God is good!!! All the time!!! All the time!!! God is good!!!
On the weekend of June 27/28, 2020, I read, in its entirety and at all the Masses, the Decree from the Office of the Bishop suppressing Sacred Heart of Jesus Mission, Williamstown. The Decree gives a brief history of Sacred Heart – from first being served by Our Lady Help of Christians, to becoming a canonical parish in 1887, and then becoming a Mission of Our Lady Help of Christians in 1995. The reasons for being made a Mission was that “the decreased demand for anthracite coal caused an Exodus from the Valley. The Harrisburg Diocese also experienced a reduction in the number of available clergy.”
This time, some of the reasons stated are “the declining membership of the Mission, its proximity to Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Lykens, ….financial instability, ….duplication of services and programs is a small geographic area, and the best use of available priest personnel in view of the current dearth of priests.”
The letter also states that “Any and all assets, whether movable or immovable, and all liabilities of, upon its suppression will immediately be given to Our Lady Help of Christians, Lykens according to norm and spirit of canon 121.”
The suppression took effect at midnight, July 1, 2020.
Canons that are quoted from The Code of Canon Law: Canons
This is one of those painful moments when it can be hard to see, feel or experience God’s love, care and concern for us. We know that He is always with us at each moment whether we feel it or not, and even when He expresses His love in a way we don’t expect. We continue to pray to the Lord to bless us all, and especially during this time of transition.
God is good!!! All the time!!! All the time!!! God is good!!!