June 26, 2004

Dear Archbishop O'Malley,

The definitions of “home” include: a place where one lives; a dwelling place
together with the family or social unit that occupies it; a place where one
was born or has lived for a long period; an environment offering affection
and security; the place where something is discovered, founded, developed,
or promoted.
        During the years before I began college, my best friend and I used to walk
to Sacred Heart every Saturday evening to attend mass.  It was comfortable
for us to walk to church and attend mass by ourselves, just as it is
comfortable for us to be in our respective houses.  I remember cooking,
eating, singing, playing, and making friends there.  Coming home from
college was not complete without going to Sacred Heart.
        After years of attending mass and CCD at Sacred Heart, I have gotten to
know the other parishioners on an informal and formal level.  I know “the
guy who always wears a suit and glasses and sits in the back and smiles a
lot”, and I have watched the little blonde girl with thick glasses grow up.
I know Sister Mary from attending a retreat with her and sharing a room
together. I know Mr. Bellini and Mr. DiPietro who were my CCD teachers (and
still sends me Christmas cards every year), and I know Father Colletti from
listening to his words every week and having him over for dinner with my
family.  There are no words to describe the kindness that is in his heart--
he is the “Heart” in “Sacred Heart”.
        I was not baptized at Sacred Heart, however, several of my friends were.
Their baptism was their birth into our faith and our church.  Decades later,
they return every week to the place where they were born because it is warm,
friendly, and filled with memories.  I remember spending countless hours
decorating the Church for Easter and Christmas.  I also remember learning
songs and prayers with my fellow brothers and sisters.
        I attend mass every week because it was a place where everyone is extremely
welcoming and gracious and I feel even more secure there than at my own
home.  When the world outside was dark and cruel, I always found sunshine
and love inside those large wooden doors. Without Sacred Heart, I would not be who I am today.  It is what I have
learned at Sacred Heart that has gotten me through deaths, terror, being
away from my family, and even airplane rides.  I live with faith, and
without Sacred Heart, I never would have had it.  Without it, I do not know
where I would be today.

Please reconsider your decision to close our home.

Sincerely,

Lexington, MA 02421