Holy Name Parish to use Assumption Church during evaluation

Date: 2/15/2011

Feb. 16, 2011

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

CHICOPEE — One of the oldest Catholic churches in the diocese will close temporarily to allow a structural assessment.

Rev. David Darcy of Holy Name Church explained to Reminder Publications the closing was in no way related to the pastoral planning that shuttered a number of churches in Chicopee and other communities in the last several years.

Parishioners will worship at the nearby Assumption Church — which was closed in the realignment — Darcy said. He added the two parishes of Holy Name and Assumption had already merged into one.

During an inspection of part of Holy Name, there was damage seen to the foundation and questions about termite damage. Darcy said the decision was made to inspect the entire church. During that survey, there was additional damage found, some of which had been repaired and some not.

"We're just moving into Assumption until we can figure it out," he said. "It's just a move for safety."

The Springfield Diocese was founded in 1838 and Holy Name Church was dedicated in 1859, according to Mark Dupont, the spokesperson for the diocese.

Darcy said once a thorough inspection and report is completed, discussions can begin on the action that needs to be taken.