Holy Cross Church in Times

Holy Cross Church in Times Square has had the same pastor for the last 20 years, however Reverend Peter Colapietro's tenure is coming to an end. For those who have been members of the parish for decades, such as Carlos Correa, aged 60, they "get attached" as he put it. However, the veteran parishioner also is taking the change with a grain of salt. "I've seen 3 pastors her now, so two before Father Peter." But went on to admit that "It's hard in the beginning." What really worries parishioners is the manner in which his replacement has been chosen. Father Peter is being replaced not with an official "pastor," but with an "administrator," and only on a temporary basis. This has led many to believe that the parish's days may be numbered.

"I don't like the idea of rotating pastors," said Trudy Romero a parishioner at Holy Cross for the last seven years. However, Catholic Church policy requires that pastors be appointed for only a six-year term, with the option of staying for only one more term. Father Peter remaining at Holy Cross for as long as he did has been a special case. Still, "It's going to be difficult…" Michael Blecha, Church Historian and parishioner was quoted as saying. The Church Receptionist, Nona Moore, said "The phone rings all the time about this…," and parishioner Dominic Romero stated "I'm not sure where I will be without him. I sang in the choir, he buried both my parents, married my sister…." It is clear that in the twenty years at the parish, Father Peter has earned the loyalty of those to whom he has served.

Father Peter's replacement, Reverend Gerald Mulvey, is the matter that most parishioners find disturbing, especially the fact that they have not received a pastor but a temporary administrator. According to Joseph Zwilling, head of Communications for the Archdiocese of New York, "he has all the rights and responsibilities as a pastor. People of the parish won't know the difference." But the parishioners will know the difference if they wake up one morning and their church is closed; which many fear will be their fate.

If that happens many parishioners feel they would be lost without their church. Theresa Henry stated "I would be devastated if they closed this church. I found solitude coming here, it's helped me through hard times." Before anyone should panic however, Father Peter was quick to comment on the potential closing of Holy Cross Church stating "There's an ongoing planning process, it would be foolish to close down Holy Cross." He also attempted to raise moods by telling parishioners that there would be no decision any time soon and that a final decision won't be made for at least "two years."