PARENTS GROUP FORMED TO SUPPORT SDACT CAMPAIGN - MORE PARENT VOLUNTEERS ARE INVITED TO JOIN
The SDACT campaign for justice and dignity for our Catholic lay teachers got a big boost by the formation of a new parents' support group called, appropriately enough, "Parents Supporting the SDACT."
The group has formed following last Sunday's "Diocesan Town Meeting" which was held in Wilkes-Barre and drew a crowd of 750 parents. Many of those in attendance signed up as volunteers to aid our teachers in their struggle for justice. In addition to those at the meeting, others have subsequently offered to lend their support as well.
Sharon Hourigan has stepped to the fore and will act as the coordinator of the new group. She invites all concerned parents throughout the Diocese of Scranton to become members of Parents Supporting the SDACT. Those who would like to do so, or those seeking additional information can contact Sharon at the following email address: slh8993@aol.com.
One of the new group's first activity is to march in the Wilkes-Barre St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 16. If you would like to join the marching contingent, come to the assembly point in the parking lot of the old Eckard Pharmacy on the corner of South Main and Ross Streets, at 1:00 PM. There is no parking in the Eckard lot, but you can park in the lot at Holy Redeemer HS which is nearby. On-street parking is also available, but will be limited.
The members of the SDACT are extremely grateful and humbled by this and other shows of support from our wonderful parents. Their support shows us that they know our cause is a just one - that contrary to what has been said of our campaign, it is not about money. Our parents know first hand of our teachers' dedication and the positive impact our union has had on Catholic education in the last thirty years. Finally, they know that should our union's role end, Catholic education will suffer disastrous consequences.
The group has formed following last Sunday's "Diocesan Town Meeting" which was held in Wilkes-Barre and drew a crowd of 750 parents. Many of those in attendance signed up as volunteers to aid our teachers in their struggle for justice. In addition to those at the meeting, others have subsequently offered to lend their support as well.
Sharon Hourigan has stepped to the fore and will act as the coordinator of the new group. She invites all concerned parents throughout the Diocese of Scranton to become members of Parents Supporting the SDACT. Those who would like to do so, or those seeking additional information can contact Sharon at the following email address: slh8993@aol.com.
One of the new group's first activity is to march in the Wilkes-Barre St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 16. If you would like to join the marching contingent, come to the assembly point in the parking lot of the old Eckard Pharmacy on the corner of South Main and Ross Streets, at 1:00 PM. There is no parking in the Eckard lot, but you can park in the lot at Holy Redeemer HS which is nearby. On-street parking is also available, but will be limited.
The members of the SDACT are extremely grateful and humbled by this and other shows of support from our wonderful parents. Their support shows us that they know our cause is a just one - that contrary to what has been said of our campaign, it is not about money. Our parents know first hand of our teachers' dedication and the positive impact our union has had on Catholic education in the last thirty years. Finally, they know that should our union's role end, Catholic education will suffer disastrous consequences.
posted by SDACT at
10:22 AM
1 Comments:
Dear Supporters,
The reason for my letter is first to show support and second to offer the following. Bishop Martino has not reversed any decision made during the past several years when it comes to Catholic education. In my opinion he has acted with arrogance and insolence despite the outcry and pain of those he affects. Regardless, his track record does not bode well for the future of SDACT.
Therefore, I propose the following...the argument must change or broaden. SDACT is focused on preserving the union but the attitude of many people in the diocese is Martino must go. In my opinion SDACT could easily tap into the anger and frustration of the diocese to show that Bishop Martino has lost the flock. I know Hafey alumni who still feel betrayed and would relish the opportunity to support the cause.
I don't know if SDACT has the money or the energy to broaden the fight, but I feel strongly that to win this battle the playing field and the stakes must be raised. Could you imagine a published survey taken after masses at 30 or 40 churches in the diocese asking questions like:
Do you believe Bishop Martino has done a good job?
Do you believe communication is important in a leader?
Do you believe Bishop Martino has lost the moral authority in our diocese?
Do you believe that the SDACT is out of line in asking for discussions with the Bishop?
Will you be giving to the Bishop's Annual Appeal?
Do you believe Bishop Martino should be replaced?
I have always relished my Catholic education and respected my clergy, but we have suffered and lost too much. We are the chuch and we must have a say.
By
Concerned, At
March 14, 2008 at 6:02 PM
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