Our Parish Community

I totally support this petition. Jo Savage and her family have dedicated their time, energy and money supporting St. A's for decades. It is absolutely the parish community's loss.

Jo Savage along with her extended family deserve nothing less than our gratitude. I have sent a letter to Bishop Vasa expressing my concerns.

In the words of Pope Francis: "A good priest can be recognized by the way his people are anointed: this is a clear proof. When our people are anointed with the oil of gladness, it is obvious: for example, when they leave Mass looking as if they have heard good news. Our people like to hear the Gospel preached with “unction”, they like it when the Gospel we preach touches their daily lives, when it runs down like the oil of Aaron to the edges of reality, when it brings light to moments of extreme darkness, to the “outskirts” where people of faith are most exposed to the onslaught of those who want to tear down their faith. People thank us because they feel that we have prayed over the realities of their everyday lives, their troubles, their joys, their burdens and their hopes." (3/28/13, Chrism Mass) St. A's needs a pastor that serves the people's needs, brings some spiritual hope and renewal, works with them towards the community good. He cannot know what these are unless he comes out of hiding and really listens to the people.

A few words from St. Paul: Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters ..... encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ..... hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. Brothers and sisters, pray for us. Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 1 Thess 5:12-28

I am saddened how the whole administration has handled the firing of Jo when you have had multiple priests be questionable in their conduct. How dare you allow someone who has spent almost 30 years of her life dedicated to your rectory, church and school go? As a former strict catholic, I am ashamed of my church and its hierarchy!

Hi, it's the jerk speaking. Thank you Jeff for validating me. Your response was perfection! I am pretty sure Fr. Donahue would not accept the support of those who behave like you do... If it makes you feel better to continue making a fool if yourself, have at it. But that's all you're doing. I give you back drama and nonsense. I would be a theif if I took that from you.

I do not fully understand all the problems being addresses in this petition, but most all the comments show the concern of parishioners asking for transparency in the functions of the church. And how can one man who has his hands in the financial aspects of the church, the school and the diocese expect us all to just sit back and "Trust Me" is ludicrous in my opinion. I am now very concerned about our Pastor if the caliber of his support is at the level of name calling, belittling women, and calling our youth fools. There is nothing Christian in their comments I have not read one comment in supporter of Father Donahue that does not seem small minded , spiteful and childish. Anyone with certain computer skills and some programming can see that most if not all come from the same IP address, I continue to pray for our church

was this petition necessary? Was the Diocese approached about the leadership issue before the petition was created. Seems like the petition has caused division within the parish community to become known within the Napa community as a whole. Was that expected or a goal of this petition? Seems people have been hurt.

Sounds like rotten eggs this kc jerk and the other female who got put in their place. Your the bullies who think that what your lib mind say's matters well it doesn't count for JACK. We are the true supporters of St A's. We do care about the attack on a good man and fools verbally attacking him. Bullies like that are to be shamed and ignored. It's very simple to see how this was done once Jo Savage was fired. Why ? Any fool knows why to bully Fr. Donahue. We hope you turn to God and ask for his mercy. Your just nasty gross people ! We support Fr. Donahue.

To the cowardly hypocrites hiding behind ANONYMOUS and fake names, please read the petition before spewing your venom. It is you and people like you, that make lifelong St. A's parishioners like myself, ashamed to claim Catholicism as my religion. Your Christian behavior is embarrassing. As it states in this weeks bulletin, There will be a thorough review of all parish and parish-related accounts by an independent and highly qualified firm, in as timely a manner as possible while giving priority to accuracy and completeness. This contains the name of....nobody. But it greatly includes everybody! Everybody that has the integrity of our community at the forefront of their minds, and hearts. For those who support the petition, thank you. For those who only commented...you may or may not count as a signature so YAY! Thanks Kristen Clark

Dear Parishioners, I was saddened to hear about the events in the recent weeks that affected the Savage family and ultimately the entire parish. Here this family has unselfishly given to this community for as long as I can remember. As a grade schooler at St. A's I remember believing until about the third grade that much of the Savage family members were either priests or one of the Sisters of Mercy because of the ever present dedication to the church. But enough about this let's get to the problem at hand. As I've grown older and the realization that priests can do no wrong has faded. I've come to understand that more than anything the Church has become less about the people and more about a business. Just as with any business there are good upstanding moral people and then there's those that are not so much; priests, pastors and lay people alike. With any business there has to be oversight, transparency, and separation of duties. Putting all the decisions and information in a select few is a scary prospect and opens the door potential fraud. I am not saying there has been fraud, but wouldn't you want this check in place if you were in charge? Having oversight and controls helps mediate any such fraudulent activity that may take place. I would suggest such controls even in family run businesses. Now let's see what has been done recently. It has been 8 or so months since the earthquake and it appears very little has been done to repair any of the damage. Is this a sort of "marketing ploy" to garner larger donations by sending a message that the church doesn't have enough money to fix the issues. Where is the transparency to show what is in the building and maintenance fund. The church is a beautiful church much more so than the one I grew up in, yet I saw that Father D stated in the register that the church needs an entire remodel. Really? And if a remodel is so sorely needed then why are masses still held in this building? Is it a way to lea

