Dear Archbishop Sean O’Malley,

I am writing to appeal to you not to close Sacred Heart Parish in Lexington. This parish is a vital and strong parish, which ministers to parishioners from not only Lexington, but also several neighboring communities. Many parishioners have chosen to attend this parish. At least 20 years ago, I met a couple at mass who told me that they had gone to the Espousal Retreat Center in Waltham seeking a spiritual community. They were sent to The Church of the Sacred Heart. It is not the awesome majesty of God's power that you feel in the Church of The Sacred Heart, but the intimacy of Christ's heart.

One personal example of this parish’s commitment and community strength occurred for me several years ago. My oldest daughter, months before confirmation, stated that she and many others in her class had serious questions about being confirmed and remaining a Catholic. I listened to her questions and called Sacred Heart. A parent coordinator of confirmation services opened his house for “pizza nights,” and a priest came and spent the evening answering the students’ hard questions. Not only did this whole group of young people decide to become confirmed, they went on to be a very involved class in church ministries. Without the support of a community like this, I’m not sure I could have provided the answers my daughter and the other students needed to continue in the Faith.

I do believe that Catholic communities will survive to some degree as Christians have always done when they've adjusted to change throughout the centuries. But it has always been the love of Christ that has sustained us. This intimate chapel of music and fellowship has sustained a community for over three-quarters of a century. I understand the need to reorganize the Boston Churches. However, Sacred Heart Parish is a vital community, with a strong sacramental life, youth group participation, and strong commitments from many parishioners to Catholic ministries and charities. This year alone, my husband and I sponsored three engaged couples, and in two couples one partner in each was converting to the Catholic Faith under the sponsorship of Sacred Heart Parish. We are truly a vital and growing community. I pray that the many points of our appeal are considered and our parish survives, and I pray for all to have the strength to face an uncertain future.

We will have to accept many changes as the Archdiocese reconfigures to address the challenges facing the Catholic Church in America. I understand that we must all make sacrifices to help ensure the survival of the many Catholic communities. But this small church supports the growth and sustenance of a large number of Catholics in a growing community. This church is our spiritual center. At the very least, I pray that you will find some way to allow the church to remain a sacred place that could still be used, at times, for worship or reflection. Before the doors are shuttered, please come to our church even for a few moments of quiet reflection. I know you too will feel the sustaining strength of the intimacy and love of Christ in this sacred place. I pray that you will allow the Church of the Sacred Heart to remain sacred. In this way, the love of Christ that beats so strongly in this small church may continue to sustain His people to face the challenges ahead.

Lexington, MA 02420