Editor:

Out of all the issues facing the Roman Catholic Church, I never imagined that one of them would be putting its faithful in peril.

The events of Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, gave us a demonstration of how negligent the Allentown Diocese was in its decision to combine all the parishes of Coaldale, Lansford and Nesquehoning into St. Joseph’s Parish in Summit Hill.

The fast-moving but treacherous snowstorm left worshippers and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation trucks alike immobile and stranded for more than three hours. In case you are unaware, the hill connecting Summit Hill to the surrounding areas was closed for three and a half hours due to this storm. It left hundreds of the faithful who attended the 4 p.m. Mass at the “conveniently located” St. Joseph’s of the Panther Valley stranded. Consider the elderly or the diabetics who may have been among them.

The facts are clear that the diocese had little or no regard for the safety and well-being of its flock.

At this difficult time some were prepared and cared and some did not. The Mahoning Valley Ambulance Association opened its doors to the stranded while the faithful of the Allentown Diocese were left to sit it out in their cars.

When will the diocese wake up and discover that their decision in the merger was not well thought out and not in the best interest or for the good souls in the Panther Valley?

Respectfully,

John J. Zonca

Lansford