Wow folks, I am surprised at all this negativity towards one family. The Savage Family did not start this petition, nor did they bash Fr. Donahue at any time. This petition is about taking back what belongs to us a parishioners. Our Church, our community. By many of the posts that are many so called supporters of Fr. Donahue that I would be not so proud to have on my side if I were him. Whether it be Fr. Donahue or any other Priest> Heck it could be the Pope> the Parish community has the right to financial transparency. I have not seen any accounting in 3 years, has anyone else? This is not accusing anyone of anything it is just saying do your jobs both to Fr. Donahue and to anyone involved. Leave the Youth Minister alone! Where has she come in to this? For all of you haters of her> you show me any other parish in the diocese that is thriving and has the support that St. A's Youth Ministry has. I want to see the proof now! I want to see a financial statement and I want all of you Youth Ministry Director non supporters to show me the proof from any other parish of how they are doing. Otherwise, keep her and the Savage family out of it. I have no ills towards Fr. Donahue, I am angry as hell at him and I have told him so. Therefore if you are going to comment> comment on the facts not people. I am also open to personnel discussion should anyone care to engage. Deacon Mathews has the right idea for this venue follow his lead. Thank you.

To quote Deacon Mathews "If people continue to post their comments, then let's do them with a spirit of trust. In some cases, this board might be the very best place to say certain things. At other times there may be better places and ways to make one's feelings known. " Can we respect the words from the Deacon and refrain from the name calling and hateful comments. They do nothing to prove your point and only make you appear childish and immature

Seeing as I am the creator of this petition I just wanted to remind all what it's purpose is. This was to be a forum to express concerns with our parish in a respectful and Christ-like way. Many of us do have concerns and We are in no way trying to attack but are just asking for some answers. I am only 24-years-old but I am very involved in this parish and to me it does not feel the same. Some may ask where is the proof? The proof is in my feelings and how I feel in my gut. I know that some people may feel differently but there is no need to be disrespectful. Please continue to use this as a means to express concerns but let us put Jesus back in the center and be respectful.

Thank you Adam Sloan! Well said!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't think it will make any difference, but I can tell you this, we shouldn't acknowledge the bullying and trash comments. This about a parish of really brave, concerned and caring people.

Hello, we support Fr. Donahue. I also think the youth group needs a new leader. I thank God we have such a great paster.

After reading the comment's I am supporting Fr. Donahue. This appears to be a bunch of nasty people who didn't get their way. Let's have the Savages investigated. I know a very good firm that can do just that. Savages need to now show us the proof. Funny they never have, uh....... Why now after you got fired Jo Savage ? Showing your true colors ! Got it..... SHAME ON ALL who follow a liar.

I appreciate the words of Deacon Mathews, and his comment that this petition might be the very best place to say certain things. With that said I fully support this petition and think at this time there is no transparency in the working aspects of our church. We should all ask ourselves why? As for those leaving rude and uncalled for comments, about our Youth Group Teens are you actually aware of all the good that they do? Did you know that they adopted over 60 needy families this past holiday season to make sure they could have a very much appreciated Christmas. That they march in a Walk For Life, they raise money and have a team for Relay for Life, they feed the homeless. They sing in our choir, they take pride in doing readings and petitions of faith. They are Eucharistic ministers too! If you don’t have or know the teens in our church, or help with donations to the Youth Group you probably would never know what they do because it usually goes unnoticed. But that is not why they do it, they do it because they believe it is the right thing to do! They are strong in their faith and love of God. They are the future of our church and I am proud of all of them! For you to call them fools only makes you look the fool! And the bashing about the people, whom are our fellow parishioners, who are brave enough to state their concerns and voice an opinion which by way is a God Given Right is abusive and graceless! You say you stand with Father Donahue and support him. If I was Father Donahue I would be ashamed and embarrassed to be supported by online bullies hiding behind their keyboards only trying to intimidate and harrass people. You do Father harm by your ludicrous name calling and only make it look like those that stand with him are a naïve, and uncivil flock! I pray that good comes from this petition, and for the good of our church and all of parishioners.

I have witnessed the unruly kids under the so called flawed leadership of Megan Savage. They were rude and talking during Holy Mass. Time for the Savages to go and fools like Vanessa Siebern to go with them. If you actually do pray ask for God's forgiveness for attacking a good man, Fr. Donahue. Get on with life get a job at Target or some other lib a tard place. Time for you lib a tards to shut your filthy mouths and lies. You should have shame you goofs.

Shame on those who are personally attacking the Savage family! They are good people, with the best of intentions who have served our parish for decades. It is clear that you need to reflect within and ask God for forgiveness as you have no authority to verbally attack anyone. All they are asking for is transparency and to encourage our parish community to come together. For those of you in support this petition, thank you! . For those of you who claim to be parishioners of St A's in one breath and in the other judge or point fingers, I'll pray for you!