Bishop Murphy, diocese's priests hope planned meeting brings healing

Published: 2003-12-10

SEAFORD, N.Y. (CNS) -- Organizers of a planned meeting in January between Bishop William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre and the priests of his diocese said they hope the exchange will offer a chance to address conflict and work for healing in the church. "This is a grace-filled opportunity for the diocese and there has been an enthusiastic response" from the bishop, the priests and the people, said Father Thomas Gallagher, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in North Merrick. He is a member of the committee that is organizing the meeting, planned for Jan. 19 at a location still to be determined. The proposal for the meeting came in a letter to the bishop drawn up by a small group of priests, then several dozen priests signed on to it. In response to the letter, which was signed by 50 priests, Bishop Murphy agreed to the meeting and assigned Msgr. James McNamara, pastor of Holy Cross Church in Nesconset, to serve as his representative to the organizing committee. Capuchin Franciscan Father David Couturier, a priest from White Plains, will serve as facilitator for the Jan. 19 meeting.

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