St. Louis Parish Votes Down Archbishop’s Directive

Jan 9, 2005 / 22:00 pm

Last night, parishoners at a North St. Louis Church overwhelmingly voted down a proposal to conform to Archdiocesan standards and come into compliance with Church law.

St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish voted 299-5 in favor of retaining full control of the parish, it’s operation, and assets from the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

The Parish currently operates under a structure in which the pastor is subject to the authority of the parish governing board. Archbishop Burke has pointed out that this structure is in violation of Canon Law.

In August, Burke removed the priests assigned to St. Stanislaus and moved Polish language masses to a nearby parish although many church members have continued to hold a weekly “prayer meeting.”

Archbishop Burke had given the parish until February 4th to bring the church’s civil structure into compliance with Church law, but last night’s vote seems indicative of what is to come.

Although it’s opponents claim otherwise, the office of the Archbishop maintains that the Archbishop is not interested in taking St. Stanislaus’ assets, only that the parish conform to Church law.

In November, the Vatican denied a hand-delivered appeal by the parish regarding the matter.

Archbishop Burke warned parish board members earlier this month that if they continue to reject the Church’s directive, they may face an interdict, which forbids them from receiving the sacraments as long as their rebellion continues.