Dear Archbishop O'Malley,

This morning I went to Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Lexington.  I went to say good-bye to the church that I grew up in many years ago.  I moved from Lexington 26 years ago, but I came back today to share the history of this wonderful church with old friends.  I made my first communion at Sacred Heart Church in 1947, my confirmation in 1955, and was married there in 1962.  Both of my children were baptised at Sacred Heart Church, and I buried both of my parents from that church not so very long ago.  I am glad that they were spared the terrible tragedy of seeing their church close. 

At today's Mass there was standing room only in Sacred Heart Church, which is a church that is solvent and well-funded.  It seems nonsensical to close it.  Perhaps there were some political motivations, as many suspect.  I do think you will lose many people from the Catholic church as a result of this move.  Even those who stay and go to other Catholic churches will be angry for many years to come.  If you care at all about the people, you will think again before closing this beautiful church.  The planned closing is so unjust and heartless.  If it were a church that was not well-attended or was a less vital community, I might be able to understand your motivation.

Sincerely,