Diocese of Scranton To Accommodate SDACT Prayer Vigil

 
     The Diocese of Scranton has learned that the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers (SDACT) and some supporters are planning to conduct a prayer vigil from Saturday into Sunday (March 29-30) at the St. Peter’s Cathedral Prayer Garden.

Bishop Martino has constantly stressed the importance of prayer since his arrival here in 2003, and he has directed that those who participate in this prayer vigil are to be accommodated to the fullest extent. Therefore:

• The Prayer Garden, which is normally closed in the evening, will remain open during this period.

• In case of inclement weather, the chapel at Holy Cross High School across the street will be open for the participants. The restrooms in the school will also be available.

• The Diocese has contracted for security personnel to ensure the safety of all.

Bishop Martino encourages everyone to pray for unity, fidelity and the wisdom to know what will best provide for the needs of the entire Diocese at this particular time in its history.

The Diocese believes that the prayer vigil is far superior to the work stoppages which SDACT has orchestrated and which have unjustly disrupted the education of hundreds of students in three schools.

It must be clearly understood, however, that this prayer vigil or any other activity in support of SDACT will not change the fact that SDACT will not be recognized as the bargaining agent for teachers. The Diocese has established an Employee Relations Program to serve as the forum for regular dialogue about wages, benefits, grievances and working conditions. This program will ensure dignity and justice for teachers and other school employees.

This decision is final and will not be revoked.

Nevertheless, SDACT’s leaders have continued to oppose the program. Prior to the most recent meeting on March 13 for the Holy Redeemer and Holy Cross regional school systems, SDACT President Michael Milz urged teachers to discourage their peers from attending the meeting. After the meeting, he characterized those who did attend as “poor deluded dupes.”

In addition, SDACT’s leaders and some alumni supporters have made the accusation that teachers in some schools have been “intimidated” by administrators, presumably to discourage support for the union.

Although the Diocese has not received any reports or evidence to support this accusation, a letter was sent to all teachers earlier this week, asking them to inform the Office of Catholic Schools about any such incidents so that the Diocese could “correct immediately any conduct in our schools that might be characterized as intimidating or threatening.”

Ironically, the Diocese has been made aware that some employees who want to participate in the Employee Relations Program have not yet done so because they perceive a negative reaction from some of their peers.

Despite SDACT’s opposition and the reluctance of some employees, most of the schools in the two systems were represented at the March 13 meeting, and additional schools have joined the program since the initial orientation meeting was held in February.