Since it's well-known, at least among people in Vineland, that Bishop Galante has long wanted to close the historic and beautiful Sacred Heart (roughly the size of the cathedral in Camden), which outrages many (myself included since this is the church of my ancestors), this is no great surprise. In fact, it's the oldest trick in the book. One way of messing with a group's identity is to remove its long-standing leader. While Fr. Amabile's mother is apparently sick, (may the Lord bless her,) that seems a very convenient thing for the Galante administration.
What's still so surprising is that a native Vinelander, Msgr. John Burton, would continue to work with Galante in achieving this end. Shame! (One wonders, is it all about getting ahead and making brownie points?)
His departure would not affect Galante's plan to cut 124 parishes in the diocese down to 68, Walton said. Sacred Heart Parish and St. Isidore the Farmer Parish on Magnolia Road will merge under the plan, with St. Isidore assuming primary worship duties.It seems to be most people's assumption that since St. Isidore's on Magnolia has so much land, Galante plans to use it to create his gigantic Vineland, evangelical protestant-style megachurch on that spot. But I suppose a traditional and beautiful Catholic church, no matter the size or history, does not serve the bishop's purposes.
(Below are maps of St. Isidore's on top and Sacred heart on the bottom. If you'd like to examine the maps more closely just click on them.)
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Besides all that, closing Sacred Heart would rip the soul out of what is left of downtown Vineland. What a way to build "community" and help the less fortunate--to move the main Vineland parish to the burbs.
It would seem appropriate at this time to thank the Augustinian Order, in all seriousness and sincerity, for helping us in South Jersey by sending us priests for all these years. They have been a great blessing, and continue to to be, even, as Fr. Marty Smith referred to them, as "rent-a-priests" when parishes are in a pinch. We thank you!
The article is below. You may also read Daily Journal article by clicking here.
Sacred Heart pastor moving on to N.Y. post
VINELAND -- After nine years, the Rev. Patsy Amabile has celebrated a number of Masses at Sacred Heart Parish.
His last could come later this month.
Amabile is headed to a parish in West Islip, Long Island, N.Y., if he receives approval from Diocese of Camden Bishop Joseph A. Galante. The 67-year-old requested the move so he could be closer to his ailing mother.
Amabile would, at least temporarily, serve as pastor for Our Lady of Lourdes. He plans on returning to his "home diocese" in the future.
"As pastor, you become somewhat connected with the parishioners, and I will miss them and the friends I have made," he said.
Amabile would be taking a position within the Dioceses of Rockville Centre starting Sept. 1, Diocese of Camden spokesman Andrew Walton said.
His departure would not affect Galante's plan to cut 124 parishes in the diocese down to 68, Walton said.
Sacred Heart Parish and St. Isidore the Farmer Parish on Magnolia Road will merge under the plan, with St. Isidore assuming primary worship duties.
Monsignor John Burton of St. Isidore is the priest convener who is working with a core team of representatives from both parishes to prepare for the merger, Walton said.
"In this time of transition -- which I know they will be going through -- I know they will be in good hands," Amabile said.
Amabile requested the special transfer about five months ago so he could move closer to his 94-year-old, mother, who is living in a nursing home on Long Island.
"I think she needs me to help her while she's in the home," he said.
Amabile has been with the Camden Diocese for 19 years and a pastor at Sacred Heart for nine years.
His last day is Aug. 31, but the parish scheduled a farewell Mass and dinner on Aug. 21.
"He was our spiritual leader for almost a decade," said Frank Guaracini Jr., a deacon and lifelong member with the parish. "He is very kind and compassionate. He offered comfort and spiritual guidance to those who needed it, and I wish him well."
The parish is hosting farewell coffees this month for Amabile and the Rev. Martin Smith, an Augustinian who occasionally presided over services at Sacred Heart.
"He was very likable," Guaracini said of Smith. "He's been filling in for many, many years when other priests were not available."
Smith also will be leaving the area to take on a new role with the Augustinian Order and care for the elderly religious in Villanova, Pa., Walton said.