Maybe by keeping it simple and telling my story of how I first came to feel filled with the holy spirit, maybe than the Archdiocese can comprehend a little better the terrible mistake I feel they are making in closing Sacred Heart Parish in Lexington.

For the first 18 years of my life I attended another church in Lexington, dutifully fulfilling my "obligation" as a Catholic by attending Mass, CCD classes, and getting confirmed. Not once did I remotely feel welcome. I felt as empty leaving Mass as the large, lifeless structure in which I attended it felt. I was not alone. I felt like the congregation were just going through the motions like myself. I certainly was not attending Mass for any other reason, because I could not relate to any sense of community and I did not feel any spiritual enlightenment. To assume that this was just the typical reaction of most teenagers in our society would be wrong. I thought something had to be wrong with me and when I confided this to a friend he encouraged me to attend a Mass at Sacred Heart Parish.

From the moment I walked in, a comment I have heard from numerous parishioners over the years by the way, I knew I had found where God had intended me to be. For the first time in eighteen years, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit and an overwhelming sense of belonging. Everyone was singing, and not as the monotone disjointed voice of duty but as a vibrant impassioned voice of one community. This community actually were smiling in Mass and actively engaged in the service. The intimate setting certainly was partly the reason for the startling difference in the feel of the two parishes, but there was also an unexplainable missing piece that set this parish apart from others I had attended. I left Mass that day reborn, for the first time feeling spiritually fulfilled. This was not a collection of strangers gathered to fulfill an obligation, but rather an assembly of worshippers who had come together in celebration. This church truly is a gem in the Archdiocese and it is important that you know that.

It is now thirty three years later. I have been married in the church, been involved in the Pre-Cana program, and taught CCD classes. My three children have all received first Holy Communion and Confirmation here as well. I was looking forward to having their weddings here. I am not trying to say that this Parish is better than others, only that each has its own unique personality that appeals to each individual differently and there is a need for these small intimate parishes. I truly believe that Sacred Heart was my spiritual salvation and that God had a hand in sending me there. To not compose this letter would be an insult to his plan for me.

Therefore, for the Archdiocese to so cavalierly assume that the parishioners of Sacred Heart can simply find another home is to totally miss comprehend the unique role that this small intimate parish fills in the lives of its members. I feel it also trivializes the faith of myself and others. Please do not presume to judge where God has truly tread. God's presence at Sacred Heart is palpable and profound, unlike anywhere else I have been, and its closing will leave a deep wound in my heart. Please reconsider your decision, even if it is just to keep the chapel itself to be served by visiting Priests as often happens now. May your ultimate decision as always be based on God's will. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to put my thoughts to paper.

Lexington, MA 02420