By The Editors
It’s odd the Rockville Centre Diocese is trying to remove Sister Kathy Riordan since those on campus who know her best think she needs to stay, not go.
Almost everyone that has spoken out about her possible departure describes her presence as enormously positive.
Sister Kathy has become an integral part of the University community over the past 10 years as one of the campus’ Catholic Chaplains. She serves as advisor of the Newman Club, the University’s Catholic club, hosts weekly Masses and holds a total of 30 office hours each week.
Rev. Brian Barr is the director of the Campus Parish of Long Island, which oversees 10 Long Island college campuses, including the University, Adelphi and Stony Brook. He says that the diocese needs to restructure the placement of their Chaplains, which is why Riordan is on a path to leave.
Ironically the diocese is trying to follow a call by the Vatican to raise enthusiasm among young Catholics. The diocese would be wise to come here and actually speak to the young Catholics they claim to represent.
The spokesperson for the diocese says they’re “trying to update their product.” Clearly the diocese is out of touch with the University community. Religious institutions should not be assimilated to businesses.
Sister Kathy has not only proven herself as a religious leader, but also a close friend to the large number of students she interacts with-going beyond the call of duty on a daily basis.
The stir her potential displacement has caused is further evidence of her strong commitment and impact on the campus. The Newman Club, the Deans of Students Office and President Rabinowitz have all expressed opposition to the diocese’s decision.
It appears that the diocese is making decisions that are based independently on their values, without regard to the interests of the University’s Catholic community.
The students that stand to lose from Riordan’s forced leave from the campus should speak out and try to connect with their religious institution.
The diocese’s action so far is a sad indication of a religious community losing touch with its members. Ultimately it’s the future students who will suffer most, they will not have the benefit of entering a Chaplain’s office that emits the warmth and spirit of a cohesive religious group – Sister Kathy’s relationship with students makes that happen.
Replacing Sister Kathy with a younger and less experienced Chaplain seems to be exactly what the University’s Catholic community doesn’t want. What they do want is a spiritual leader who has both religious and social wisdom. They want someone who is involved because they want to be, someone who goes to the basketball games and participates in comunity events because it’s their life-not their job.