CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO, MAY 13, 2005

Archbishop William J. Levada's statement on his appointment to the Vatican

Archbishop Levada's May 6 letter to pastors concerning collection of signatures to help defeat AB654, the so-called “Compassionate Choice Act”. (please scroll down a bit to find May 6 letter)

Migden bill would give City power over church property

By Jack Smith

A bill granting significant control over the property of the former St. Brigid Church to the City of San Francisco – countermanding state and federal court rulings — has passed the State Senate and awaits action in the State Assembly.

The church was closed 11 years ago and is owned by the Archdiocese of San Francisco. S.B. 169, sponsored by State Senator Carole Migden (D – San Francisco) would remove St. Brigid from a state law prohibiting local governments from landmarking religiously owned property without the consent of the owner. San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors already has indicated their support for landmarking St. Brigid if Migden’s bill passes and is signed by the governor. Migden’s bill passed the Senate May 9 on a straight party line vote with Democrats supporting the measure and Republicans opposing.

San Francisco’s Landmark Ordinance forbids the demolition of designated landmarks in most circumstances and gives significant control to the City over alterations or improvements to the property. The ordinance forces land owners to maintain and preserve such buildings for public benefit, in the case of religiously owned property, without City or State assistance.

In 1993, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Planning Commission composed of clergy, laity and religious from throughout the Archdiocese, studied options for responding to changing pastoral needs in San Francisco. Part of their commission from former Archbishop John R. Quinn was to make recommendations about the disposition of Church properties in light of the City’s Un-reinforced Masonry Building law. The ordinance which followed the 1989 Loma-Prieta earthquake required all UMBs to be seismically reinforced. The current cost of retrofitting St. Brigid would be about five to seven million dollars.

The Commission, after consultation with parishes and institutions throughout the Archdiocese recommended closure of St. Brigid Church and sale of its property.

Archbishop Quinn accepted the recommendation and his decision to close St. Brigid was confirmed unanimously by the Council of Priests. Parishioners of St. Brigid appealed the decision to Archbishop Quinn who confirmed his decision citing “enormously expensive retrofitting” cost and his duty as bishop “to consider not only individual parishes but the overall good of the whole Archdiocese.”

Some parishioners then appealed the closure to the Vatican, which after a lengthy process, confirmed Archbishop Quinn’s decision. The Archdiocese of San Francisco in 1994 joined a coalition comprised of dioceses throughout the state and the religious leaders of every major denomination to seek relief from mandatory local landmarking. The prospect of being forced to maintain UMBs or other un-needed landmarked property was an even greater problem for some Protestant and Jewish Congregations whose individually owned properties are often the congregation’s only asset. Some feared that preservationists would block sale or reconstruction of their churches or synagogues through the landmarking process thus leaving them owners of buildings they could neither use nor maintain. In one case, a small minority of a local Korean church sought to prevent the majority congregation from moving to a larger church in another neighborhood by petitioning the City to landmark their current church, severely diminishing its economic value.

Then Speaker of the Assembly Willie Brown (D – San Francisco) took up the issue at the State legislature. Brown authored a bill sponsored by the interfaith alliance which prohibited local governments from landmarking religiously owned property without the consent of the owner. The bill did not affect properties which were already landmarked nor did it prevent congregations from voluntarily submitting to new landmarking. At the time, the Archdiocese of San Francisco owned and maintained 10 City landmarks, including four of the top five. Since passage of the bill, the Archdiocese has voluntarily offered another, Our Lady of Guadalupe on Broadway, for landmark status. Brown’s bill, AB 133, passed with strong bi-partisan support and was signed by Governor Pete Wilson.

Preservationists then challenged the law in court claiming it unconstitutionally favored religion. The courts rejected that claim noting that landmarking itself could place undue burden on free exercise and violate the Establishment clause.

Senator Migden’s bill is aimed specifically at St. Brigid church and removes it from the protection of AB 133 which was confirmed by the courts.

In a letter to Senator Migden in March of this year, San Francisco Archbishop William J. Levada said, “The attempt to single out particular church buildings from general religious accomodations is especially disturbing. The California Constitution guarantees the free exercise of religion ‘without preference.’ Indeed, it appears to us that this combination of circumstances would mean the imposition of land-use restrictions on St. Brigid would rise to the level of a taking.”

Under current law San Francisco is prohibited from landmarking St. Brigid without the approval of the Archdiocese. Earlier this year, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors nonetheless asked the San Francisco Landmarks Commission to investigate landmarking St. Brigid. The Landmarks Commission voted unanimously May 5 to recommend landmark status for St. Brigid.

