One of the biggest challenges with Father Sheehan and the Archdiocese is that they don't answer our questions. To help everyone...this section is for your questions to Father Sheehan & the Archdiocese. This IS NOT for people to place "their" answer or "what they think is the answer"...this section is for questions only that you would like to have answered...we can send these questions down to Newark.
(FYI: Please note that as I "add" posts..."older" posts are pushed to a second page...to reach the other posts....click on the "titles" on the left or goto the bottom of the page and click "older posts".)
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Meeting
Results of the Meeting: (Thank you to those that forwarded these "minutes of the meeting" to me.)
1.) The organizers spoke to Sister Ellen and Sister Patricia...the Sisters LOVE Notre Dame and our children...THEY WANT TO STAY!
Petitions and letters ARE having an impact...redouble the effort. Over 500 signatures have been collected and that's only the petitions that have been turned in!!!!
"Hit them where it hurts": Collections and Archbishop Annual Appeal...place empty envelopes in collections with a note explaining that the money won't be given until the Sisters are reinstated, our "administrator" is replaced and our concerns addressed.
Start Phone Calls to Archdiocese...can be very effective (Names & #'s are forthcoming!)
"Positive" Rally to Support Notre Dame and the Sisters (with lots of media attention) on 3/25
2.) Father Sheehan does not have the best interests of our children at heart. He cannot be Notre Dame's "administrator". He is extremely unresponsive to parents. A new administrator is needed.
3.) Several positive comments were made about how Father Armando is honest and straightforward. Would he make a good "administrator"? (But how will he handle his vested interest in his "own little school" at Saint Nicholas? How can you support TWO schools when only one can survive?)
4.) Lots of questions that Father Sheehan won't answer. How can parents registrar their children with so many questions that are unanswered? Registration date is coming up too quickly...it should be extended. If we don't registrar our children "until we get answers"...will the Church make other drastic cuts to Notre Dame?
5.) Questions/Comments were made about Ridgefield Board of Ed. Several Board of Ed. members are parishioners at Saint Matthews, so they have a conflict of interest. The rental price was noted as $500,000...but why does Cliffside Park rent its Catholic school for only 100K/150K?
6.) Need to be able to "reach out" to more parents. Should we create an e-mail list or even better can we have a "class mother" for each classroom to create/call a "phone web" for that classroom?
So, keep sending those letters and signing the petitions. Tell everyone you know.
1.) The organizers spoke to Sister Ellen and Sister Patricia...the Sisters LOVE Notre Dame and our children...THEY WANT TO STAY!
Petitions and letters ARE having an impact...redouble the effort. Over 500 signatures have been collected and that's only the petitions that have been turned in!!!!
"Hit them where it hurts": Collections and Archbishop Annual Appeal...place empty envelopes in collections with a note explaining that the money won't be given until the Sisters are reinstated, our "administrator" is replaced and our concerns addressed.
Start Phone Calls to Archdiocese...can be very effective (Names & #'s are forthcoming!)
"Positive" Rally to Support Notre Dame and the Sisters (with lots of media attention) on 3/25
2.) Father Sheehan does not have the best interests of our children at heart. He cannot be Notre Dame's "administrator". He is extremely unresponsive to parents. A new administrator is needed.
3.) Several positive comments were made about how Father Armando is honest and straightforward. Would he make a good "administrator"? (But how will he handle his vested interest in his "own little school" at Saint Nicholas? How can you support TWO schools when only one can survive?)
4.) Lots of questions that Father Sheehan won't answer. How can parents registrar their children with so many questions that are unanswered? Registration date is coming up too quickly...it should be extended. If we don't registrar our children "until we get answers"...will the Church make other drastic cuts to Notre Dame?
5.) Questions/Comments were made about Ridgefield Board of Ed. Several Board of Ed. members are parishioners at Saint Matthews, so they have a conflict of interest. The rental price was noted as $500,000...but why does Cliffside Park rent its Catholic school for only 100K/150K?
6.) Need to be able to "reach out" to more parents. Should we create an e-mail list or even better can we have a "class mother" for each classroom to create/call a "phone web" for that classroom?
So, keep sending those letters and signing the petitions. Tell everyone you know.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Online & Downloadable Petitions are Ready!!
The Online Petition is up and running. Check under the "What Can I Do Now?" section...sign it and tell everyone!
The Downloadable Petition is also up and ready. Just download it (Microsoft Word), print it and GET PEOPLE TO SIGN...tell everyone! Check under the "What Can I Do Now?" section. Everyone must do their part or we risk failure!
The Downloadable Petition is also up and ready. Just download it (Microsoft Word), print it and GET PEOPLE TO SIGN...tell everyone! Check under the "What Can I Do Now?" section. Everyone must do their part or we risk failure!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
What Can I Do Now???
