Spiritual repair first

In the 1200s, the Catholic Church was such a mess that a vision of Jesus implored St. Francis to “repair my church.” After physically rebuilding a few churches, Francis realized spiritual renewal was the true need.

The Catholic Church universally, and in Pittsburgh, is again in danger of ruin. The issues that plagued the church in Francis’ time again plague us now: corruption, clericalism, societal irrelevance and insincerity.

The Diocese of Pittsburgh is weeks away from implementing its “On Mission for the Church Alive” initiative, which will attempt to address the declining numbers of clergy and lay faithful through parish consolidations and clergy reassignments. With the repairs we have planned, are we on the brink of making the same mistake Francis initially made: undergoing a structural renovation when a spiritual renewal is what’s most critical?

“On Mission” is meant to position us for future spiritual renewal, but how many Catholics will be left to reap the benefits of a later renewal? The question now is which problem is more pressing: the financial difficulties of our parishes, or the spiritual pain felt therein? Is it ultimately more dangerous to forge ahead with “On Mission” and continue to leave the spiritual damage untreated?

The church needs healing, not Band-Aids. We need hope, not desperate downsizing. We need shepherds, not project managers. We need foundational change and leaders who can effect that change.

Given similar circumstances, Francis concluded it was more critical to address spiritual renewal first. Bishop Zubik, are you listening?

JAN KOWALSKI McCandless