[StBernard] The Archdiocese

[Westley Annis]

In regards to Hannan High moving, it really irked me when it was stated that
the school was going where most of the families were.  What about the
families, no matter where they are presently located,  who were planning on
coming back to St. Bernard ?   I guess they don't count.  And who's to say
that those across the lake are relocating there for good.  Serio used to
brag about how Hannan had students from all over----West Bank, Northshore,
New Orleans East, Metairie. Is this move fair to them ?  It doesn't seems as
if they were taken into consideration. And you can't tell me that money
doesn't play a BIG part in this...St. Tammany is considered as being a rich
area and I am sure St. Bernard is now temporarily considered as poor.  
 
 Syl
 
-----Original Message-----

We find it frustrating as St. Bernard Catholics that Fr. Maestri announced
last fall that basically St. Bernard was too unsafe and then was quoted in
the TP (and I wished I had saved it so I could quote
verbatim) that with regards to Hannan High, the Archdiocese would have to
see a poplulation returning (which they didn't) and this I remember
distinctly,and to rebuild HHS would require "support from the business
community".  We remember it because we asked what the business community had
to do with recovering our only Catholic high school. And since the
Archdiocese considered only closing the school permanently or moving it to
their property in Goodbee, alas, we find HHS starting up next fall on the
Northshore, never to return to St. Bernard once they invest in building in
Goodbee. Of course there is a demand for more private schools in St. Tammany
parish and it will be an instant financial success there.

Then in the TP on 3/23/06 we read that the same Fr. Maestri, on behalf of
the Archdiocese, with regards to re-opening St. Mary's Academy at St. James
the Major parish buildings in Gentilly, "We need to give families a reason
to come back to the city...".  No questioning safety, no questioning what
population is there now to support a private education, NO COMMENT ABOUT
NEEDING THE SUPPORT OF THE GENTILLY BUSINESS COMMUNITY. Never mind that St.
Mary's, like St. Aug and Xavier Prep, are all NON-ARCHDIOCESE owned schools.
Figure out the common denominator.

So while the Archdiocese concentrates on schools that are owned privately by
religious orders, we lost our only Catholic high school and the Catholics of
St. Bernard are dependent on the generosity of people in other states and
the donations of services by local businesses with regards to restoring even
one church and school. And I don't count Catholic Charities giving out food
and mental counseling as being on par.

The fiasco happening at St. Augustine Parish which has been closed as a
parish by the Archdiocese is a reflection of the flock's frustration with
leadership. Lucky for Maestri the St. Bernard Catholics have submitted to
the will of the Church quietly and obediently regarding our churches and
schools. I have sent several emails to their website 
and have yet to get a phone call or reply email.   God hears me, but 
the Archdiocese turns a deaf ear. We just hope our offerings in the
collection basket are staying in St. Bernard and not going to privately
owned schools elsewhere. But once it's in the basket, we know its the
Archdiocese's money, just like the thousands of dollars raised and banked
for HHS on the backs of the HHS families who gave their time, talents, and
money for all the Catholic schools and churches in St. 
Bernard Parish.

The Kellers