At the meeting, George Wesolek, director of the Archdiocese Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns, presented a letter from the Archdiocese formally objecting to landmark status for St. Brigid, as required by law. The Archdiocese also invited public comment on its objection and determination in a San Francisco newspaper.

Wesolek said Catholics of the Archdiocese had already invested $45 million and dedicated almost $20 million more for required retrofit of its 10 UMBs. However, he said, “the Archdiocese does not operate its buildings as mere museums or tourist attractions.” The Archdiocese will not commit “several million more dollars of its increasingly scarce resources” to reopen St. Brigid, he said. Wesolek told Catholic San Francisco, that even if the church were landmarked, St. Brigid would not again be used as a parish church or place of worship.

Wesolek said landmarking St. Brigid would severely diminish the value of the property because in part, “churches are built for specific uses and as landmarks could not ordinarily be altered for other uses.” He also said any future use of the church building would have to “respect what it used to be used for.” Wesolek told Catholic San Francisco the Archdiocese wanted to sell the building for fair market compensation and that landmarking the building would significantly reduce its value. The Archdiocese, he said, hopes to use the proceeds “for ongoing programs that serve the poor through schools, including at St. Brigid, and for the claims of victims of child abuse.”

The City may not now legally proceed to landmark St. Brigid unless Migden’s bill passes the Assembly and is signed by the Governor. Wesolek is hopeful the bill can be defeated in the Assembly, but also thinks if passed, it would not hold up in court. “The very reasons AB 133 held up in the courts are the reasons this bill would be overturned.”

Legion of Mary rosary parade outshines inclement weather

By Jack Smith

Several hundred Catholics marched along Market and Mission Streets in San Francisco on Mother’s Day praying the rosary in procession with the Holy Eucharist and a statue of Our Lady.

The marchers were part of the 11th Annual Public Grand Rosary Rally sponsored by the Legion of Mary and St. Patrick’s parish. As participants gathered at 1:30 inside St. Patrick church, Monsignor Fred Bitanga polled the assembly whether they still wished to march despite sprinkles and the threat of rain. The group agreed on a slightly shortened route and Monsignor Bitanga, pastor of St. Patrick, congratulated them on being the “die-hard ones.”

Junior members of the Legion walked in front of the procession handing out rosaries to tourists and shoppers along Market and Mission Streets. Most who received rosaries were appreciative; one flower vendor gave the young girls flowers. Some passersby were confused by the display, some crossed themselves as the Eucharist passed by and others momentarily joined in prayer.

“People are surprised first of all, but then they are happy about it,” said Ray Frost, president of the San Francisco Senatus of the Legion of Mary. “It uplifted people,” Frost said. “I’m always amazed by the reaction of the poor or down and out along Market. They cheer up. Some start praying. Every year I notice that.”

There was only one significant instance of hostility to the group from a man with a bullhorn shouting anti-Catholic slogans and alerting the public that Catholics are “idolaters.”

Eucharistic adoration was held at St. Patrick’s after the march and Vincentian Father Noel Laput gave a reflection on the meaning of the Eucharist. Penny Montemayor of the Coalition of Concerned Medical Professionals also spoke on practical means of helping those without health insurance and urged the assembled to work against Assembly Bill 654 by Assemblywoman Patty Berg (D – Santa Rosa) which would legalize doctor assisted suicide in California. A member of the Legion also gave a personal testimony on faith in the Eucharist.

The day ended with Benediction and snack and fellowship in the parish hall.

On The Street Where You Live

by Tom Burke

Helping fill the house for the recent production of King and I at Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep were faculty and staff from St. Veronica Elementary School. St. V’s had three graduates in the show – Maggie Shapiro, as one of the ruler’s wives, Arnie Salazar, as Phra Alack, and Ryan Dilag as the King. Ryan’s brother, St. Veronica’s 4th grader, Richard, was also among the players. Thanks for the good news to Carmela DiMauro, school development director. “St. Veronica’s applauds our four thespians,” she said, not missing a beat in adding the King’s oft quoted refrain “etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.” Students from Holy Name Elementary School have also been treading the boards in local stage productions. Third grader, Nicholas Reyes, was in the SHCP King and I ensemble and eighth graders, Cassandra Migue and Krystal Pierce took their turns right alongside Mama Rose in Mercy High School, San Francisco’s Gypsy. Had the opportunity to see the deservedly revered Angela Lansbury in a Gypsy revival some 30 years ago little knowing that half-a-dozen years later I would rehearse a show in the same studios where she was also running lines. The Murder She Wrote star’s play moved just a few blocks uptown to a Broadway theater. The show I was in – a replay of a depression era musical called Whoopee! - journeyed farther, about 150 miles farther in fact, to a stage in East Windsor, Connecticut. Having met her but once and thrilled that it was among the plying of a trade I can say I shared with her, I’m still touched by her kindness and respect for all actors, famous and not…. Congrats to Mary Murphy, librarian and resource teacher at Immaculate Heart of Mary Elementary School who was recently honored with a “Celebrate Literacy Award” from the San Mateo County Reading Association. Mary has taught at IHM for 22 years. She and her husband, James - who was by her side at the presentation ceremonies - have been married for 35 years and their four children all attended IHM. “Books help create lifetime readers,” Mary said. “They broaden the world, create understanding and compassion for others and link us to one another.”…

