The Town Meeting at Sacred Heart Church to review the responses of the survey taken of the parish by the Core Team proved to be a very difficult situation.
It was evident at the onset of the meeting, the moderator, Pete Hogan, wished to limit discussion when he announced that a 40 minute presentation by the core team would be followed by only 10 minutes of questions. No dialogue would be allowed. Speakers must identify themselves and no one was allowed to interrupt.
When parishioners began to ask questions they approached the podium. The corner of the podium was nearly touching the first row of pews, and Msgr. Sempa sat directly in front of the podium approximately 2 feet distance between speaker and pastor. Deacon Pete stood directly behind and again within two feet of each speaker. If a comment was expressed he immediately interrupted and said, “Only questions are allowed!” and would not permit the person to continue.
An elderly prominent lady of Sacred Heart, who has solicited and solicited substantial financial donations for Sacred Heart - St. John Parish from numerous charitable outside organization for many years, approached the podium. When she slowly began to read her question, Deacon snickered behind her back.
Mary Jean Tarantini then approached the podium with papers in her hand. Before she even began, Deacon Pete said, “You cannot read a statement. Questions only.” He stood directly next to her and even touched the podium. Tarantini had to move to her left away from the mike. He was trying to read her papers over her shoulder. She explained that her question needed a few declaratory sentences as an introduction but Deacon Pete interrupted her again. A young man in the audience raised his hand and started to address Deacon Pete. Deacon asked his name. The young man identified himself and said,” My mom listened attentively for 40 minutes to you and the core team without interruption. I ask you to extend the same courtesy to her”. Mary Jean Tarantini continued to speak when two minutes later a friend of Deacon Pete angrily shouted at her. Tarantini responded: “Why are you yelling at me?” He had no comment. This man did not introduce himself and was not censored by the moderator for speaking out of order.
Another parishioner asked Deacon Pete what decision the core team made concerning the choice of cluster parishes. People in the audience knew this decision was made and the choice had been sent to Scranton three days earlier on March 10. The core team had already voted to unite in Cluster with SS. Peter and Paul’s in Plains. Yet Deacon Pete three times denied that a decision was made.
And so it continued.
No opposition was tolerated nor compromise even suggested.
No Christian kindness was demonstrated
We believed the Reid Group instructed the core teams to have open and direct communication, and that parishioners should be active participants. This certainly was not the case at Sacred Heart – St. John Parish.
Prepared by Mary Jean Tarantini | 
