June 28th 2004

Prayer Vigil

The Prayer Vigil at Sacred Heart started at 7:30pm with an opening meditation and welcome by Frank DePietro, a reading from Ezekiel 36:24-28 read by Joan O'Connor.  A familiar Psalm with the response "Be not afraid, I go before you always; Come, follow me, and I will give you rest" came afterwards.   Alex Laffey read the second reading from Peter 2:4-10, followed by another favorite, "Holy is Your Name."    Margaret Johnson offered Prayers of the Faithful, with personal offerings from attendees.   The vigil culminated with youth leaders of the parish carrying candles and leading the congregation outside, where everyone held hands in a full circle around the church, while singing the Sending Forth hymn "The Lord is my light and my salvation, Whom shall I fear?"

Meetings in Parish Hall

After the vigil, over 230 attended the meeting in the parish hall where 170 signatures supported the appeal to keep the church open, and several committees met with interested volunteers to help with publicity, help with financial planning, and exploring various legal options.  Other groups included coordinating phone calls to members of the parish to spread the news of events coming up. 

“Hands Around Sacred Heart” made a full circle around the church.

Meeting in parish hall – over 230 attended.

An invitation to the vigil was sent to 850 households in Lexington, plus 100 out of town, from our community directory during the week before the event.

The postcard was the combined effort of Jeff Millett, Mariana San Martin, and Ken and Anita Shine.