Group holds closed meeting to discuss issues facing diocese

From the Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice, March 28, 2008


Group holds closed meeting to discuss issues facing diocese

A group of concerned Catholics had a private meeting Thursday at the Holiday Inn Express in Pittston Township, near the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, to discuss issues facing the Diocese of Scranton.
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The session was not open to the media, but organizer Pat McCormick planned to address several issues facing the Diocese of Scranton. Approximately 60 people attended, hotel officials said.

The Diocese has been under fire since Bishop Joseph Martino announced it would not recognized the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers as a bargaining unit. The decision followed a very public reorganization of diocesan schools, which forced the closure of several of them.

The teachers staged a sickout Thursday at St. Nicholas/St. Mary’s Elementary School in Wilkes-Barre to protest the decision.

Public outcry has pressured the Diocese to reverse it, but spokesman Bill Genello said in a statement Thursday the decision was final.

The union recently appealed to the Vatican, which has agreed to hear its case.

The teachers and their supporters will stage a prayer vigil on Saturday into Sunday at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton.

The Diocese has arranged for private security personnel to ensure their safety, and has agreed to open the chapel and lavatory facilities at Holy Cross High School across the street, Genello said.

McCormick could not be reached for comment late Thursday.