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Bishop McCormick's leadership was exemplified in many ways: in the addition
of new parishes; in the creation of a spirit of accommodation and friendship
not only among members of varying religious persuasions but also among
differing ethnic groups; in emphasizing traditional Catholic values touching
upon the sanctity of marriage, the importance of the family and the
individual, and the essential character of a religious education; and
implementing the Age of Renewal affected by the Second Vatican Council.
Bishop McCormick worked untiringly to
fulfill his role as a Shepherd of Souls. His door was open to Catholics,
Protestants, and Jews who found him an interested friend, a helpful
counselor, and an effective leader.
On Sunday, May 19, 1968, Bishop J. Carroll McCormick observed the centennial of the
Diocese of Scranton with an outdoor Mass in Scranton's Memorial Stadium. 7,500
people together with Cardinal John J. Krol, bishops, clergy, religious, and laity,
celebrated with obvious pride the accomplishments of 100 years of faith in Northeastern
Pennsylvania.
During the 1960's social revolution characterized
by violence, civil unrest, and the hippie movement affected American Society.
Vietnam and civil rights were key issues of the day. Individual freedom became
paramount and any exercise of authority was questioned. This challenge faced the
Church and our Diocese as well.
As society was compelled to adjust to new values and
practices, another equally significant revolution was taking place in the Roman Catholic
Church, the Second Vatican Council. On January 25, 1959, Pope John XXIII made his
historic announcement.
Forty-five months later, October 11, 1962, Pope John
XXIII presided at the opening session of the Council in Saint Peter's
Basilica. After four lengthy sessions, the death of Pope John XXIII and the election of
his successor of Pope Paul VI, the council was brought to a solemn close on December
8, 1965. Sixteen documents had been fashioned. All were accepted, signed, and promulgated
by Pope Paul VI.
National conferences of bishops
translated these documents into responsible path between the ideals
enunciated by the Holy See and the desires of their own members. In turn,
the bishops had to pursue the same course of action amid the contesting
factions in their own dioceses. As a result, Liturgy took on a new vibrancy.
The Code of Canon Law was successfully revised. Administrative practices
were forever modified.
To Bishop J. Carroll McCormick was entrusted the
transitional period following the Second Vatican Council. In his first few months,
he made a survey of diocesan institutions to determine what facilities were needed to
complement those already in service. With boldness, he then proposed a multi-million
dollar challenge and appropriately called it, "Project: Expansion."
From the proceeds of the highly successful drive, he
created: two large central Catholic high schools, a high rise nursing home, a clergy
retirement home, and a regional community center. Also, with his personal encouragement,
21 new churches were built during his 17 years. At his demand, every other church in the
diocese was remodeled to conform with the conciliar liturgical norms. And to provide
additional opportunities for worship in various urban and rural locales, 17 new parishes
were brought into existence.
Bishop McCormick's principal claim to
recognition was the skill with which he dealt with the aftermath of the
Second Vatican Council and the contemporary upheaval in society's values.
Calmly, deliberately, and courageously, he disposed of problems as they
occurred. During his 17 years. priestly and religious vocations dwindled,
schools and hospitals were increasingly staffed by the laity, labor unions
and work stoppages made their disturbing debuts, expenses rose while income
at all levels stayed constant.
To maintain clerical morale, for those who were forced to work harder, he
raised salaries, increased benefits, and made retirement possible.
Those same considerations were extended to all sisters working in a variety
of diocesan assignments. The laity was encouraged as well. They became an
integral part of the administration of all church-related activities,
starting with initial appointments to boards, councils, and commissions.
They were entrusted with the direction of various offices and programs.
Bishop McCormick's unstinting confidence in God's Will led to a peaceful
transformation from a staid ultra-conservative diocese to a
middle-of-the-road entity. Extremes had been successfully avoided and the Diocese prospered. |
