We arrived at 11:45 on Sunday. Walking in to go to Mass we saw that EVERY local TV station had their satelite uplink van sitting out front, complete with the towering attena's. At least a dozen reporterettes were walking around with pads and pencils searching for somebody to interview. We went to sit at the pew and were followed by a sound tech placing some piece of equipment up on a pillar. He had placed a number of them around the church. Cameras from all angles could be seen. The media was not there because someone at the parish called them. The chancery did that.
There were many people choking back tears. The media never did report on that did they?
I am not Catholic so forgive me if I offend. I understand your sadness at the thought of losing your Priest. In my denomination (PCUSA) the loss of a beloved pastor is often difficult, but can lead to change and growth of the congregation. One man does not make a church.
As for informing the media, I don't see what the diocese would have to gain by alerting the media. It would seem to me with the recent scandals, that any publicity would be bad publicity for them. Do you agree?
TS