Keep Father Thom Miller at Sacred Heart/St. Raphael Parish

Father Thom has been so kind and caring to the students and faculty of SHES.

We have known Father Thom even when he was at St. Joseph’s. Even though we live in Fox Chapel, we were excited to hear that he would be at Sacred Heart. He is a wonderful soul and mentor. Please do not remove him.

Insufficient rationale was given for the move, with no plans communicated about who will be assigned here now. At a time when the bishop should be well aware that the church lacks goodwill and the benefit of the doubt we’re extremely disappointed with the lack of transparency.

Like many things in life, this is not such a black and white issue for me. Yes, I am shocked and saddened that once again we are subjected to the opacity of the church structure, Yes, I like Fr. Thom's spirituality and homiletics, Yes, he has been very supportive of our Men's Retreat and other small "c" church activities. I agree that we need to hold the Bishop and Diocese to account for many things including this disruption. However I am bothered by several things: Firstly is the disembowelment of of long standing tradition of excellent Liturgical music at Sacred Heart. We have a beautiful church that is inspiring in so many ways and which comes to life with music. Sacred Heart has played an integral part of the growth and development of great American Catholic music. From the perspective of the spouse of a choir member, it seems that Fr. Thom handled the dismissal of both Bela and Don poorly. As you can see from the dwindling numbers in the choir, the group is suffering from poor leadership and lack of support of the Pastor. This saddens me greatly as it diminishes my worship experience and also has brought undue stress to the stalwart parishioners who serve and have served in this ministry. I'm sure that this situation as a contributing factor to the events at the 11:30 mass yesterday. The second point of irritation is the near cult like following of parishioners from St. Joseph's and the facilitation of that following by Fr. Thom. I get that people like him and have become attached to his style and charisma. but it feels a bit like an invasion when we have a director of evangelization who appears and starts orchestrating parts of the mass and programs without so much as an announcement in the bulletin, let alone a mention form the pulpit. I also heard assurances from Fr. Thom to various folks who appeared in the congregation to the effect they he would soon get them set up as Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers. Lastly, It seems that there has been

It such a pleasure to see Fr. Thom interact with the students at Sacred Heart they look forward to his visits.

Bishop Zubik, Please allow Father Miller to stay at Sacred Heart and St Raphael's parishes. I love his warmth at mass and his caring and love of the children. He is what our children need at mass.

Father Tom is loved by the children and faculty of Sacred Heart School. With the change in principals this year the school needs him to keep the school and parish stable.

Sacred Heart Parrishoner and parents of SHES.

Please keep Father Thom at his current assignment. The children really like him and there has been too much change already. Thanks

I am urging the Bishop to help us seek transparency in decision making. I believe we can no longer accept decisions without an explanation given all our church is facing.

Father has been such a pleasure to have at Sacred Heart. The children love him and respond to him during our masses and when he visits our classrooms several times a week. It will be very disappointing to myself and the students at Sacred Heart to have him leave us.

Fr. is so nice and I don’t want him to leave, and I like when he sings.

I love attending Father Miller's masses. He is so kind, engaging, and full of energy. He has brought life to our faith community. Each week he impresses me more with his humility and grace. God bless Father Miller!

Father Thom has been a bright spot I our school. He has shown the children that Mass is a icing and beautiful prayer.

Please consider leaving Father Thom at St. Raphael's, as I have enjoyed his masses and look forward to his sermons. I think he has a lot to offer to our Church.

We hope Father Thom will stay at St. Raphael's and Sacred Hearts Parish, we really enjoy have him as our priest, I think he has been an inspiration to many of the parishioners.

Father Thom has been a blessing to Sacred Heart. I am sad to hear that he has been reassigned. I am disappointed that it was without notice to the parishioners. I keep waiting for my church to see the human beings that make us one body.

A parishioner of Sacred Heart for over 30 years, I learnt as a young teen that “we - the people - the parishioners- are Church” . To me that is the fresh air that Vatican 2 brought to Catholicism. However, this situation negates that and perpetuates the lack of respect for us as Church. There is a lack of transparency about the reason /need for reassigment when Fr. Thom is still acclimating to this assignment. He has been a fresh breath of air to Sacred Heart demonstrating a gentle loving sweetness of spirit and a joy for the Lord. I, respecting that I do not have full knowledge of the reasons for reassignment, request that Fr. Thom remain at Sacred Heart/St. Raphael’s and the Diocese share the true reason behind this abrupt change.

Fr. Tom’s loving heart has been a true blessing for SH in very difficult times. In times of confusion LOVE is the only answer, and he lives that rule of live. It will be very painful to see him leave.

Father Thom has been truly amazing to watch, from Sunday sermons, to the energy he brings to our children as they prepare for the sacraments. This loss would be heartbreaking, please keep Father Thom at Sacred Heart.