parking lot, no less! I find this to be a purposeful omission. The letter stated that $200,000 is still needed in pledges in order to break ground but says nothing of the millions to be borrowed from the Rockford Catholic Diocese, which will then need to be paid back. Hasn’t it been extremely difficult to collect the initial $3,000,000, which triggers the loan? This alone should be an indication that the project is not fiscally sound, especially in this financially uncertain time. What will happen if the parish defaults on its loan payments? Will it fall into a foreclosure situation as the Liberty Baptist Church in west Rockford has? (local T.V. news 12-6-12). The 100-year celebration for St. James School was also referred to in the letter. Yes, that was a special time to return and see old friends and reminisce about our childhoods. I was there and even donated $100 in honor of what would have been my Dad’s 100th birthday. Why mention this, though, when the Church could have celebrated 125 years if it was given its due honor?! Furthermore, I wish to relate that I am aware that a parishioner actually submitted a plan for an addition to the existing church, which would have respected its history as well as accommodated the needs of a growing parish. This person was told that this plan would not even be considered, that it was not in the best interests of the parish. As I see it, neither is a smothering life-long debt! Out of curiosity for the idea of an addition, I personally toured the lovely old Methodist Church in Roscoe, IL, which was built around the same time as St. James Church. The addition onto this Church was made especially to match the architecture of the original building. The new sanctuary provides the congregation with additional seating and yet respects the historical efforts of the past. It can be done! I challenge your parish to form a new committee of interested parishioners to at least consider an addition and bring this information and its cost before the entire congregation. Let the people choose their financial investment. Let them have a say in their future. It is apparent that someparishioners without question believe and do what they are told. Others, because of their job or position cannot express their opinions. Still others simply are not confident or have resigned themselves to what they think has to be inevitable. Only a few are empowered enough to herald their thoughts one way or another. Who is right? Well, what can it hurt to actually present the “other side” – the idea of an addition vs. the complete annihilation of the historical Church? One has to ask why wasn’t this info presented as a comparison in the first place? Was this knowledge kept private, because a new building was known to be a monetary albatross with an addition serving parish needs just as well? If I was a member of St. James parish, I sure would want some answers? Father’s letter also mentioned that neighboring Rockford Churches must be used for the liturgies of First Communion and Confirmation. To this, I say be careful of the use of “must.” Although it may require more work and planning, smaller, more intimate ceremonies are more meaningful. Children and families in these large services do not know each other. In addition, waiting for large numbers of children to receive communion is often very difficult for families, especially those with very young children. Case in point, when my oldest daughter graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI., the ceremony was scheduled to be held outside in the commons area, because they did not have a large enough facility to accommodate all of the graduates and their families. Sound familiar? However, rain changed all plans. Each discipline would now host its own ceremony in their much smaller auditorium. This change of plans resulted in a most delightful experience. The University President expressed his view that it takes a family to graduate a student. Now with the smaller group, each family was called to the stage as the parents’ son or daughter received his/her diploma. Consider how to make special memories for the children and families of St. James, utilizing what you have been given without viewing your circumstances as negative. The glass is ½ empty or ½ full. As for Confirmation, I wonder if the Bishop might like to combine two parish services, anyway, to facilitate his busy schedule. We must appreciate and care for what God has given us, you know, “stewardship,” without always wanting more. I remain insulted and will not give a single dime to the destruction of my old Church. Who destroys a Church: the house of God?! Now, for an addition, that’s another story. Oh, and one last thought crossed my mind. Beware; the school may be on the chopping block next. After all, it too is OLD, and as I understand it, a drain on parish finances. How hypocritical to celebrate the age of one parish edifice and not the other – the most sacred one! Sincerely, Mary Casey Pastore