Change Afoot at Most Holy Redeemer [San Francisco]

California Catholic Daily ^ | 5/7/12

[marshmallow]

Fr. Steve Meriwether replaced as pastor at renegade San Francisco parish

Fr. Steve Meriwether is being replaced as pastor at San Francisco’s notoriously “gay-friendly” Most Holy Redeemer Church.

Fr. Meriwether, whose pastorate began in 2004, had been reappointed to serve a second six-year term in 2010. No reason was given for his early departure in a two-paragraph story announcing the change in the May 4 issue of Catholic San Francisco. The archdiocesan newspaper did not say where or if Fr. Meriwether was being reassigned or whether he left his position for other reasons.

Fr. Brian Costello, currently serving as pastor of San Francisco’s Star of the Sea Church, will replace Fr. Meriwether effective July 1, according to Catholic San Francisco.

Whether the change will result in a different direction for the renegade parish remains to be seen, especially since the selection of pastors for Most Holy Redeemer appears to be handled differently than in other parishes.

Fr. Meriwether is the third pastor (plus one administrator) to serve at the parish since 1982. On page 27 of Fr. Donal Godfrey’s Gays and Grays: the Story of Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Fr. Godfrey reports a 1982 discussion regarding a new pastor for the parish. He quotes Deacon Laurence Rolle, then serving at MHR:

“‘They came from the chancery, the personnel board, to ask questions, to see whom to send. We have to replace Fr. Moriarity, they said; ‘What kind of pastor do we need in this parish?’ I said, ‘The parish is gradually becoming more gay. These are the demographics of the area. This needs to be thought about in making this decision.’ There was absolute stone-dead silence in the room… and the meeting went on to another point… Fortunately, Archbishop John Quinn was well aware the question needed to be..........

[ecomcon]

The beautiful feeling of inclusion and spiritual peace is palpable in your church. The music was incredible. Singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” in church is something I will never forget….”

Puke.

[HGSW0904]

These people don’t want a church. They want a campfire and positive affirmations to support their ‘do what you want to do’ lifestyle. It’s a shame the church is accommodating them.

[MSSC6644]

“Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.”

This is the only response I think necessary.

[Salvation]

**Whether the change will result in a different direction for the renegade parish remains to be seen**

Let’s hope and pray so.

[If You Want It Fixed - Fix It]

You can’t fool God.

The parishioners can fool the priest, the priest can fool the bishop and the bishop can fool the pope - because we believe on faith and love, not facts we cannot see - but you can’t fool God. You destroy yourself.