On the chopping block

Back on July 1, 2007, Resurrection Church in LaSalle was closed. Now, two years later, on Nov. 18, 2009, the Peoria diocese is selling the church to the highest bidder. Using the shortage of priests for this decision is the first step in the death of a parish community.

The four churches that the bishop suspended in Dalzell, Ladd, Spring Valley and Seatonville may soon be on the chopping block as part and parcel of additional revenue for the diocese.

What has happened to the words holy and holy places? Holy was always associated with Christ and his church or religious places, such as Fatima, Lourdes, etc.

Holy orders were given to priests, we considered marriage as holy matrimony, and churches were dedicated as holy ground to Saints named and honored and venerated for their spiritual service, and devotion to the Lord. And we say we believe in one holy Catholic and apostolic church.

Now, holy matrimony is debased by divorce and live-in lovers, and holy orders has lost some of its appeal due to pedophile priests.

Today I question when a holy place such as Resurrection Church, worthy of adoration and veneration, is no longer holy ground. Will we witness, in the future, St. Peter’s in Rome to come under the same mind boggling decision?

Does anyone in his right mind really believe that one day St. Peter’s will be sold to the highest bidder? And I also feel that the intention of selling Resurrection Church will be a sacrilege, not only in the eyes of the Lord and to the bishop, who years ago consecrated it as holy ground, but to the parishioners who are now being denied their church.

I humbly request the bishop of Peoria increase the Masses priests are able to preach, so they can serve churches who are short of pastors. Thus we can stop the closing and suspension of the churches and the possible secularization sale of the Catholic churches in America.

Carlo Olivero

Dalzell