Archbishop Sean O'Malley

Diocese of Boston

Boston, Mass

Arlington, MA 02474

June 1, 2004

Your Excellency,

I am one of the parishioners of Sacred Heart, Lexington, that is much saddened by the closing of our church.

The parish is financially sound, a place of worship and community for many. It is a welcoming parish. The liturgies and sacraments are of high importance to the staff and parishioners, and always prayerful and beautiful. The liturgy is what brought me to the parish from Arlington over twenty (20) years ago. Prayer with music, is an integral part of the celebration of the Eucharist. We go forth renewed in our Christian belief and mission to serve God’s people. It has been a pleasure for me to serve as a lector for many years.

Outreach programs abound. The Christian Service Commission is strong and far-reaching even to Central America where support is given to Haiti and Honduras. Nursing homes in Lexington are visited on a scheduled basis. In addition to distributing the Eucharist, there are prayer services for the elderly and infirm.

The environment is supported and nourished by Fr. Colletti and staff. They encourage us, the Baptized, to spread our wings, to give both talent and treasure to the Church and God’s people. We are involved in liturgical planning. Prayer services are often done by parishioners.

I know that the good deeds from Sacred Heart can be brought to other parishes where we will be welcomed and find a new home. However, not everyone will be going to the other Lexington parish, or to the same parish, as we come from many towns. St Brigid is not a convenient location for many at Sacred Heart. The energy that exists today at Sacred Heart will be dissipated.

I pray that Sacred Heart will remain open. If not I hope it can become a satellite parish served by visiting priests whom we have welcomed and benefited from over the years. This will ensure that the work that is done here and the support for God’s people that emanates from the parish will continue.