Many people are extremely angry with Father Sheehan and want to do something now. So here are some things you can do...NOW!
The Media:
Remember, the Archbishop hates being in the media...so...
Write a "strong but appropriate" letter to the Local Newspapers explaining your concerns about Saint Matthews, Notre Dame and demand that BOTH sisters are reinstated: (Try to get it published in the OP Ed Sections.) (WE can also send articles/information/pictures of things of interest like charity events etc.) Remember, if you get something in the paper...let us know!
Contacts:
The Record: 150 River St. Hackensack NJ 07601
Send letters to: "Your Views" 150 River St. Hackensack NJ 07601
E-mail: LettersToTheEditor@NorthJersey.com
Fax: 201-646-4749
General News: Call 201-646-4100 or Email: TheRecordNewsroom@NorthJersey.com
One staff writer that has been reporting on Notre Dame is John Chadwick (chadwick@northjersey.com)
The Record has a series of articles dedicated to Education and they even have a Religion section! So you can send items to them through the "newsroom" email. (everything goes through the "newsroom")
The Star-Ledger: 1 Star Ledger Plaza Newark NJ 07102-1200
Address letters to one of the following Opinion Editors:
Fran Dauth (Email: FDauth@StarLedger.com) 973-392-1536
Deborah Jerome-Cohen (Email: DCohen@StarLedger.com) 973-392-1787
Josh MacMahon (Email: JMacmahon@StarLedger.com) 973-392-5728
Drew Sheneman (Email: DSheneman@StarLedger.com) (Send only "political" cartoon/drawings of Father Sheehan to him) :)
If you have "a story" about something good going on in Notre Dame (including pictures) or something about Father Sheehan. See if the Star Ledger is interested...Contact:
Steven Lichman Asst. Editor Local News (SLichman@StarLedger.com) 973-392-4208
The Bergen News/The Sun Bulletin: 111 Grand Ave Palisades Park NJ 07650
You can send them a letter or even type your own articles about the great things Notre Dame is doing or the problems with Father Sheehan (use facts only!) and pictures. They are a great local newspaper that has always addressed local concerns.
Douglas Hall, Editor, 1-201-947-5000 x35
Robyn Nadel, Staff Writer, 201-947-5000 x31 (editorial@bergennews.com)
Christina Rossi, Staff Writer, 201-947-5000 x32 (crossi@bergennews.com)
When we have a rally or something big is going on at Notre Dame (fundraiser etc.) or maybe they will perform a "community piece".
Contact:
NJN News Television: 50 Park Place Newark NJ 07102
Phone 973-648-3630 Fax 973-643-4004 Email: NJNNews@NJN.org
News12 Television: 450 Raritan Center Parkway Edison NJ 08837
Phone 732-346-3200 Fax: 732-417-5155 Email: News12NJ@news12.com
Write a Letter to the Archbishop:
Let him know that you don't appreciate what Father Sheehan is doing. He should be transferred someplace else, BOTH Sister Pat & Sister Ellen MUST be reinstated and that you expect his support (including financial for Notre Dame). (You should also note that you will be holding back your mass contributions AND the money for the Archbishop Annual Appeal...the money will be used for YOUR local Catholic school! Explain WHY people are leaving the parish!!) Send letters to:
Downloadable "Form" Letters to the Archbishop & Bishop...just print, sign and mail! Print a copy for your friends too! Form letters are not as effective as personal letters but it is better than nothing. You can use the form letter as a guide for your own if you want. Give copies to everyone you know. *****If the file doesn't come up the first time..."click" "Refresh" button on your browser...it will come up.****
Most Reverend John J. Myers
Archbishop of Newark
Archdiocese of Newark
171 Clifton Ave
Newark NJ 07104
Phone: 973-497-4000
AND (very important to send letters to our regional Bishop...supposedly very supportive!!!)
Most Reverend John Flesey
Regional Bishop for Bergen County
Most Blessed Sacrament
787 Franklin Lake Rd
Franklin Lakes NJ 07417
Send Bishop Flesey an email TOO! JFlesey@RCMBS.Org
MONEY:
Since money is the main issue according to Father Sheehan, then we will make it an issue: When you goto mass, drop an empty collection envelope in the collections. (Don't just "not give" he has to know, so drop an empty envelope in and let him know that the money will go to Notre Dame instead. You should also hold off on sending any pledges to the Archbishop's Annual Appeal...the money is suppose to support parishes & schools...since they won't support our school...we won't support them. (The Diocese will "fine" Saint Matthews for not meeting our goal...but..hey...that's father's problem!) Put all money aside until we can figure out how to directly funnel it into Notre Dame. (We can't just send it to Notre Dame because father controls the checkbook. We can't send the money to the sisters because that would be considered "earned income". (Maybe the Home-School Assoc.??)
