Letter to the editor: Pittsburgh diocese could have saved St. Lad's

What a difference in two dioceses. The Diocese of Greensburg rebuilds churches; we wreck them (“120-year-old St. Ladislaus church is coming down in Natrona,” Sept. 1, TribLIVE).

The Diocese of Pittsburgh could learn a lesson. They have grown woke to St. Ladislaus Catholic Church’s beauty, its history, its popularity. It was the people’s choice church, the gem, the most architecturally beautiful. To step into St. Lad’s was to step out of the world and into God’s beauty. It was a most worthy place to host the eucharist.

Mass was well attended; the church had six figures in the bank, was always in the black. We the sheep who supported the church had no voice. Was it because it was in Natrona, a lower level of Harrison Township? I think so. Jesus was born in a stable.

RIP, our beloved St. Lad’s. You earned your wings, serving us over a century in baptisms, communions, weddings, funerals. Bringing us closer to God and eternal life. It did not have to end this way. Jesus asked, “When I return to earth will I find faith?” Sadly, not in Natrona anymore.

Karen Stempkoski

Harrison