Letter to the editor: Why churches are closing

I rarely write to the paper, but this time I was compelled to do so. In my opinion, the big reason churches are forced to close in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh has little to do with income, although it may be a lesser factor. I personally believe the major factor is the awful Parish Share Program.

I have never seen this program help the parishes north of Pittsburgh. Holy Martyrs Parish asked via proper channels for loans for much-needed repairs of the parking lot and building. Twice the church was denied. After that, my husband and I decided we would no longer give to the program … and we haven’t.

I thought this was supposed to be a Parish Share. Yet yearly, all churches receive instructions on the expected ridiculously large donations to give. Most of the churches are given outlandish amounts that simply cannot be met.

Because of the exorbitant donations expected, many have left this diocese’s churches — hence the lower attendance, along with many younger couples leaving for other places. My husband and I also will leave this diocese to go to a closer church. I am saddened because I grew up attending the Tarentum churches throughout their changes. I blame Cardinal Donald Wuerl, former bishop, for this fiasco. I can surely understand why other religions think the Catholic faith is the richest church … although it isn’t. Too many churches succumb under similar bad ideas, driving people out of church.

Deborah B.D. Kensek

Buffalo Township