Our Parish Community

To the People of Our Parish Community Right now is a painful time .... and emotions run deep. The clouds seem to be at their darkest right now. But we as a parish community will get over this. Maybe we can't get over it on our own. Maybe, we need to be patient ... and prayerful .... and give a little time for God to work. Maybe, we can check our feelings for a little bit at the door, and try to offer an olive branch to each other. I'm sure that most of the people who have said things in the past few days have had the best of intentions, but sometimes unintended consequences none of us meant happen. Let's each of us pray in our own way for the wisdom to respond to each other with a spirit of love and respect, bearing in mind that Each of Us are frail vulnerable human beings with feelings. Let's not forget the many good things each of the individuals being discussed on this board have done 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. All of us love our parish community. Please don't give up on each other. Please take a few days to reflect ... and pray ... and then come back again and think of ways we can heal our community - and make it better ... and get past this. I know we can do this. I have faith in all of you . Deacon Peter St A's

I would like to believe that these statements are not by a St A's parishioner. I can not believe someone from my loving community could be so ugly. I know my fellow parishioners, I have felt their kindness and support. They showered me and my family with enough love to keep us going in our darkest hours. These are not the comments from somebody from my community. I have too much faith and love to believe so. St As I love you and thank you for always being a solid rock to stand on. I hope I am able to return this love. I am Maureen Savage if you want to come discuss these matters that are serious to our parish in a civilized way then please let's have a discussion on these matters. A town hall meeting seems like a great way to start this conversation.

I am for the Priest Fr. Donahue. Savages are just savages !

Oh, Clearly the problem is with with the Savages. Take not of this suzanne reilly kampton. Wow why write such fiction? Didn't your kite fly ? Who you are and what you did has nothing to do with the allegations by the Savages. We proudly stand behind Fr. Donahue and are ashamed at the low lifes posting this garbage. An attack on a good Holy man, Fr. Donahue. If I want to read fiction I will but this is pure trash and lies. We SUPPORT Fr. Donahue. All you fools who want to not return to St. A,s please leave it will be far better without you and your lies. !

I am supporting Fr. Donahue. He is an caring Priest and a Holy man. Jo Savage needs to show us what it is that is "wrong". Prove it to us or shut your mouth with this gossip. As for her daughter Megan Savage I have seen her with the so called fools group talking in church and acting like jerks. Didn't she use to go out with the youth at night a "flock" peoples yards? What a joke and fool. You should do works not act like a fool. I sincerely believe it's time for her to leave also. To the Savages show us your PROOF or Shut your mouth and the fools that follow the lies are just that. Shame on you !

About 40 years a parishioner, past member of the Parish Council, Past President of the Women's Guild for four years, Eucharistic Minister; parent of three children who are alumni of St. Apollinaris Church and School, confirmed at St. A's and each alumni of Justin-Siena . This was our "home away from home". A proud and loving parishioner, devoted to St. A's asking only to serve all communities within, supporting our clergy and devoted Sisters of Mercy. Warm and friendly, interested and "in touch" with all the organizations AND our youth………………..it's been "FAMILY"!!! Open…………."transparent", as this seems to be the most popular word of the day. It is with a very heavy heart that my feelings have changed over the course of these past few years. Slowly, but definitely changed. For the first time for me, this is a very trying time for St. Apollinaris. Our Parish has changed……..it no longer feels like home. I could address a few concerns that I have personally about the leadership of St. A's, but my concern now, is to wholeheartedly, support this petition. It is beyond comprehension that Jo Savage was "removed" from her duties, the way it was handled. I realize that there's two sides to every story, but REALLY????? Let's see…..aren't "WE, the COMMUNITY of St. Apollinaris" supposed to be coming together in faith to pray and follow in the path of Jesus Christ to serve as committed stewards of our Catholic faith through our parish church and school and to MINISTER WITH COMPASSION TO EACH OTHER in our community"??? I read that somewhere. And our Megan Savage in jeopardy too? Are you KIDDING???? Our St. A's Youth Group far exceeds any similar group in Napa in Christian activities, service to the needy, and evangelistic fervor. In the forty years I have been a parishioner, the youth group has gone from non-existent, to active and flourishing. Not only is she competent, she has their trust, she has strengthened their faith, she has their love. She is an ama

