Bedford, MA 01730

5/29/04

Dear Archbishop Sean O'Malley,

For 20 years, my family and I have worshiped at Sacred Heart Parish in Lexington, Massachusetts. When my husband and I married 20 years ago we searched for a church community. We have never lived in Lexington. However, we have always chosen to worship here. Sacred Heart is a warm, vibrant, community of worshipers. All of my 4 children have received their Sacraments at Sacred Heart. I, along with my husband, have been active in several ministries including: Marriage Preparation, Baptism Ministry Team, Choir, Christian Service Commission, Christian Worship Commission, Religious Education, Bread Baker Commission, Youth Ministry, and Christian Community Commission.

Several people attend this church from outside the parish boundaries by choice. This makes our parish a parish of intention. Over the past 2 years our Youth Ministry has developed into an active community. They performed “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” at the Youth Rally at Merrimac College. Sacred Heart had the highest attendance at this event. When our Teen Leadership Crew (TLC) heard of our parish closing, there were many tears shed and many unanswered questions. If our future is in our youth, how could our flourishing youth program be closed down? Many of our youth come from surrounding towns. This is there church of choice. With church attendance declining throughout the archdiocese, you would think that a flourishing church would not have to close. Why are we sending people away? I believe your decision to close our parish was in haste. Perhaps a visit to our parish in the near future would be beneficial.

Sacred Heart Parish Council