June 1, 2004

Dear Archbishop O’Malley,

Why would a growing parish of young families and devoted and active worshipers be closed? This is just one of the many questions asked by members of Sacred Heart church.

I do not live in Lexington yet I chose Sacred Heart after trying the churches in my area and finding them depressing in their lack of involvement or uninspiring liturgies. My husband is Jewish and after we got married we had many discussions about religion and how to raise our then, future children. We were careful to choose a church that was welcoming, active, had lots of young families and good and thoughtful liturgies. We were both impressed by Father Colletti and the music and the intimate church building of Sacred Heart.

In the ten years since, we have had three children baptized at Sacred Heart and one that has just made her First Communion. We both have grown in our appreciation for the church and the community and for all it offers. My husband professes that he has felt more spiritually moved by masses at our church than anything he experienced in Judaism in his lifetime. There is something (or many things) about Sacred Heart that is unique and very powerful and meaningful that will be killed by its closing.

Since we do not live in Lexington, switching to another Lexington parish does not seem to make sense. We do not know what we will do.

I urge you to listen to this cluster of the faithful that is the future of the church and not let the church hierarchy rule by statistics in this matter. Especially since even the statistics cited do not apply to our church.

Sincerely,

Arlington, MA 02476