DELIVER US FROM ….…!
Transcript of Fr. Beltran’s announcement at 10:30 Mass, 22 August, 2004.
“For a long time now I have been quiet about the behaviour of a
small group of parishioners who are continuing to foster disunity,
discontent and ill feelings among the people of the parish of St. Martin
of Tours. This small group is persistent in distributing flyers,
containing materials that does not support the teaching or position of the
Church, petitioning outside the church and wearing all-black armbands
during the celebration of the Mass. As your pastor, I am formally
denouncing their actions as being entirely non-Christian, non-Catholic and
definitely, not Christian, not Christ-like. Therefore, I strongly
recommend to all of you here present today that you disregard their
actions. This behaviour must stop, in the interest of restoring unity,
peace and harmony to our parish community, for their behaviour unbecoming,
I resolve that those parishioners who are volunteers but they participate
in the protests will be asked to not serve the community because it's a
contradiction to serve the community and protest against the priest,
bishop and the bigger community. I ask for your continued prayers for the
healing and unity of our parish community, a return to the true meaning of
the body of Christ. Thank you.”
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Fr. Beltran herein perpetuates the myth that the target of injustice is the cause of injustice. The perpetrator
always blames the victim. We the parishioners are the victims of “disunity, discontent and ill feelings”.
All people of goodwill, being fully informed of the true facts, can easily distinguish between the SOURCE of
the disunity and the PRODUCT of the disunity that sadly besets us.
St Martin of Tours had been a vibrant harmonious parish until five years ago. Up to then we were a model of
Christian unity. Our differences enriched us and made us strong. Fuelled by goodwill and guided by the Holy
Spirit, we excelled in our cooperative endeavours. Surely, you remember how happy we were - how alive
we were. So, what has since driven the wedge of division into the heart of our community? Perhaps we
should examine the misfortune of our pastor who has been dogged by discontent from parish to parish to
parish.
We need reconciliation in our parish. Until then we suffer the sickness that has now permeated all life
in our parish - to the point that all of us have been affected and hurt by it. It will continue to cripple us
until the CAUSE is identified – identified, acknowledged and corrected by our pastoral leader – our bishop.
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THOUGHTS
Everyone thought when Father Beltran returned from a long holiday, sponsored by the parishioners of St.
Martin’s, he would have reflected on the situation at St. Martin’s and would be willing to resolve issues and
concerns.
THAT DID NOT HAPPEN
In fact, he has taken a more hostile approach than previously, announcing the hiring of a new choir director,
organist and choir and dismissing people who have asked for discussion and who have volunteered their
services in this parish – ushers, eucharistic ministers, lectors, etc.
We had a choir of 40-50 people. Are they going to be part of this new “choir”?
I DON’T THINK SO
Who is going to remain to hear the “new choir”? Father Beltran has said he doesn’t care if you leave or if
everybody leaves.
Father Beltran refuses to listen to the parishioners who spiritually and financially support St. Martin’s. It is,
therefore, necessary to increase our resolve. In addition to the withdrawal of funds, we are asking you to
commit a few hours to an immediate special project. Please phone one of the people listed below to show
your support
_______________________________________________________
“Save Our Parish” is the voice of concerned parishioners working and
lobbying for positive corrective action..
For a summary of our previous circulars visit our website
www.saveourparish.com
Email:bishop.boissonneau@rogers.com Fax: 416 207-4984.
His Eminence, Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic, Fax: 416 934-3452.
For more information, contact:
Anna Jushkevich 905 279-7822 Aisling Egan 416 671-4710
Pat DeAngelis 416 809-1819 Duncan Walker 905 277 9825
Lucy Pires 905 273-6093 Dunstan Bazely 905 275-3946
Irene Egan 416 407-0153
