Lexington, MA 02420

June 9, 2004

Archbishop Sean O'Malley

Chancery

2121 Commonwealth Ave.

Boston, MA 02135-3193

Dear Archbishop O’Malley,

I converted to Catholicism at the age 11 and was a member of St. Brigid’s Parrish in Lexington during my youth. I dutifully attended religious education classes and Sunday Mass with a sense of duty to “follow the rules.”

I left St. Brigid’s as a young adult and joined Sacred Heart Parrish in Lexington ten years ago because I was seeking a deeper relationship with God. As a member of the Sacred Heart community, my faith became personal and reached depths previously unknown. This is a testament to the type of parish that Sacred Heart is. For I no longer attended Mass because of an obligation, but with a new sense of belonging to a community of Catholics who have a tangible love of Christ and all His family.

Sacred Heart is a unique and rare community of believers. It is different from any other church I’ve ever attended. There is a sense of unconditional welcoming and community with a deeply routed faith that is tangible as soon as you enter the doors of this church. In many churches I’ve attended family members will join hands during the Lord’s Prayer. At Sacred Heart the entire congregation joins hands without hesitation because we are all family. This type of faith community is rare and precious in today’s world.

I respectfully ask you to reconsider closing Sacred Heart Church in Lexington. Please do not destroy this passionate and committed community. Sacred Heart is far more than a building where faithful Catholics gather to observe the Sabbath. We are a thriving church committed to our faith and the service of many reaching far beyond our doors.

I thank you for your consideration and remember you in my prayers during this most difficult time for the Archdiocese of Boston.