Spread the Word:
Inform EVERYONE you know. Send emails with this web address. Print out the "Story" and copy it for everyone. People must know. We need thousands of people, not just a few hundred. Spread the word.
Post YOUR ideas:
Lets hear from you. How do you think we can help Notre Dame and the Sisters.
Sign the Petitions:
Sign our ONLINE Petition: (You will need a valid e-mail address.) Get EVERYONE you know to sign it.
Download the petition in Microsoft Word. Copy and pass out to everyone. Get people to sign them. If every single Notre Dame family gets 10 signatures, we will have over 3,000 signatures. Tell Everyone...spread the word...get people to sign!! ***Click the "Refresh" button on your internet browser if it doesn't show up the first time.****
Send Completed Petitions to : Contact Christine at: thescrapgirl@gmail.com
Tell Father Sheehan:
Let Father Sheehan know what you think. ALWAYS do it in a polite, respectful, but firm manner...do not threaten in any way...we ARE Catholics.
So what are you waiting for...DO IT!!
The Media:
Remember, the Archbishop hates being in the media...so...
Write a "strong but appropriate" letter to the Local Newspapers explaining your concerns about Saint Matthews, Notre Dame and demand that BOTH sisters are reinstated: (Try to get it published in the OP Ed Sections.) (WE can also send articles/information/pictures of things of interest like charity events etc.) Remember, if you get something in the paper...let us know!
Contacts:
The Record: 150 River St. Hackensack NJ 07601
Send letters to: "Your Views" 150 River St. Hackensack NJ 07601
E-mail: LettersToTheEditor@NorthJersey.com
Fax: 201-646-4749
General News: Call 201-646-4100 or Email: TheRecordNewsroom@NorthJersey.com
One staff writer that has been reporting on Notre Dame is John Chadwick (chadwick@northjersey.com)
The Record has a series of articles dedicated to Education and they even have a Religion section! So you can send items to them through the "newsroom" email. (everything goes through the "newsroom")
The Star-Ledger: 1 Star Ledger Plaza Newark NJ 07102-1200
Address letters to one of the following Opinion Editors:
Fran Dauth (Email: FDauth@StarLedger.com) 973-392-1536
Deborah Jerome-Cohen (Email: DCohen@StarLedger.com) 973-392-1787
Josh MacMahon (Email: JMacmahon@StarLedger.com) 973-392-5728
Drew Sheneman (Email: DSheneman@StarLedger.com) (Send only "political" cartoon/drawings of Father Sheehan to him) :)
If you have "a story" about something good going on in Notre Dame (including pictures) or something about Father Sheehan. See if the Star Ledger is interested...Contact:
Steven Lichman Asst. Editor Local News (SLichman@StarLedger.com) 973-392-4208
The Bergen News/The Sun Bulletin: 111 Grand Ave Palisades Park NJ 07650
You can send them a letter or even type your own articles about the great things Notre Dame is doing or the problems with Father Sheehan (use facts only!) and pictures. They are a great local newspaper that has always addressed local concerns.
Douglas Hall, Editor, 1-201-947-5000 x35
Robyn Nadel, Staff Writer, 201-947-5000 x31 (editorial@bergennews.com)
Christina Rossi, Staff Writer, 201-947-5000 x32 (crossi@bergennews.com)
When we have a rally or something big is going on at Notre Dame (fundraiser etc.) or maybe they will perform a "community piece".
Contact:
NJN News Television: 50 Park Place Newark NJ 07102
Phone 973-648-3630 Fax 973-643-4004 Email: NJNNews@NJN.org
News12 Television: 450 Raritan Center Parkway Edison NJ 08837
Phone 732-346-3200 Fax: 732-417-5155 Email: News12NJ@news12.com
Write a Letter to the Archbishop:
Let him know that you don't appreciate what Father Sheehan is doing. He should be transferred someplace else, BOTH Sister Pat & Sister Ellen MUST be reinstated and that you expect his support (including financial for Notre Dame). (You should also note that you will be holding back your mass contributions AND the money for the Archbishop Annual Appeal...the money will be used for YOUR local Catholic school! Explain WHY people are leaving the parish!!) Send letters to:
Downloadable "Form" Letters to the Archbishop & Bishop...just print, sign and mail! Print a copy for your friends too! Form letters are not as effective as personal letters but it is better than nothing. You can use the form letter as a guide for your own if you want. Give copies to everyone you know. *****If the file doesn't come up the first time..."click" "Refresh" button on your browser...it will come up.****
Most Reverend John J. Myers
Archbishop of Newark
Archdiocese of Newark
171 Clifton Ave
Newark NJ 07104
Phone: 973-497-4000
AND (very important to send letters to our regional Bishop...supposedly very supportive!!!)
