Fr. Kleinmann at St. Mary's Old Town

[Anonymous]

I've been reading the posts and I was troubled the recommendation for the parishioner to leave the church because of one Father/priest if he/she had issues. The church is not the priest or any one individual, it's the people. However it is unfortunate when a priest elevates himself to a pedestal as if he is actually Jesus and finger wags. Look, I go to another local Catholic church, but I have to say that the only judge is the one we see when we face god, not a priest. Although I do not necessarily agree with all of the comments, I do think that priests should be less judgmental and less about the finances. I mean, I have seen when Parishes have refused to baptize children or perform another ceremony simply because they did not have strong records (as held by the church) for tithing. To me, that's when the church could be magnanimous and set the example as an "understanding" partner on our journey back to our Lord. It does bother me when the business Father rears its ugly head. Again, the only thing I agree with in the posts is being less judgmental and more understanding…and also the money issue.

[Anonymous]

Father Kleinman was the most understandting and kind pastor..he changed the whole feeling at St. Mary's ..He welcomed everyone and understood each of our problems and would take a personal interest in each of us. I miss him terribly..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Best lead for school and parish as a whole was a humble, thoughtful, and articulate priest by the name of Fr. Krempa. Change will be good, and quite frankly well overdue.

+1000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Best lead for school and parish as a whole was a humble, thoughtful, and articulate priest by the name of Fr. Krempa. Change will be good, and quite frankly well overdue.

+1000

I'm PP and I submitted too soon.

I don't know why the thread bubbled back up but I was going back in and re-reading it. Saw the post about Fr. Krempa and wanted to chime in. We loved him. And, wow, he gave some of the best sermons I've ever heard. Very profound but spoken with simple, direct language. He was a great pastor and we as a parish owe a lot to him for leading the massive renovation of the Church as well as his good work to bring the School back up to par.

I know some folks really miss Fr. Kleinmann but I have to say that Fr. Hathaway is settling in. We really like that Fr. H has brought back the Parish Council and Finance Committee, both of which Fr. K had disbanded. We also like that a lot of the deferred maintenance both in the Church and at the School are finally being addressed. There were some things that were getting downright scary so it is good that it has been addressed at the Church and is being addressed at the School.

We, too, dislike the tedious solicitations for Faith Direct and the BLA (during Mass no less) but, as mentioned by several other posters, the priests are under a lot of pressure by the Diocese to do this. It is pretty much scripted for them and they all do it -- or if they don't then they are going against direct instructions. We happened to be at another church in the Diocese this year for the BLA sign-up and boy, oh boy, it was the same long, drawn-out process. I guess it is all part of belonging to a big church.

[Anonymous]

Fr Kleinmann regularly visited the School. Fr Kleinmann felt and acted as a family Member as did Krempa, versus Hathaway seems to delegate everything with the School.

He is unintentionally giving the appearance he doesn't have time for the School. Not purposely, but it is happening.

Rarely if ever see him at School. Thank God Father Barnes is a regular. The Children I've heard look up to him and that he is there often.

Fr Hathaway I hear in parishioner conversations often appears more concerned about the landscaping and interior decorating of the Rectory, Lyceum and White House than the school, to parishioners who have been here for a long time. I have to defend him, knowing inside though the observations hold certain merit.

It may be me, but attending Mass there for over 20 years, gives me pause recently and makes me reflect to make sure I follow the Faith Teaching and to be patient with Fr Hathaway.

He is not bad, just should be more open, act as a Father leader, share his personal side, empathize with or terrible economy and limited incomes and not send any more high dollar expensive 4 color slick Donation mailer solicitations as we received recently. I speculate that mailing alone cost over $20,000 in expense. I doubt it's effect of increase in contributions year over year will even make a positive return on its investment.

He should be there for the School as the highest priority since its main goal is to develop Catholic Children in the Faith along with Education. Without them, the future of the Church will weaken, especially without the Pastor being there "for them" and hopefully not talking "at them."

The Majority of the School Girls who can't be Altar Servers probably have little to no personal contact with him at all. This is a disservice in itself he needs to work on.

I Love Saint Mary's. My children Loved Saint Mary's School. I will share this with Father Hathaway. He needs to know. Those trolls who post here and can't bring it upon themselves to share it with him and or the Parish Council face to face, do nothing to help by their complaining online.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fr Kleinmann regularly visited the School. Fr Kleinmann felt and acted as a family Member as did Krempa, versus Hathaway seems to delegate everything with the School.

He is unintentionally giving the appearance he doesn't have time for the School. Not purposely, but it is happening.

Rarely if ever see him at School. Thank God Father Barnes is a regular. The Children I've heard look up to him and that he is there often.

Fr Hathaway I hear in parishioner conversations often appears more concerned about the landscaping and interior decorating of the Rectory, Lyceum and White House than the school, to parishioners who have been here for a long time. I have to defend him, knowing inside though the observations hold certain merit.

It may be me, but attending Mass there for over 20 years, gives me pause recently and makes me reflect to make sure I follow the Faith Teaching and to be patient with Fr Hathaway.

He is not bad, just should be more open, act as a Father leader, share his personal side, empathize with or terrible economy and limited incomes and not send any more high dollar expensive 4 color slick Donation mailer solicitations as we received recently. I speculate that mailing alone cost over $20,000 in expense. I doubt it's effect of increase in contributions year over year will even make a positive return on its investment.

He should be there for the School as the highest priority since its main goal is to develop Catholic Children in the Faith along with Education. Without them, the future of the Church will weaken, especially without the Pastor being there "for them" and hopefully not talking "at them."

