Parishes ask for more time to reconsider closings

Date: 11/11/2009

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor

CHICOPEE Two Chicopee Catholic churches scheduled to close this month are making efforts to stay open.

Assumption Church and St. Patrick's are two of the five parishes slated for closing by the Diocese of Springfield. On Nov. 5, parishioners at St. Patrick's gathered for a prayer vigil, while on Nov. 7, worshipers at Assumption conducted a vigil outside the church to demonstrate their devotion.

Kevin Leahy of the St. Patrick's parish said on the night of his church's vigil that St. Patrick's finances were good, the buildings are in excellent condition and the population in the Chicopee Falls areas has been stable for the past 20 years. The church's congregation has also been stable for the past eight to 10 years, he added.

What concerns Leahy and his fellow parishioners is that the closing of St. Patrick's will create a burden for many members of the church who might have a difficult time traveling to another church.

"We want to make sure there is a place for Catholics to come home," Leahy said.

Leahy believes that Bishop Timothy McDonnell "wasn't given all the information" in making his decision.

Parishioners were being asked to sign a petition and send McDonnell a letter that read in part: "The lack of a parish in Chicopee Falls will provide a significant hardship to the community. The geography and demographics of this area prove the need for a parish in order for all to access the sacraments without significant inconvenience."

The letter then requests the bishop postpone the closing of the church its last Mass is scheduled for Nov. 22 until further review. Leahy said the parish has not had any direct communication with diocesan officials.

Marie Meder of the Assumption parish said the worshippers there are taking several different approaches to save their church.

Meder said the church building is in " excellent condition" and the parish is debt-free.

"We question whether the churches were actually visited by the Pastoral Planning Committee. We invite the Bishop to visit our church and facilities to see for himself the artistic jewel we call Assumption," she said.

Meder asserted the initial report on pastoral reorganization called the Mullin Report recommended that Assumption Church remain open.

A letter, signed by parishioners, was sent two weeks ago requesting a meeting with the bishop or Monsignor John Bonzagni, who has led the reorganization effort. Meder said that there has been no response. An appeal to postpone was also sent and there has been no response to it either.

Church members are looking into having Assumption Church designated as part of the Springfield Street historic district and used as a center for the preservation of French-Canadian culture.

"Assumption Church is a sacred space made special by its brightness and light. The entire interior, including the Stations of the Cross and the ceiling, is artistically painted in pastel colors that illuminate the church, creating an extraordinary spiritual ambience. We are asking Bishop McDonnell to re-evaluate the factual information and reconsider keeping Assumption Church open. We are a people of strong faith with a belief in miracles," Meder said.

The following is a poem written about Assumption Church by Jeanne Proulx Hebert, one of its members:

"Assumption"

"They say it's 'just a building,' but to us it's so much more. It's not 'just a building,' it touches us to the core.

"Our lives are interwoven in this most Sacred place, And from it's altar, we have received God's most precious Grace.

"Jesus lives here, this is true. You can feel His presence as He watches over you. Such a Gift I never knew.

"Our Mother Mary is front and center, as you walk through the door, A relief so beautiful, like you've never seen before.

"From His crucifix, He looks down on you. With eyes full of love, hope, and promise, too. How could we live without YOU?

"Ste. Anne, Saint Theresa, Saint Joseph, And all the angels come into view.

Listening to our prayers year after year, We know you are always near.

"Up in the loft, a rare pipe organ can be seen, It's golden pipes reaching high and proud, Praising God with music soft and loud.

"The Sacred Stations line the walls, And the Mysteries are lifelike up above.

Everywhere you look, you see God's love.

"Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church Stands Tall, Proud and True A precious Jewel for all to view. A house for God, Built to serve, And a unique monument we must PRESERVE."