It’s time for phase two of the “unity and healing” plan for St. Saviour in Park Slope.
On December 16th, an independent facilitator, not employed by the parish or Diocese of Brooklyn, will meet with parents who have criticized Rev. Daniel Murphy’s handling of St. Saviour’s school, 701 Eighth Avenue. A group of parents repeatedly protested outside of the school after Murphy dismissed Principal James Flanagan, who led St. Saviour for more than two decades.
“I think it’s great that they’re doing it,” said Cindy Brolsma, who has three children in the school. “I feel anxious about it but we have been asking for a meeting and now we got one.”
The upcoming forum follows a Nov. 18 meeting between the facilitator and St. Saviour’s parish committees, which include parent members.
At the request of the facilitator, Murphy will not attend the meeting, thereby allowing parents to air their grievances.
However, Murphy, who is St. Saviour’s pastor, hopes the discussions will ease tensions between the group of parents and the parish.
“I pray for unity and healing and forgiveness and moving on every day,” Murphy said.
Although Dennis Palmetto was initially among the protestors, he now says he’s making the best of the situation.
“I’ve looked past what has been happening and moved on with my daughter’s education. I’ve blocked it out,” he said. “It’s too much. They’re not going to reinstate the old principal. The new principal is pretty good.”
The December 16th meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in St. Saviour’s Parish Hall.
