Lexington, MA 02421

Dear Archbishop Sean O’Malley,

Just recently you made some very difficult decisions about church closings. Unfortunately, the church I belong to was one of the 80 churches that were closed. When I heard the news, I was deeply crushed. I felt all these emotions inside of me. I mostly felt hurt because Sacred Heart was like a second home and an extended family to me. I originally was born into the church St. Augustine’s in Andover. However, after my family and I moved to Lexington we joined Sacred Heart. Before I moved here (in second grade,) I never completely understood the sermons, couldn’t follow the readings, and I didn’t feel that close bond with God as I did in Sacred Heart. In Sacred Heart I started understanding the reasons behind the readings and the messages the prophets and God’s followers were trying to make. I also tried my full effort to understand and relate to the sermon. During the year I took CCD classes or religious education on Sundays. My mother and father taught in my classroom in 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th, grade. I always liked these classes because we learned about the teachings etc. in the Old and New Testament of the bible; we did numerous service projects, and also went on religious field trips. It wasn’t just the field trips and fun things we did, it was the fact that this church isn’t just a corporate organization it’s a loving family. Through Sacred Heart I also made a lot of friends that I wouldn’t have by sitting in school. You’re probably thinking that our friendships will still go on. However, it’s the church that brought us together and some of these kids don’t live near us maybe they live in Belmont, Melrose, or Lincoln. I ask you to please consider what you have done to our parish, and understand how wrong the decision was you made.

P.S. I’m 11 years old.