June 1, 2004

Sean P. O’Malley, OFM Cap

Archbishop of Boston

2101 Commonwealth Avenue

Boston, MA 02135

Dear Archbishop Sean,

I am writing this letter in response to your recent decision to close Sacred Heart Parish in Lexington. There are so many things I could say in opposition to your decision. My emotional reaction ranges from deep despair and grief to anger. But I will limit my letter to one thought.

It is deeply distressing that my death and subsequent funeral would carry more weight in the decision making process than my spiritual participation in and financial support of the Sacred Heart community. I seriously question the priorities of the Archdiocese that measures the vitality of a faith based community by the number of funerals and not the life giving activities of its members. The Sacred Heart community may be small in number but I have always believed that bigger does not always mean better and that quality should always prevail over quantity. That’s the Catholic Church to which I want to belong.

I ask that you reconsider your decision and allow Sacred Heart to continue as a community.