The e-mails have begun to come in about the upcoming closures of St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Salome churches. One reader has sent along this story of what happened at the Mass when the announcement was made:
“I was at the 11:00 Mass at St. Thomas on Sunday morning, when Fr. Tanck made the “drive by” announcement….he rushed up to the altar, just as Mass was beginning, (he didn’t celebrate) and made a practically inaudible announcement about the IPPG decision (he was red faced, and visibly nervous). Then, he hurried off the altar to rush to the next cluster parish to make the same announcement, at the 11:30 Mass at Christ the King. It was the same old “we’re in it altogether” cluster routine. The congregation was VERY quiet and looked pretty upset. We had to endure a few local TV camera crews, and some newspaper reporters, as we exited the church, looking for a few sad victims to portay on the 6 and 11 o’clock news……It was very depressing to say the least! “
If you have a story to share about this situation, or would like to write down your thoughts and feelings on the subject, please send your e-mails to: cleansingfire@live.com
We will maintain full anonymity for you.
In case anyone is wondering whether the IPPG members stayed home this weekend, St. Thomas’ IPPG “representative“, Margi Ochs, was in attendance for one of the St. Thomas Masses. She appears below giving an interview to the local NBC affiliate:
Tags: Church Closings, Orthodoxy at Work
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Where were the IPPG, hiding in the sacristy?
At least Ms. Ochs had the courage to face the media. All members of the IPPG should have been with her.
Thanks for bringing up the IPPG.
I'm not aware of any other IPPG members addressing the media as of yet. They made this decision, so they should be well prepared to defend it.
The irony of this whole thing is that Ms. Ochs' family was heavily involved with the founding and original growth of St. Thomas the Apostle. If only she shared the passion her ancestors once had for their parish, who fought during good times and bad to keep St. Thomas open.
~Dr. K
Concerning this picture of Ms. Ochs, bloviating with the channel 10 reporter: I was there that morning, and Margi positioned herself on the opposite side of the church, from where all of the people were coming into Mass, so she would remain out of sight from most of the people. She did not attend that particular Mass, and ironically, her own mother was on the opposite side of the church serving coffee and doughnuts, after Mass. Ms. Ochs was not found anywhere around the church after Mass. After all, her work had already been accomplished, beforehand.