Sean
P. O’Malley, OFM Cap
Archbishop of
2101
Dear Archbishop Sean:
As a member of the Sacred Heart Parish of Lexington, I am writing in support of the appeal process undertaken by many of our parishioners.
While the letter outlining the case is comprehensive, I wish to bring to your attention what may appear to be a simple economic argument for keeping the Parish open. It is based on the following observations:
1.)
According to members of our council parish, the church is financially self
sufficient and does not tax the resources of the Archdiocese.
2.) Based on the ratio of baptisms to funerals (1.6
(42/26) compared to St. Brigid’s of 0.5 (32/60)) our church is growing.
If this analysis is correct, then it suggests that the size
of the Diocese is growing at no cost to the Church. Why would the Diocese want
to cut off a growth center?
Your stated goal of not placing the burden of church closings on poorer
communities is admirable, but in this case it appears
arbitrary to close a healthy church simply in order to meet a certain quota.
Keeping Sacred Heart open need not imply that another poor church should close,
nor should it serve to polarize poor and more affluent communities.
I understand that this analysis may appear simplistic, not taking into account
that the population of priests is diminishing and cannot support a larger pool
of churches. If this is the case, perhaps it is
time to explore new methods of managing our resources and talents, through
greater coordination and exchanges between neighboring churches. I am sure that
members of our church would welcome the opportunity to discuss creative
solutions to these and other problems that may arise should our parish remain open.
It is my belief that the Diocese should seek ways to grow, and not reduce its
presence or ability to leverage contributions to our communities. Sacred Heart
in
Sometimes generating growth can serve as a means of solving economic
problems. I would like to believe that I am part of a Church that seeks to
extend its reach and effectiveness, by continuing to serve the community.
On a more personal note, participating as members of the Sacred Heart Parish
has without a doubt been the most rewarding and fulfilling spiritual experience
for our family of four. The intimacy of the church, the eloquence of our
pastor, and the support of our members have all contributed in creating an
extraordinary environment for supporting our faith in God and one another. Now
our fate rests in your hands.
Sincerely,