Letter From Father Murphy, of Saint Saviour

This letter was dropped into each child's folder at dismissal today, June 8, 2009.

Please read for yourself and decide. Who really is Father Murphy?

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Dear Parents,

These past several weeks have been ones of tension and anxiety for some of you. Perhaps some clarification on certain issues would be helpful.

On April 3, 2009, I informed Mr. Flanagan that I was not renewing his contract for the 2009 – 2010 academic year as principal of Saint Saviour Elementary School. Mr. Flanagan knows that my decision is final. As his employer my decision not to renew Mr. Flanagan’s contract came after a lengthy period of prayer and consultation. In the monts prior to April 3rd, I discussed my reasons for this non-renewal with several experts experts in Catholic Education. Each of them supported my reasons and decisions.

Although I have received much approval from parents for my decision, there is a group of parents that have been circulating information that contains completely inaccurate and untrue accusations, which include the following:

• that I intend to close the school and sell the building. This is a lie; there is absolutely no truth at all in the statement.
• that I don’t like children. That is just not true. Throughout my 39 years of priesthood I have always enjoyed a special bond with children of all ages.
• that I refused to go to Methodist Hospital to baptize babies that are dying. That is not only a lie but also a calumny, a serious sin against the 8th Commandment.
• that I “shame the priesthood”. In a written statement to Bishop DiMarzio such a claims was maid, however no evidence was given foer that cruel accusation.
• that “I said if you don’t like it take your children and go”. What was said was give the new principal a year before making any rash decisions.

A disrespectful and distracting tactic occurred on Pentecost Sunday, May 31st when students from our elementary school were directed by parents to hold picket signs in my direction. As I greeted parishioners exiting Mass. I do not believe I need to elaborate on the unfathomable involvement of children in this situation and on this occasion. Furthermore, I have received telephone calls and written correspondences containing profanity and vulgarities. One phone call (from a male parent) used such language to our evening receptionist, a young (female) college student.

It is understandable that this decision may have raised concerns from some parents. My intention for writing to you is to clarify the fallacies expressed within such a discourteous crusade by some of these parents.


Sincerely,


Fr. Murphy, Pastor