Lexington, MA 02421

6/2/04

Dear Bishop O'Malley,

It is with a sad heart that I write this letter.  We have been members of the Sacred Heart Parish in Lexington for twenty-seven years.  This church has very special qualities that most other churches do not.  It is a very intimate pleasing space in the manner of a Friary.  Never have I felt more at home in a church than at Sacred Heart.  It is not just a church but a closely-knit community who never fail to reach out to members in need.  Sick people are visited and meals are brought to their families.  Young people and adults are involved in helping other parishes such as St. John's in Roxbury and parishes in Haiti.  Just recently, we brought a young woman to Lexington from Haiti to receive a kidney transplant. I could go on with countless good works that are carried on by this very supportive parish.

We would like your input as to how we could remain an intact parish.  Whatever you need from us, we would be willing to make happen.  This site cannot be sold never to be retrieved as a worshiping space.  Once it is gone, it is lost forever.  We need to look to the future - to make our churches vibrant with young people and young families.  Then there will be a need for all the churches.  Churches should not be sold for short term gains.  You need to reach out to the parishes to help with the financial burdens you face.  You can save our church and others.  Paring down churches only weakens the whole Catholic community.  People will leave the church in droves - perhaps never to return or go to other more welcoming religions.   How can this help your cause - financially or spiritually.

Give us a chance - We can help.  Sacred Heart Parish is Sacred to us.

With hope in your compassion,