A TOWN HALL SUCCESS
OUTSTANDING Thanks to all in attendance at the Town Hall Meeting. This was a spectacular event with 648 registered participants and at least 100 more there to listen - on a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon - imagine! After an opening prayer, there was a detailed presentation by Father Don of the events that have transpired over the past year. Attorney Portia Roberson spoke about how the Wayne County Prosecutor handled the embezzlement case and the serious criminal issues surrounding the opening of Father Don’s personal mail while it was in the possession of the AOD. An unrestricted question and answer session followed. More detailed information on the meeting will be coming soon.
AOD WAR DRUMS? The AOD issued a press release following the Town Hall Meeting. Ned McGrath said “It’s regrettable that Pyrrhic-like efforts continue to re-hash what happened and why at St. Dunstan.” After researching the term “Pyrrhic” it seems Mr. McGrath is referring to the ancient Greek king Pyrrhus who won a major battle against the Romans but at great cost to his own army. An analogous phrase is “winning the battle but losing the war.” It is deeply disappointing that the AOD characterizes the efforts of Saint Dunstan parishioners to return their priest back to his place in the community as an act of war. This might help explain why in the past the police were called on parishioners handing out flyers at the parish.
The parishioners of Saint Dunstan want no part in being labeled as the enemy and do not wish to be in a war with the Archdiocese of Detroit. We share a common interest in our love of God - this should unite, not divide us. The fact we are energetically defending and supporting a Catholic priest should be warmly welcomed, not seen as a threat. Thousands of letters and phone calls have been made in an effort to communicate our most heartfelt thoughts and feelings. In return we have received silence. The lack of communication has been counter-productive. We want Father Don back at Saint Dunstan. Give peace a chance.
Has a new priest been assigned to St. Dunstan? The Observer & Eccentric reported late last week that “Despite rumors to the contrary, (Ned) McGrath (AOD Communications) said a permanent pastor has not yet been selected.” Cardinal Maida’s secretary said that the decision on the pastor of Saint Dunstan would be made during an April 4, 2008 Assignment Board meeting. The current administrator has hinted he already knows the name. On Saturday he offered the initials RR, but said he could not tell his name. After Sunday Mass, the administrator said the new priest is Father Ron Richards. Father Richards was called. He said he could not confirm or deny what Father Sutherland had said. When asked if he was indeed the new priest at Saint Dunstan, after some hesitation he said he would not comment since that decision would come from the AOD. An offer was made to meet with him to discuss the outcome of the recent Town Hall Meeting. Regretfully he said he is leaving on a two week vacation (his first vacation in over one year) but has agreed to talk after his return. An update will be given then.
APRIL 1, 1987: Today is Father Don’s Anniversary at Saint Dunstan - 21 years.