Letter to the editor: Allegheny Valley church closings disheartening

Kudos to Bishop Larry J. Kulick and the Diocese of Greensburg for their leadership and commitment in reopening St. Mary of Czestochowa Church in New Kensington.

The Diocese of Pittsburgh could learn a lot by following their example instead of closing five beautiful churches of the seven in the Guardian Angels Parish. The closings leave only two Pittsburgh Diocese Catholic churches in the Allegheny Valley.

In my opinion, the closings came about as the result of lack of financial management, leadership and communication skills, as well as deception; attendance and contributions declined due to the way the congregations were treated. A good pastor does not tell members of the congregation that “if they don’t like it, they can leave.”

The two remaining churches were clearly favored from the beginning of the merger. Most parish events only took place at these locations. The number of Masses at these churches was greater than the other sites. They were the first to reopen after the pandemic. Most traditions of the other five churches were ignored.

Most disheartening is the way the Diocese of Pittsburgh slanted the reviews of the churches to make the two chosen churches look good. One only needs to look at the five churches that are closing to see the reviews are not honest or accurate.

Fortunately, the Greensburg diocese churches are only a few miles from the churches being closed. Some Guardian Angels parishioners have already started to attend these churches, with more soon to follow.

Jane F. Wasko

East Deer