To the editor:

The Diocese of Steubenville has posted on its website the latest financial audit for the year ending June 30. Net assets at the end of the year were $15,227,738. This was an increase of $2,378,052 over the previous year ending June 30, 2023. The increase in net assets could have been more if not for a $60,000 legal settlement expense and a refund of $436,817 for restricted contributions for the cathedral project. Does this appear to be a diocese in a financial downward spiral that former Bishop Jeffrey Monforton told his priests and members of the diocese in October 2022?

If the goal of the potential merger is not financial, what is it? There are approximately 1,675 Catholics per priest in the Diocese of Columbus. Could it be because the number of Catholics per priest in the Diocese of Columbus is overwhelming, which affects their ability to serve their members and evangelize those not part of a church? Conversely, in the Diocese of Steubenville, there are approximately 834 Catholics per priest.

If the merger goes through, it appears that the basis for it is not financial as had been stated. It is not as Monforton told The Pillar on Oct. 18, 2022, that “our ability to evangelize has been compromised, and that will continue.” It will be because the Diocese of Columbus’s ability to evangelize has been compromised and that is continuing because of their shortage of priests. They need the merger with the Diocese of Steubenville to happen in order to help stabilize their ability to serve and attract more members.

It appears the clergy and members of the Diocese of Steubenville have been led astray. The real reason for this proposed merger appears to better enable the church (the Diocese of Columbus) to serve and bring more people to God. I believe former Apostolic Administrator Bishop Paul Bradley recognized this. The real reason for the proposed merger appears to be about the best interests of the Diocese of Columbus and not about any interests of the Diocese of Steubenville.

I continue to pray that the merger does not happen.

Frank Krajovic

CCHS Class of ’65

Woodstock, Ga.