Visit other churches

I am sorry that Bob Pietrandrea is unhappy with what he observes of Bishop David Zubik’s reorganization plan, On Mission for the Church Alive! (May 29 letter, “A Bad Plan”).

Perhaps Mr. Pietrandrea would like to visit his neighboring Catholic community in the North Hills. The Neighbors North Catholic Community includes the parishes of Incarnation of the Lord, St. Athanasius, St. Sebastian and St. Teresa of Avila. I think our parishioners can speak to a much different experience than what Mr. Pietrandrea describes.

While each of the four parishes now has fewer Masses each Sunday, the churches are filled. The music ministry was the first to reorganize, and there are now five excellent choirs and musical ensembles that rotate on any given Sunday among the various churches. With the pews filled, congregational singing and participation is robust.

Gradually, the various ministries in the four parishes are working together and merging. We are learning from one another, and taking the best ideas from each parish. New friends are being made. With procedures and staff streamlined, we are using our resources more efficiently.

Our new combined parish Sunday bulletin consists of 20 pages, testifying to the numerous activities and ministries in the community. Devotions for Lent this spring included a parish mission with a nationallyknown speaker, with weekly follow-up discussion groups in each parish. Our recent fiveweek Life in the Spirit seminar attracted over 200 people.

Certainly there has been sadness and pain as we merge. Change is always difficult. We are attached to and love the parishes where we have grown up. But the church is the Body of Christ, and bigger than one localized parish. And if you take a closer look at the church in Pittsburgh, there is a lot to be excited about.

LINDA LUDWIG Ross