Re the article ‘‘Crisis for church’’ (Leader, October 10).
An investigation earlier this year by The Age reported the wealth of the Catholic Church in Australia at $30+ billion.
This is an institution that went well out of its way to deny or minimise compensation to victims of child sexual abuse, and now they want a local church to put its hand out for donations.
It’s beyond a joke.
Scott, Penshurst
If the Archdiocese are unable to assist financially their parishes, in circumstances such as this, it only demonstrates that the unwillingness to support, extends to the congregation also.
I feel sure, unless there is a wealthy parishioner within this parish to donate a vast sum of money to save a closure option, that most families could use $500 towards other costs surrounding their day to day living.
K Brown, Riverwood
Why would the repairs have gone ahead if there was no money to pay for it?
Surely no builder would go ahead with the job knowing that there’s a strong possibility of not being paid.
I find it very frustrating knowing how much would’ve been spent on legal fees defending Pell and I’m sure the Catholic Church didn’t ask for donations for that!
My mum is a widowed pensioner from this parish and I’m fed up with her telling me that that they’re being asked to fund this! She’s feeling guilty that she can’t donate! This is appalling St Joseph’s.
Virginia Donati
Why don’t they ask the Vatican to send back “funds”? Another absolute scam which I’m glad I am not part of.
Matt Burnham
Geez, get a second quote. $1 million for a roof is nuts unless they are going for a slate tile in which case it’s a choice.
James Jeffery
Why put a whole new roof on when it would probably have been cheaper to knock it down and start again ... asking $500 per family is outrageous.
Julie Bean
Wow, the audacity for such a request from one of the richest churches on the planet. How about they pray to God that the Pope will see his way clear to share some of the Vatican's profits with them.
Kerrilee Hardy
Thoughts and prayers should fix it.
Craig McRitchie
What no building insurance? What is passing the Sunday plate used for over the years?
Julie Molloy
That price is ridiculous. It would have cost less to pull the church down and build a new one. Your builder must must have been thrilled when he saw you coming.
Portia Walsh
Ask the Vatican, they have more money than they know what to do with. It's probably in the Cayman Islands!
Jan Emerson
Seems quite an extravagant bill just for the roo. Could build a new church for a million.
Samantha Cardwell Tzinnis
Don’t you already get more than enough from the parishioners. About time you gave some back.
Linda Parsons
If god was real those termites wouldn’t be eating the joint.
Dave Moller
Aw come on! The church is loaded ... they can afford to pay for a new roof for one of their parish churches! Seems like a load of bunkum to me - let the suckers pay.
Doti Evans