More people are my age than I thought!!! One, of course, is old friend and new digs colleague Mike O’Leary, associate director of development for the Archdiocese and a 1965 graduate of St. Gabriel Elementary School. Mike and his classmates are planning a reunion for September 24th at Forest Hills Lodge. Other ‘65ers can check in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/St_Gabes_1965. Mike said you can post pictures, greetings and lots more. The Web site for my grade school reunion has been an invaluable hub for reconnecting. It has helped make the whole experience even more of a blast!!…Father Alex Legaspi, pastor, and the Parish Council and staff of St. Andrew’s in Daly City say “Thank you” to Presentation Sister Antonio Heaphy for her recent presentation on the Archdiocesan Parish Pastoral Plan. “Everybody came out more enthusiastic about their role in the council,” Father Legaspi said. “Our Parochial Vicar, Father Nady Corrales and I are as enthused and eager to move forward as the members.” The parish has now given five workshops on the Out of Harm’s Way series, Father Legaspi said, noting “the meeting zeros in on the protection of children.” Leading the dialogue were St. Andrew’s Rissa Stella, Carmen Babasa and Ursula Valdez. . . . .

Remember this is an empty space without ya’!! The email address for Street is burket@sfarchdiocese.org. Mailed items should be sent to “Street,” One Peter Yorke Way, SF 94109. Pix should be hard copy or electronic jpeg at 300 dpi. Don’t forget to include a follow-up phone number. You can reach me at (415) 614-5634.

LOCAL NEWS IN BRIEF

Budget cuts felt at Archdiocesan Chancery-Pastoral Center offices

SAN FRANCISCO — As part of an expense reduction effort, positions held by a half-dozen employees of the Chancery-Pastoral Center of the Archdiocese of San Francisco have been eliminated. These employees were notified last week that their jobs were being cut. However, their period of employment will continue through June 30, at which time they will receive severance payments.

Transition workshops and possible placement opportunities within the Archdiocese also will be available. In addition to the layoffs, currently unfilled positions at the Chancery and the funds associated with some of these vacant positions will be eliminated. Some employees have elected to retire during the upcoming fiscal year and the savings generated by those voluntary terminations are included in the overall cost reduction program. Some staff members have agreed to a shorter workweek to help meet current cost constraints. “These are some of the difficult but necessary personnel decisions being taken at this time to address the challenges we are facing with regard to our Chancery budget,” said Msgr. Harry Schlitt, Vicar for Administration, in a message to employees.

Monsignor Merson scholarship fund helps Palestinians at Bethlehem University

A young Palestinian woman is completing her freshman year at Bethlehem University in the Holy Land with the help of a grant from an endowment fund established to honor San Francisco priest Monsignor Thomas Merson, who died one year ago on May 4, 2004. Marian Bassous is the first recipient of funds from the fund created by local Knights and Ladies of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in memory of the late Monsignor Merson.

John H. McGuckin, Jr, of San Francisco, Lieutenant of the Northwestern Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order, said the endowed scholarship fund was fully funded within six months of Monsignor’s death.

“Monsignor Tom was very moved by his 2004 visit to Bethlehem University,” said McGuckin. “He felt very close to the students and the faculty and a scholarship seemed a good idea to commemorate his memory.”

A similar scholarship has been established at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory in San Francisco in Monsignor Merson’s memory.

Monsignor Merson served fourteen years as Administrative Assistant to two Archbishops of San Francisco, and also served at several parishes.

Local members of the Equestrian Order have a special tie to Bethlehem University. De La Salle Brother Vincent Malham, the vice-chancellor and President of the University, has spoken to gatherings of the Knights and Ladies, and he welcomed Archbishop Willliam J. Levada, Monsignor Merson and the 22 members of the Lieutenancy’s Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in April 2004.

