NOTE: This is one of a continuing series of blogs on the current situation in our West Chester, Ohio parish.
In response to my December 15 blog on “Baggage,” a long-time parishioner from St. Clare’s in Columbus sent me an inquiry.
This gentleman is renowned in the parish for the cinnamon rolls he sometimes bakes for the parish coffee hour.
Below is his e-mail and my response.
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Father,
I appreciate your commentary and anxiously await your reply.
The grapevine asks if you will forgive if several may wish to return. Several have asked me perhaps to intercede. They asked if an informal meeting could be arranged with His Excellency, and perhaps you also.
Father, you know that we are indeed old and knowledgeable friends. I, like you, may often have a short fuse, and may shoot from the hip (so to speak) wounding, but not really wishing to destroy a friendship. ([My wife] often edits my letters.) It takes two to tango, that is, two to create a misunderstanding, and [this is] often fueled by outsiders [who] anxiously await someone’s misfortune.
Often these infractions are carried into other regional domains — [among Bishops] Sanborn, Dolan, Pivarunas, Neville [and] Kelly. These discussions do not directly apply to the parishioners, but they do affect them and cause misgivings about the traditional Roman Catholic movement. Harmony and peace should be the norm, not unrest.
Our prayers are for the peaceful settlement. We must join hands especially now this beautiful Christ Mass.
Thank you, Father.
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Thanks for your e-mail and your kind words.
We never really threw anyone out of St. Clare’s over this unfortunate situation, so those who haven’t been with us for a few weeks are welcome to return.
The only proviso, of course, is that we don’t want any of the returnees to promote what Fr. Ramolla’s been up to, to engage in more criticism, or to circulate the awful stuff about SGG.
If people are willing to behave honorably on that point, great. The church is supposed to be a place of peace.
No one needs to meet with us either as a condition for coming back. If someone has a question or a worry about something, of course, he can call Bishop Dolan or me, and we’ll try to help. (This time of year may be a little busy, though.)
We priests understand that people sometimes get all agitated about some things, but then eventually have second thoughts when they cool down.
So, let ‘em come back and enjoy the cinnamon rolls. That baggage is always welcome!
Prayers and best wishes!
– Fr. Cekada