June 13, 2004

Dear Archbishop Sean P. O’Malley,

We were once told by a priest “That if you’re not hearing Good News, your are hearing BAD”; and “to go where you hear the Good News.” We have since followed his advice in searching for, and may I add, finding parishes that have a vibrant faith life. Sacred Heart in Lexington is a prime example of what a parish should be. In moving to California we searched and found a nearby church, St. Perpetua in Lafayette, similar to Sacred Heart, to fulfill our spiritual needs.

Father Colletti was not too happy, at first, to be assigned to a small parish. He was cast into the great shadow of much loved Monsignor Anton McCabe. Father Colletti grew as pastor to love Sacred Heart and the parishioners responded in their worship and service to the church. Father Colletti attracted a great staff and has had exceptional associate priests, Fathers O'Donohoe, O'Brien, and Baldovin, to name a few. Also Deacon Anthony Rizzuto got his start at Sacred Heart prior to heading to the Chancery.

On our last day at Sacred Heart, before we headed to our new life in California in May 2003, Father Colletti gave us a moving sendoff blessing at the end of Mass. Through friends and the web we were able to follow the goings on at Sacred Heart. That’s how we found out the BAD NEWS of what’s happening to Sacred Heart. Although separated from Sacred Heart by 3000 miles, we feel the pain and loss of a vital part of our lives. We pray for a dispensation of your edict so that Sacred Heart can continue to be a vibrant faith community.

Respectfully,

Walnut Creek, CA