Columnist Tom Shea talks to Laurie Haas and Eugene Michaelanko as the vigil at St. Stanislaus Kostka nears its first anniversary. Both described the growing number of vigilers as upbeat and positive.
"Last year was bad. We were depressed, angry. No way to celebrate Christmas. But people here are committed, not unlike those in 20th century Poland who did not give up under the rule of the Communists," Michaelanko said.
Parishes have some options to protest their closings.
Appeal to the bishop within 10 days of a decree of suppres-
sion or merger. He's got 30 days to get back to you - or not.
If the answer is still no, the parish then has 10 days to appeal to the Congregation of Clergy in Rome. They could take years to respond and usually back the bishop.
All is not lost. The next step is to appeal to the Apostolic Signatory, the Vatican's "supreme court." It is headed by St. Louis' former Archbishop Raymond Burke, who leans conservative.
If the first appeal for a hearing fails, the last step is a plea to the full bench of the signatory. The process can cost thousands.
10 days of a decree of suppres-
appeal to the Apostolic Signatory, the Vatican's "supreme court." It is headed by St. Louis' former Archbishop Raymond Burke, who leans conservative.