Most Reverend John Flesey
Regional Bishop for Bergen County
Most Blessed Sacrament
787 Franklin Lake Rd
Franklin Lakes NJ 07417
Send Bishop Flesey an email TOO! JFlesey@RCMBS.Org
MONEY:
Since money is the main issue according to Father Sheehan, then we will make it an issue: When you goto mass, drop an empty collection envelope in the collections. (Don't just "not give" he has to know, so drop an empty envelope in and let him know that the money will go to Notre Dame instead. You should also hold off on sending any pledges to the Archbishop's Annual Appeal...the money is suppose to support parishes & schools...since they won't support our school...we won't support them. (The Diocese will "fine" Saint Matthews for not meeting our goal...but..hey...that's father's problem!) Put all money aside until we can figure out how to directly funnel it into Notre Dame. (We can't just send it to Notre Dame because father controls the checkbook. We can't send the money to the sisters because that would be considered "earned income". (Maybe the Home-School Assoc.??)
Spread the Word:
Inform EVERYONE you know. Send emails with this web address. Print out the "Story" and copy it for everyone. People must know. We need thousands of people, not just a few hundred. Spread the word.
Post YOUR ideas:
Lets hear from you. How do you think we can help Notre Dame and the Sisters.
Sign the Petitions:
Sign our ONLINE Petition: (You will need a valid e-mail address.) Get EVERYONE you know to sign it.
Download the petition in Microsoft Word. Copy and pass out to everyone. Get people to sign them. If every single Notre Dame family gets 10 signatures, we will have over 3,000 signatures. Tell Everyone...spread the word...get people to sign!! ***Click the "Refresh" button on your internet browser if it doesn't show up the first time.****
Send Completed Petitions to : Contact Christine at: thescrapgirl@gmail.com
Tell Father Sheehan:
Let Father Sheehan know what you think. ALWAYS do it in a polite, respectful, but firm manner...do not threaten in any way...we ARE Catholics.
So what are you waiting for...DO IT!!
Monday, February 12, 2007
The Rules & Websites
I just wanted to post the rules of this "Blog"
We, the members of our Catholic Community, will use this site to help save Notre Dame and Sister Pat & Sister Ellen who operate the school. If you do NOT support us, please do not post here.
Please do not use foul language.
Please do not insult others.
Please never threaten anyone or threaten to damage anything.
No rumors or gossip...just the facts so we can make proper decisions.
There is no such thing as a "dumb" idea, an idea may not work now...but you never know about the future...we are here to brainstorm...you never know what might work.
All posts are considered our personal opinions.
Never blame the parishioners...in a way, we are ALL parishioners...we want their support.
We LOVE Notre Dame and that's why we are here.
Our site:
Blog: Http://helpnotredame.blogspot.com
More people are talking:
http://www.topix.net/forum/city/ridgefield-nj
http://www.nj.com/forums/ridgefield/
http://stopsheehan.com/ (I love the quotes she found, perfect for letters to the ArchBishop!)
We, the members of our Catholic Community, will use this site to help save Notre Dame and Sister Pat & Sister Ellen who operate the school. If you do NOT support us, please do not post here.
Please do not use foul language.
Please do not insult others.
Please never threaten anyone or threaten to damage anything.
No rumors or gossip...just the facts so we can make proper decisions.
There is no such thing as a "dumb" idea, an idea may not work now...but you never know about the future...we are here to brainstorm...you never know what might work.
All posts are considered our personal opinions.
Never blame the parishioners...in a way, we are ALL parishioners...we want their support.
We LOVE Notre Dame and that's why we are here.
Our site:
Blog: Http://helpnotredame.blogspot.com
More people are talking:
http://www.topix.net/forum/city/ridgefield-nj
http://www.nj.com/forums/ridgefield/
http://stopsheehan.com/ (I love the quotes she found, perfect for letters to the ArchBishop!)
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Notes of Support for Sister Pat & Sister Ellen
For those of you that don't know, Sister Pat and Sister Ellen have been taking care of our Notre Dame children for over 20 years. These highly educated (both have Master degrees!) nuns have been a true asset of Notre Dame. One of the main reasons I love Notre Dame School is because of them. They are wonderful people and they FIGHT for our children. They always do what is best for our kids. We may not always agree with them on grading & discipline, but we all know that our children are safe and well taken care of. Our children are their children...they love the children, like they are their own. I am proud to call them...friends.
Help Notre Dame
Many people are upset over Pastor Sheehan's unilateral decision to close Notre Dame. So I thought a place where we could all discuss our ideas to help save our school and Sister Pat and Sister Ellen would be a good idea. Plus I don't like how he deceiving people, he uses the pulpit and bulletin to say one thing and then is doing another. We need a pastor that will support us. We need a committee that is willing to go against Pastor Sheehan. If he can't handle a parish with a school...he should go someplace else...there are PLENTY of parishes without a school! Yes, saving a school is hard work...but it can be done.
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