St. Patrick’s designation a comedy of errors

May 07, 2008

To the Editor:

Can you imagine having ownership of a parcel of land and the local municipality registers a major change to the property and you are not aware of this registration? This is what the Vicar General of the Diocese of Peterborough (Father Raymond Rick) stated in a recent announcement.

It appears to be a comedy of errors, the old church/school property was registered as heritage and still the diocese did not recognize the error? One wonders just how much monies would have been forthcoming if the diocese recognized the original designation!

The good Father goes on to point out that the present town council and the diocese have “a very special rapport” and he hopes that the council will continue to view St. Patrick’s, its parishioners and the diocese with respect.”

I would like to inform Father that the citizens of Kearney and thousands of parishioners of St Patrick’s have always had an excellent rapport with the town council.

As the mayor stated “the community went through two years of strife and anxiety on the part of many people, which was created by the former parish priest and the Diocese of Peterborough” In order to establish a good rapport with the residents of Kearney and the thousands of former parishioners, the diocese will have to accept the 1986 designation and stop playing political games.

One can only wish Father Rick the very best in his new career as a political activist while he works with other non-Catholic communities to change the heritage act. If one could use the example of the mistrust and anger created in the Town of Kearney by misinformation on our beautiful century-old church, you have a difficult career ahead of you Father.

DJ Ryan
Napanee