To the editor:
In Merica Petrella's letter to the editor published on Oct. 11 ("More questions about diocese"), she stated that the Triumph of the Cross parish bulletin of Oct. 5, indicates that it is the Cathedral Parish Diocese of Steubenville. In previous bulletins prior to Oct. 5, it was designated a Roman Catholic Parish in the Diocese of Steubenville. In the Catholic Church, a "cathedral parish" is a church that holds the status of a cathedral and a parish.
The change in cathedral designation from Holy Name cathedral is understandable considering that the former cathedral will probably be demolished. However, if this change in cathedral designation is true, why wasn't this more publicized? Is this another diocesan example of lack of transparency and poor communication?
Three years ago in October 2022, it was announced by former Bishop Jeffrey Monforton that the Ohio bishops had approved the merger of the dioceses of Steubenville and Columbus. It was scheduled to be on the agenda and voted on by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops at the organization's annual meeting in November 2022 before submitting it to Pope Francis for his approval. It was pulled back after strong push back from the laity and clergy.
The Report of the State of the Diocese of Steubenville from Bishop Edward Lohse was announced to diocesan faithful on Feb. 7. What is the recommendation of the Ohio bishops today? Are they recommending a merger or not? Will this be a topic and possible vote at the USCCB meeting on Nov. 10-13?
What is also very interesting is that Bishops Lohse and Earl Fernandes of Columbus have been nominated for leadership roles in the USCCB, which will be voted on at the meeting in November.
Will a decision be finally reached after the merger announcement of three years ago? Prayerfully, the members have closure soon instead of uncertainty.
Frank Krajovic
Woodstock, Ga.
CCHS Class of 1965