Analects of An Archdiocesan Spokesperson: "The archdiocese says Mass will still be celebrated at St. Mary’s on Sundays"

 

Mr. Zwilling wasn't quoted, but perhaps a protege has been learning at his knee.  When the archdiocese issues a statement the news outlets pick it up and spread it verbatim.  If there are attempts to penetrate the Delphic pronouncements via interview, there is no evidence.  So while "Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's on Sunday, here is THE UNSAID:

• There will be 1 PARISH MASS/WEEKEND AT ST. MARY'S AFTER THE MERGER.  BEFORE, THERE WERE 5.

Here is what has  NOT BEEN ASKED OF an Archdiocesan spokesperson:

• Why did the archdiocese drastically reduce the number of Masses held at St. Mary's?
• Does the archdiocese have a long range goal of closing the church due to expertly orchestrated reduction in attendance?

Coverage of the merger with St. Peter/St. Dennis, did not appear until the day of a protest even though the decree was issued nearly a month ago on Friday, May 31st.  From my perspective, the more interesting side of the story is the response of the parishioners.  The archdiocese has merged a lot of parishes using the same documents, the same PR.   Yet Channel 12 headlined the story with the merger.

Read it and sleep: https://westchester.news12.com/st-marys-parish-in-yonkers-to-merge-with-st-peter-st-denis-this-sunday

"Their labor was in sweat and tears..."

 "We sing our Te Deum for the work done for us by pioneers in bygone days.  Their labor was in sweat and tears that we might now enjoy the riches.  Now the burden has been passed to us and we in turn labor for those who are to follow."

These are the words Father Arthur Avard wrote in celebration of St. Mary's centennial in 1948.   I doubt that anyone who served this parish ever thought that this succession of souls in service would be abruptly curtailed by the archdiocese.

Here are 2 photos sent to us by a parishioner, the cover celebrating the parish centennial in 1948 and an introduction written by Father Avard, 

More about Father Avard from the St. Mary's parish web site:  https://icmary.com/22-pastorate-of-arthur-avard-1936-1952

Help Keep St Mary's Standing - Write to Yonkers City Council Members in Support of the Landmark Application

St. Mary's Church is already a landmark to anyone who has spent any time in Yonkers, but to make sure that it continues to stand and inspire future generations, an application for legal landmark status is on its way to a vote by the Yonkers City Council.

Please write to all of the Council members and Mayor Spano telling them, from your heart to theirs, why St. Mary's is important to you, your family and the City of Yonkers.

Here's a list of the Council members and their contact information: Yonkers City Council Members

Here is a sample letter that you can personalize:  Sample Letter to Yonkers Officials