[COBOL2Java]

From the Diocesan webpage:

RESPONSE TO COURT RULING ON ST. STANISLAUS

March 15, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact: Angie Shelton Community Relations Specialist Phone: 314-792-7101

Archdiocese of St. Louis plans to appeal the decision

St. Louis, MO - The court’s decision today is a disappointment for Polish American Catholics who wished to see St. Stanislaus returned to communion with the Roman Catholic Church. At the same time, it brings great sadness to all in the Archdiocese of St. Louis who had hoped for reconciliation and healing in this matter.

In this opinion, the judge has agreed that the corporate purpose of the parish corporation is to maintain a Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican has determined that the corporation by revising its bylaws in 2001 and 2004 has transformed St. Stanislaus into an entity which has no resemblance to a Roman Catholic parish. Archbishop Robert J. Carlson has sup- ported the determination of the Vatican and has tried to work with the parish to bring it in communion with the Roman Catholic Church once again.

Judge Hettenbach, in the opinion issued today, has disregarded these ecclesiastical determinations and has substituted his own analysis of Church law, finding that the bylaws are not in conflict with the parish corporate purpose of maintaining a Roman Catholic Church. We plan to appeal this decision and will take this case all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary.

We are committed in prayer and pastoral outreach to reconcile the members of St. Stanislaus to full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.

[Tao Yin]

Holy words of omission. The corporate purpose of the parish corporation is not to maintain a Roman Catholic Church, but to maintain a Polish Roman Catholic Church. I know it's just a single word, but words mean things.