“Annually we send funds for the general support of the University,” said McGuckin, who noted that other members of the Order who are themselves Palestinian-Americans have established scholarship funds at the University.

Bethlehem University is the only Catholic university in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. With the administrative support of the De La Salle Brothers, the school opened in 1973 with 100 students. The university, now has more than 2100 students, 68 percent of whom are women.

Brother Vincent said Bethlehem University is a beacon of hope to the Christian community in the Holy Land. The university employs 500 Palestinians as faculty and staff.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Need better guidance
Catholic San Francisco has tried, it seems, to provide for a wide discussion around issues that have emerged in the now infamous “Terri Schiavo case”. In the last edition, the “Personal Perspective” of Dr. Rowden presented yet another view to be “heard”.

The author sees the opportunity for some helpful discussion on pertinent issues in the future. “... some good may result if her plight causes serious discussion among physicians, moral theologians and bioethicists about what constitutes euthanasia, as opposed to a legitimate removal of a treatment which is unduly burdensome... Another good will result if individuals are stimulated to execute a durable power of attorney for health care...”

Yet, my concern is that when it comes to completing a durable power of attorney for health care in the near future, which are the criteria that a Christian should use in stating his or her desires around “end of life care.” It seems reasonable to be able to ask one’s self, “how does Catholic Faith and Reason instruct me to think about and decide what I should instruct those whom I select to make decisions about my care if I cannot. In the panoply of pronouncements that we have heard and read in the popular and religious press by persons “in authority” - priests, bishops, pope, persons quoting the pope, so many different positions have been expressed. “What is a Catholic Christian to understand and believe?”

I hope that in forthcoming issues, Catholic San Francisco will help “Everyman and Everywoman,” to form his/her own conscience based on the carefully worked out positions of Catholic thinkers already available to learn from and useful in completing a durable power of attorney for health care.
Joseph C. Barbaccia MD, MPH- San Francisco

No chili please
According to Leonard G. Anderson’s letter (CSF – May 6), the San Francisco Chronicle should receive plaudits rather than complaints for it’s obsession with priestly scandals which the paper seems to feel is exclusive to the Catholic Church.

Evidently, the letter writer, who also claims that our problems are “worse than a media war” is unaware of the fact that the Chronicle’s far left liberal views reflect it’s animosity toward all things Catholic as evidenced by it’s articles and editorials slamming every facet of Church teaching. There is seldom an issue that does not contain a negative article, editorial or letter criticizing the deceased Pope, the new Pope, Catholic doctrine on same sex marriage, abortion, euthanasia, ad infinitum. The Church has been under attack by the media throughout the ages. The Church is the butt of media jokes and cartoons. Movie and television dramas denigrating our clergy and church members abound. The fact that these attacks are never directed toward other faiths is very telling.

If the letter writer truly believes that we need more of the “encouragement and teaching (from the Chronicle) about what is happening (in our Church) today,” he is either in need of a refresher course in Religion 101 or has never understood that the Church founded by Christ is the Teacher of Truth. Wishing to learn and dialogue with a Zeitgeist -serving- daily like the Chronicle rather than the Magisterium, is tantamount to preferring a bowl of chili at Wendy’s to a five course dinner at a four star restaurant.
Jane L. Sears- Burlingame

Cynical assessment
George Weigel’s dismissive and simplistic column, “What the election of Benedict XVI means,” (May 6) is an insult to the majority of U.S. Catholics who believe that the Second Vatican Council was a necessary and illuminating event in our Church’s historical development. I must disagree with Mr. Weigel’s cynical assessment of this movement to bring the Church forward into the modern world as a mistaken, failed, and all-but-forgotten cause. The new pope may be a brilliant theologian and sincere in his desire for stability in the Church, but he alone does not constitute the entire Church, and the Church cannot survive without the efforts and contributions of the rest of more than one billion Catholics. The truth is that no one can be certain at the onset of a new papacy just exactly what direction it may take.

I will pray for both Pope Benedict XVI and for George Weigel, that God may grant them a respect for discussion, dialogue and diversity, and for further insight into the 21st century of our Church and the problems of all its people, and for a compassion for our neighbors around the world, whatever their faith or lack of religious affiliation.
Rosemary K. Ring- Kentfield

Ed. note – George Weigel spoke not of the Second Vatican Council, but of “the path of accommodation to secular modernity” espoused by “some Catholics and most of the world media.” Pope Benedict XVI was the youngest peritus, or theological expert, at the Second Vatican Council and an important contributor to Council documents.

