Here we tackle some of the myths you may have heard about STLC. Have you heard a story about STLC and you want to know if it is true?
MYTH: By actively trying to save Holy Rosary Church, the STLC is being disobedient to the Archdiocese or the Archbishop’s decree.
FACT: Catholic Canon Law prescribes an appeal process for a reason. And that is the process that Save Tacoma’s Landmark Church is following. The Church cannot outline a process and simultaneously declare those Catholics following the process to be disobedient to the church.
MYTH: STLC plans to turn Holy Rosary church into a brewery (or some other secular use – we’ve heard them all!)
FACT: We would like to save Holy Rosary with the following priorities: first, it remains the Holy Rosary Parish church. If the Archdiocese does not want to continue the parish of Holy Rosary, our second choice is to see an Order take it over and/or have the building be used as a Catholic Shrine.
Confusion seems to arise from our language hoping that the renovated building be used more than it was in the past. That means connecting people to the beauty of the building and the Catholic faith. Thousands of people, Catholic and non-Catholic, are drawn to this building. In the past, we have missed opportunities to use that attraction to further serve their corporal and spiritual needs.
Using a restored church for Catholic services as well as tours, sacred musical performances, and outreach is not only in keeping with parishes around the world, including St. Peter’s at the Vatican, but is also demanded by our faith. We have absolutely NO intention of seeing it used as a pub, rock concert venue, or other non-sacred use.
MYTH: Save Tacoma’s Landmark Church continues to use the Holy Rosary Church Campus for fundraising and distribution of materials.
TRUTH: As requested by the Archdiocese of Seattle, NONE of our fundraising work, including meetings, events, and discussions, is being held on Archdiocese grounds.
We have held meetings at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and at Christ Episcopal Church with their permission and welcome. Fundraising activities have been held at The Blue Mouse Theatre, Bellarmine High School (a Catholic school not under the auspices of the Archdiocese), and Christ Episcopal Church.