Frankie C., I see that you are very in touch with our church and what has been happening for so many years. You must understand that the Savage's do not own the Church and in NO WAY would the Savage's want the keys to heaven. We are a very gracious family who have been blessed with a parish that has had helped us through difficult times and times of joy. This parish is the reason for our concerns. Before you cast judgement on my family and the "50 cents" we donate, please understand that we are a family that can be seen at most parish events. Helping with just about anything needed. Have you ever seen us? Do you really know us? I am a Savage. Are you referring to me as the ill mannered child? Is it my children you are talking about? I would sure like to know, because that is not right. Sorry for making you sick, as you have brought me to low point. I never thought people "Who I don't know" could cast a family out this way.

11 years ago Featured

Four generations of the Savage/Mohr family have been faithful members of this parish. Through their legacy and dedication, St Apollinaris has weathered storms and grown. It is my sincere hope that the transparency established by the Savages will be restored.

I do not believe all priests are created equal, nor should they be carbon copies of each other. All the priests I have known at St. A's have been unique, yet have had many traits in common. Fr. Donohue seems to be a "nice" person and well educated. Unfortunately those traits seem to be the only traits he shares with his predecessors. His failure to appear, even a token appearance, at church social functions and gatherings has not gone unnoticed and is no longer surprising. The arbitrariness of decisions and rule changes, involving parish life, is. I think most of the parishioners at St. A's grew up thinking a man of the cloth was only slightly removed from Deity itself. Events over the past several decades has re-enforced the hard fact, priests are closer to man than God, therefore I have no problem saying that, in my opinion and based on my experiences, Fr, Donohue is not a good fit for this parish. His arbitrary, heavy handed discharge of Mrs. Savage from a position she has filled for a number of years, apparently to the satisfaction of his predecessors, calls into question his judgment, temperament and obvious disdain for even the most rudimentary H/R philosophies as they are presently accepted. In reading the comments of other petitioners it is apparent we have more problems, although less visible, with communications and openness regarding parish business. I respectfully request which ever authority ultimately takes this petition under consideration invest the time necessary for direct, face to face, interviews with members of the parish, on parish grounds.

I support Fr. Donahue. He is an true Christian. Sounds like Jo Savage should have been fired a long time ago ! Jo Savage needs to quit the child like games ! Bring the proof of any wrong doing. This is a clear attempt to bully Fr. Donahue. All of you cornholes can quit the lies they will not work.

I am shocked at the comments on this thread! Has anyone stopped to consider that Fr. Donahue is an educated, business savvy man? He knows HR procedures and he would know not to terminate someone without cause! These reasons can include anything from lying to insubordination...to many other factors. Anyone in a leadership roles, especially a priest of a parish, knows HR 101. Our priest is one of faith and a good person and leader. Stop your a campaign directed against Fr. Donahue just because you happen to disagree with him. Trust your leader and act like a christian. This is no way to treat our Parish Leader. If the Savages don't like, leave.

I am just in such disbelief that I am in a parish where people hold such judgement towards others. Liberal Catholics? Welfare? This has truly been eye opening to me as someone who joined St. A's to be part of a community and now really struggling on if this the right place for me. By your comment you might be happy to see me go and think of me as a "liberal catholic"

Let's see if you can get this in your head Elizabeth. Fr. Gleeson molested a boy and the parish paid out a large cash settlement. Msr. Joe had some issues also and there goes more of the parish money. We can agree on Father Cleary as a great man. News flash the Savages don't own St. Apollinaris Church. A few morons who think they hold the keys to Heaven and have all the answers have done wrong by talking badly about Fr. Donahue. These are the same people who donate .50 cents ! I can see where the lib term was used. Many of you can't see the truth and if shown the truth still make up lies to fit your story. Don't visit St. Apollinaris again we are better off without you and your ill mannered children. Only a moron would believe anything the Savage's say. I say to the Savages bring the proof or shut up ! People like you make us sick !

Concerned, This is not something that has just been brought up. This has been mentioned at pastoral council meetings for months now. The information is being kept secret. There is no mention of stealing or missing funds. There is concern that guidelines are not being followed. Here are some sour grapes! Someone who has voiced concern is now no longer employed....... If you think that isn't a message to the people who work closely to the situation, I am not sure. I will grow up, but will not move on until WE ALL act like the Christians WE ARE. You casting shame on something you may not have all the information on is also uncalled for. I would enjoy listening to your side of the story. Can you request a town hall meeting? Maybe we could all get the answers to the questions we need. That maybe the easiest way for this dust to settle.