Keep Reese
I am angry and disturbed to learn that Rev. Thomas Reese, Editor of the Catholic Jesuit magazine America, has been ousted or forced to resign by orders of the Vatican.

Rev. Reese’s articles and writings enlightened Catholics and non-Catholics on many of the Church’s teachings. With an open mind and easy to understand way, he well presented the way the Church is trying to deal with the many urgent and controversial issues the Church is facing today. He has never written anything against Catholic teaching.

As a matter of fact by his writings, he has liberated many of the young, lukewarm and fallen away Catholics from the age old fears of the Catholic Church and he is the appropriate person to address the existing problems of the Church.

He should continue as Editor of America. His ouster is unjust.
Lenny Barretto- Daly City

Rankles many
Under editor Father Thomas Reese, the Jesuit magazine America did much more than upset the Vatican. The publication also smashed at barriers erected by the for-profit press.

During Reese’s watch, America published articles critical of the major media’s terminology in abortion coverage, which effectively limited “choice” to one subject. America also reported on the “scandal within a scandal,” the lack of national news media coverage of the cover-up in public school sex abuse cases.
James O. Clifford Sr.- Redwood City

Archbishop’s Loaves & Fishes Dinner: Turning an idea into an institution

By Maurice Healy

The “Archbishop’s Loaves & Fishes Dinner,” an annual event in the Archdiocese of San Francisco benefiting Catholic Charities CYO, is not as well known as the long-established “Al Smith Dinner” in the Archdiocese of New York, but the Bay Area event is on track to achieve the same kind of prominence and respect.

In just eight years, the Archbishop’s Loaves & Fishes Dinner has become an extraordinary event that draws together business, civic, community, political, and religious leaders to honor outstanding charitable efforts of individuals and organizations. At the Loaves & Fishes Awards Dinner in March, once again hosted by Janet and Clint Reilly, dignitaries included U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, California Attorney General Bill Lockyer, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and former Mayor Willie Brown.

San Francisco Archbishop William J. Levada presented awards to four honorees: Victoria and Joseph W. Cotchett, the San Francisco 49ers’ Denise and John York, H.E. Richard J. Dunn KM, GCM, Knight of Malta, and St. Joseph’s Health Support Alliance.

Catholic Charities CYO President Clint Reilly remembers the original idea of Loaves & Fishes, which arose soon after he became a member of the organization’s Board of Directors in 1997. “Up to that time, Catholic Charities really had not done a major fundraising event. So a group of us, my wife Janet and I, some staff at Catholic Charities, and some board members brainstormed,” he said. “We proposed the idea of the dinner, and the board agreed to take a chance on doing a major fundraiser.” So the idea of the Loaves & Fishes Dinner came to life, and the first event was held in 1998.

As with all subsequent Loaves & Fishes Dinners, the venue was the Merchants Exchange Building’s historic Julia Morgan Ballroom – courtesy of Janet and Clint Reilly.

The Catholic Charities CYO President said, “In the first year, the dinner netted about $200,000, last year about $700,000 and this year about a one million dollars.”

Mr. Reilly said the involvement of Archbishop Levada has been vital and of immeasurable importance in making the event a success. Each year, the Archbishop presents awards to individuals and organizations for extraordinary works of charity in the community. The intent of the Loaves & Fishes award is to inspire the spirit of philanthropy and support Catholic Charities CYO. Brian Cahill, executive director of Catholic Charities CYO, said, “I believe Clint’s thought all along was to build this so that when people think of Loaves & Fishes, they think of the work of Catholic Charities CYO, the work of the Catholic social service arm of the Church.”

Cahill said each year has seen a building of the event, not only in raising funds but also in building up the image of the Catholic Church, and inspiring support for all charitable organizations in the Bay Area.

He noted that honorees this year exemplified the spirit of Loaves & Fishes, “St. Joseph’s Health Alliance has quietly given Catholic Charities $2 million, Dick Dunn who is a leader in the Knights of Malta, which does so much philanthropy, the Yorks, who are new to the area, but quietly have done a lot of philanthropic work, and the Cotchetts, amazing in their generosity and really committed to social justice.”

All of the proceeds of the annual Loaves & Fishes Dinner benefit the programs of Catholic Charities CYO, which is one of the largest charitable organizations in the state. Serving as the social service arm of the Church, Catholic Charities CYO must raise $6 million annually, plus funds for a range of needs beyond operating expenses, such as capital expenses.