SAN
FRANCISCO (CBS SF) — A Bay Area church is now under fire over a
controversial new policy saying only boys can be altar servers.
The
new practice is making waves at the century old church Star of the
Sea. Since the ’70s, they’ve used altar girls during masses.
The
well-known Richmond District church also has a school serving about
230 kids. When the new priest banned girls from being altar servers,
it generated outrage among parents and parishioners alike. The priest
admits some parishioners even left the church.
“It’s
disturbing,” said churchgoer Connie Porciuncula.
Star
of the Sea School parent Tara Widmer agrees. “They’re definitely
taking a step in the wrong direction,” she said.
Father
Joseph Illo took over five months ago and decided to train only boys
to be altar servers. He said he has no choice but to exclude girls
because the future of the church is at stake.
“The
specifics of serving at the altar is a priestly function,” Illo
said. “And the Catholic church does not ordain women.”
But
many parishioners and parents criticize the new practice saying it
sends the wrong message.
“It
just kind of makes me feel that I’m not good enough because I’m a
girl,” said a 7th grader at the school who wishes to stay
anonymous.
Some
have left this church, others are threatening to leave.
Read
more by clicking below:
Peeved Parishioners Leaving SF Catholic Church Over Ban On Girls As Altar Servers « CBS San Francisco
No comments:
Post a Comment