I have to say that I am very proud of the people who started this "ill conceived" petition. After listening to Deacon Dahl, who claims to be the sole authority to tell us everything is okay, I feel the need for it even more. I stand proudly by this petition and it's statement asking the Diocese to investigate our leadership. Deacon Dahl did not reassure me in anyway that the protocols set by the dioceses are being followed. Instead an expensive audit that will cost us more money is the solution. Tomorrow morning if I come by the office and ask for the financial reports for the last year, they will be ready?? Signed off by the financial committee as the bylaws state? You will have the minutes for the last 4 meetings readily available to show you met that many times in a 12 month period? A simple call to Santa Rosa (and I encourage as many people as possible to make that call and verify this fact) will determine that these protocols are still in effect. Put there after bishop Ziemman to protect the diocese, our church, priest and pastor. Furthermore I feel Deacon Dahl who is on the finance board of the school and church to be in a conflict of interest as an auditor for the Santa Rosa Diocese. You have a highly intelligent congregation paying attention. A congregation that has been blessed to not have to worry about their monies, with fine leaders like Fr. Patrick Gleeson, Fr. Michael Cleary and Msg. Joe, but mostly they had a trusted administrator and book keeper watching the finances. So when she is fired in the most suspicious way they are waking up. They are wondering what is going on???? They are asking questions and will continue to ask questions. We are blessed to have brave people to speak up in this time. I pray for St. A's and have much love in my heart for this community.

Dear concerned, a lot of us have actually been concerned for a long time now and have been trying to establish a plan. When the change in administration was made it just pushed us to act even faster. Sure that is a part of our concern however that is only a small part. Financial guidelines are not being followed correctly and we have every right to be in the know of these finances. We are acting like Christians because we are concerned about the well being of our parish home. Please do not pass judgement over us. For we are well informed about the issues at hand. Thank you for being concerned about us.

For those of you proclaiming this has nothing to do with the firing of Jo Savage, shame on you. At least admit that your sudden concern popped up when she was let go. Father Donahue made an administrative decision that isn't our business, as many of you think. And now, some of you are jumping on a bandwagon saying finances are messed up with no basis whatsoever. Sounds like sour grapes to me. You're only driving us further apart by all the accusations that are unfounded. Grow up and move on, and act like the Christians you claim to be.

This petition isn't about Mrs. Savage's termination. It's about people standing for their place of worship, getting back what they once had... The leadership, the spiritual guidance, the feeling of community has been lost under Fr. Donahue. He knows of this petition and instead of apologizing to his congregation he has a deacon talk about investigation of financial issues- which wouldn't be in question if the committee had correctly followed the diocese guidelines. (Note no mention has been made of any money missing) No one has said Fr. Donahue is a bad man, people are upset because of his actions over the last year or so. The termination of the employee was the topper. The deacon himself referred to the petition using words that were used by the person(s) who started it. I can only imagine how they felt? Remember, this is not about Mrs. Savage or Fr. Donahue as a "bad" person. It is about faith, community. It's DEFINITELY not about welfare- liberal Catholics, where did that even come from?

Hello, I agree with Mr. Jason Williams. Fr. Donahue is a great man. If he has done something wrong why are you talking now after Jo savage got fired ? Why would you not have spoken sooner ? Very suspicious. I also am very sick of the lib Catholics. They can donate adollar to the Church but go buy a $5.00 drink or go out and eat after Mass and not think twice about spending that extra dollar. Mr, Williams is also so correct in the libs using social services EG Welafre,SNAP, WIC, SSI and such. Shame on you all !

I am signing this petition after hearing the Deacon speak at the 10:30 Mass today. His attitude came across as a self applauding and self serving member of the finance committee. If he is to be the one to fix this problem, then I think the problem just got bigger. To get on the pulpit of our church and be so condescending as he was today (and is often in his sermons) then there is no understanding of these issues and just the same old, same old little communication on the leadership side. Keep spreading the word that we need to hear from more, and more parishioners.