10/21/22 Bishop's Response to Reactions Concerning Clergy Announcement

10/21/22


Bishop's Response to Reactions Concerning Clergy Announcement


The following is the full text of a letter from Bishop Zubik in response to reations concerning clergy announcements:

    

Diocese of Pittsburgh
Office of the Bishop

 
My dear Sisters and Brothers of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish:

Please know how grateful I am for you all and how important you are to the Church of Pittsburgh and to me as your Bishop. I pray that your faith grows deeper with each passing Sunday.

Over the course of these last weeks, I have heard from many of you following the announcement that Father Jean-Luc Zadroga, OSB was being transferred back to Saint Vincent Monastery by your former pastor and now Archabbot Martin Bartel, OSB. Permit me to share some important thoughts with you.

First, your emails, letters and phone calls are all important to me. They demonstrate that the Church is important to you. That delights me. Most of your sentiments were respectful; some were not. Some messages were in support of my decision, and others were not.

As your Bishop, I am troubled by what appears to be a growing division in your parish. The messages I am receiving indicate a divide of equal parts as to the sentiments regarding the transfer of Father Jean-Luc. Some were in support of Father Jean-Luc; others were not. This divide is causing me significant concern.

We together as Church have the serious responsibility of reaching out to each other, especially when there are differing opinions among us. As Church, we cannot do anything less. Jesus Himself, together with the Holy Spirit, intends the Church to be the source of unity. Unity of heart, mind and spirit must be our goal.

I can well understand your loving respect for Father Jean-Luc. I too share your feelings. He is a good priest. I have known him since his earliest days in the seminary. There is no doubt in my mind that Father Jean-Luc has made an impact on your parish community, and, for many, an impact on your faith life, especially in your devotional life. The goodness of Father Jean-Luc was evidenced this past weekend when he shared a beautiful letter with you about my recent appointment of Father Canice as your new pastor. The tone of his letter gives us all a lesson in charity and kindness. May this be an inspiration for us to move forward with hope for the future.

It is important for you to know that with any change of assignment, I must always assess the needs of the entire parish and discern the best fit for the clergy. Know that assignment changes are never made to upset a particular community. Both Archabbot Martin and I have done our very best to adjust the assignments at your parish for the ongoing good of all. With the help of our dear Jesus, I pray that any ill feelings or division are soon healed and reconciled, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I pray that the bonds of peace and unity are strengthened among us.

Please pray for me. I have nothing but the best of intentions to help you all get to heaven. I hope you can help me get there too by your prayers.

Grateful for our continued efforts together in being On Mission for The Church Alive!, and for our belief that "Nothing is Impossible with God," I am


Your brother in Christ,
Most Reverend David A. Zubik
Bishop of Pittsburgh