The Majority of the School Girls who can't be Altar Servers probably have little to no personal contact with him at all. This is a disservice in itself he needs to work on.

I Love Saint Mary's. My children Loved Saint Mary's School. I will share this with Father Hathaway. He needs to know. Those trolls who post here and can't bring it upon themselves to share it with him and or the Parish Council face to face, do nothing to help by their complaining online.

I think it is a good idea that you share your complaints with Fr. Hathaway rather than DCUM. It sounds like you really miss Fr. Kleinmann. It is nice that you connected with him so well. But not many of our parishioners share your unhappiness with Fr. Hathaway and, in fact as far as I can tell, most of us are really happy with the changes we're seeing. Many of us really do appreciate that the safety issues at the Church and school are being addressed. If that means that we see less of Fr. Hathaway, while he organizes and oversees that effort, then so be it. Our first priority needs to be the safety of the children. And we are very happy with the work of Fr. Barnes in the school. Your references to the economy and expenses call me to remind you about the St. Vincent de Paul effort at the Church. Please use them as a financial resource if you need assistance.

[Anonymous]

The last comment was completely wrong, particularly the following comment:

"But not many of our parishioners share your unhappiness with Fr. Hathaway and, in fact as far as I can tell, most of us are really happy with the changes we're seeing."

You don't speak for "many of our parishioners". Parishioners may tell you something to your face but not really mean it. For me, I fall into the camp of not being satisfied with Fr. H and that many of the previous comments I read about him being cold and appearing removed from the things that really matter are true! I also hear from others in the parish that they feel similarly and that that Father H does not appear to be kind and empathetic…a downgrade from Father K. Although I have heard that from several parishioners, I cannot say with certainty that "many of the parishioners share my dissatisfaction"…so please don't attempt to speak for me or the other parishioners. The feelings of everyone commenting on this forum are valid (good or bad about father H) so please do not attempt to invalidate them. Even your feelings are valid…to you and you alone. But they do not transfer to others. I happen to think that father H has brought the spirit of St Mary's down…just my opinion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The last comment was completely wrong, particularly the following comment:

"But not many of our parishioners share your unhappiness with Fr. Hathaway and, in fact as far as I can tell, most of us are really happy with the changes we're seeing."

You don't speak for "many of our parishioners". Parishioners may tell you something to your face but not really mean it. For me, I fall into the camp of not being satisfied with Fr. H and that many of the previous comments I read about him being cold and appearing removed from the things that really matter are true! I also hear from others in the parish that they feel similarly and that that Father H does not appear to be kind and empathetic…a downgrade from Father K. Although I have heard that from several parishioners, I cannot say with certainty that "many of the parishioners share my dissatisfaction"…so please don't attempt to speak for me or the other parishioners. The feelings of everyone commenting on this forum are valid (good or bad about father H) so please do not attempt to invalidate them. Even your feelings are valid…to you and you alone. But they do not transfer to others. I happen to think that father H has brought the spirit of St Mary's down…just my opinion.

Clearly you haven't been in the school recently. Ask any Saint Mary's kid about Our Lady of Guadalupe. Father Hathaway is bringing back the joy to Saint Mary's and it is about time.

[Anonymous]

Need a parochial board. Yes, I know its not a parish school but I just don't care. Settle your strife elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you are projecting strife because you can't accept that others may have a differing opinion. Accept it, move on and stop responding.

[Anonymous]

Fr. Kleinmann is the best, most kind priest we've had in many years.

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately, Father Noah Morey from Bishop Ireton, shows the same level of arrogance as Father Hathoway. Father Noah refuses to wear a face cover during a pandemic. Of course, it is his right outside of school to do as he wishes. But he should be setting the example for these kids. To thumb his nose at the reality of COVID 19, it's outrageous and arrogant, certainly not Jesus-like. If he doesn't want to be vaccinated, then fine. I don't know his status nor do I care. But at least participate in the social contract. I am tired of political priests who are not selfless and appear to be political priests instead of kind and loving members of society who set the example. Yes, masks prevent others from contracting COVID. This is such a small sacrifice that you will not unfortunately make. I'm sure Jesus would. If priests want to be viewed in the same light as Jesus, particularly during Transubstantiation, then they need to try to emulate the traits of Jesus...kind, selfless, member of the social contract and APOLITICAL!!! Very disappointed in Catholic priests - they are too political!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am hoping that girls can be altar servers now.

I went to Catholic Schools for 12 years. In this day + age- who would let their kid be a server? That is just inviting abuse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately, Father Noah Morey from Bishop Ireton, shows the same level of arrogance as Father Hathoway. Father Noah refuses to wear a face cover during a pandemic. Of course, it is his right outside of school to do as he wishes. But he should be setting the example for these kids. To thumb his nose at the reality of COVID 19, it's outrageous and arrogant, certainly not Jesus-like. If he doesn't want to be vaccinated, then fine. I don't know his status nor do I care. But at least participate in the social contract. I am tired of political priests who are not selfless and appear to be political priests instead of kind and loving members of society who set the example. Yes, masks prevent others from contracting COVID. This is such a small sacrifice that you will not unfortunately make. I'm sure Jesus would. If priests want to be viewed in the same light as Jesus, particularly during Transubstantiation, then they need to try to emulate the traits of Jesus...kind, selfless, member of the social contract and APOLITICAL!!! Very disappointed in Catholic priests - they are too political!

I thought Jesus was very political?

[Anonymous]

It might make more sense to start a new thread to talk about Fr. Noah at BI, instead of reopening one from 6-7 years ago with a title that refers to somebody else ...

Oh, and on the altar server question, me, that's who.