June  6,  2004

Dear Archbishop Sean O'Malley,

We feel that you have made a terrible mistake in closing Sacred Heart, Lexington.

This is a parish, alive with the love of Jesus, that is being closed without a reasonable explanation.  It is not in debt or losing members as are many others.  There are numerous outreach ministries here that provide food for the poor, visit prisoners and build houses with Habitat for Humanity to name just a few.

Twenty years ago when our children had completed C.C.D. classes and were confirmed at our parish in Winchester, my wife and I went on a search for a parish that would meet our spiritual needs.   We found a home at Sacred Heart.  This parish has encouraged us to become active in Christian Worship, Bereavement, Habitat, and Project Soup among others.  This would not have happened in our former parish, and I don't know that we will find another to fill our needs.  Since we don't live in Lexington and if Sacred Heart does close, we will not be joining St. Bridgid's.

I respectfully ask that you reconsider your decision to close Sacred Heart Parish.