FACT: The former pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Massapequa left $2.5 million in the budget; has anyone questioned what happened to that money?
How and where was this considerable surplus squandered by the new regime? Why was money uselessly spent on renovating the pastor’s quarters (particularly since he is NOT there for 6 out of 7 days a week), the gymnasium, purchases of new computers for the “new media center” - as it was touted to the parishioners? Didn’t they KNOW the school was going to be closed? When was that decision made? In 2008?
It almost seems certain what the next move will be by the Bishop. As I had stated back in 2008 when this inept pastor was put in place, in spite of 450 parishioners begging the Bishop for a pastor who would mirror Fr. Mason.....Bishop Murphy will most likely close down Our Lady of Lourdes Parish altogether. Is this why Diamond Jim was sent to OLL? As one of his advocates stated, his parish of choice was St. Rose of Lima; also in Massapequa. Furthermore, the parish is receiving just what it needs, $17,000 in weekly collections. Well, is that money going into the same rat hole as the 2.5 million surplus?!
OLL had the same, highly accomplished music director for 10 years...why was supercilious Peter Rapanaro (of My Big Gay Italian Wedding fame) added to the payroll? Oh, we were told he was added to assist Mr. Titone – did the long standing music director require or request assistance? No. Furthermore, anyone who has ever heard Peter Rapanaro sing should know that this man could not hold a candle to the beautifully operatic sounds of Mr. Titone Who needed a new or additional music director? Behold, Mr. Titone has been “let go” and Mr. Rapanaro remains!
What about Matthew Blockley? Who paid his way? Did he benefit financially, in any way, from the now spent OLL surplus? Who paid his salary?
The expenditures at OLL since 2008 have been endless. There are probably hundreds that we know nothing about. I doubt if the truth will ever be provided to the parishioners since the powers that be answer to no one!
