June 11, 2004

Most Reverend Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap

Archbishop of Boston

2101 Commonwealth Avenue

Boston, MA 02135-3192

Fax 617 782-8358

Dear Archbishop Sean,

We, the parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish in Lexington, are writing again with regard to plans to close our church. It is our understanding that the closure of our church is currently on hold. We would like to take this as a sign that you are reconsidering some of your initial thoughts with regard to parish reconfigurations.

As you approach the next step in the reconfiguration process, we ask you to consider the issues discussed in our initial appeal and the attached letters addressing the vitality of our parish. Although we understand that an appeal is not necessary at this point and that the status of our petition has changed to a plea, parishioners continue to sign the original appeal in the event that a formal appeal will be required. This week’s packet also includes additional letters to be used as further evidence of the viability of Sacred Heart Parish. We ask also that individual letters of support for Sacred Heart which were sent privately to your office be attached to this petition.

Please, give particular attention to the letters regarding Sacred Heart’s commitment to liturgy and service. The statements of our visiting priests and other religious are particularly compelling. As you read through this new set of letters, we ask for your compassion in considering the effect the closing of Sacred Heart will have on each person who has written to you.

We maintain that Sacred Heart is a thriving, viable parish and should remain as is. If Sacred Heart cannot remain in its current configuration, we ask you to seriously consider alternate plans that would allow our parish to remain whole. We understand that many models approved for dealing with a shortage of priests have been successful throughout the United States and the world. We appreciate any effort at creative problem solving that would allow our parish and community to remain intact.

Please, let us know when we can expect a response and if there is a better way to contact you about this matter. As we mentioned previously, we would be pleased to meet with you or your representatives. We expect that Father Colletti will continue to receive information regarding the reconfiguration process and your response to our petition to maintain Sacred Heart as an active parish. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Francis X. Bellini

Co-Chairman Sacred Heart Stewardship Commission

101 Adams Street

Lexington, MA 02420

781-861-7039

Kathryn Porter Rapperport

Assistant to Parish Council

8 Wallis Court

Lexington, MA 02421

(781) 862-7487

cc: Richard G. Lennon

Auxiliary Bishop of Boston

2121 Commonwealth Avenue

Boston, MA 02135-3192

Fax 617 782-8358