Bishop Says "No" to Nuns

A new Catholic grade school is opening in the 2012-2013 school year. St. Gabriel Catholic School will be starting with Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Fr. Marcus Gomori, Pastor of St. Gabriel the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church, had been planning on bringing in Roman Catholic nuns in full habit (the Dominican Sisters of Nashville) to teach the children and potentially establish a Mother House near the school.

But because they are Roman Catholic Sisters and not Eastern Rite Sisters under the authority of the Eparchy, Bishop Pepe's permission is necessary in order for them to function in Las Vegas.

Two trustworthy and credible sources have independently confirmed that Bishop Pepe refuses to give his permission for the Sisters to come to Las Vegas to teach. What has not been verified independently is the reason for his refusal, so at the moment it would be speculation to say why he won't give permission.

Unable to secure permission, Fr. Marcus will instead be contracting the Sisters of Saint Basil under the authority of the Eparchy of Van Nuys (independent from our local Bishop). It is hoped that in turn, the sisters themselves will eventually be able to hire the Dominican Sisters of Nashville - under the authority of the same Eparchy instead of the Bishop.

Interestingly, the Bishop's call for financial support of Catholic schools on the Diocesan home page this week makes reference to seven Catholic elementary schools (St. Gabriel would not be included in that number) and makes reference to the fact that students are no longer taught by Sisters. He states:

"Those of us, who have been afforded the opportunity of a Catholic elementary school education, are also aware of the changes that have occurred.  In the past most Catholic schools were the beneficiaries of very dedicated Sisters, Brothers, and Priests who regularly staffed both teaching and administrative positions, often with very limited compensation.  Today we gratefully depend upon the many professional people who devote their vocations as teachers and administrators to the needs of students and parents who still seek this excellent educational opportunity."

It bears mentioning that although it may be of a different Rite, St. Gabriel is also a Catholic school, fully in line with and under the authority of the Holy See.

Call to Prayer:

Eternal Father,
we praise you for sending your Son
to be one of us and to save us.
Look upon your people with mercy,
for we are divided in so many ways,
and give us the Spirit of Jesus to make us one in love.

We ask this gift, loving Father,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.