The following message is  being distributed at masses this weekend at Sacred Heart Parish, in Lexington.  The Acrobat (PDF) file which has both pages, is attached here also. 

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A MESSAGE OF HOPE- CHOOSE HOPE 

 

In May 2004, when Sacred Heart Parish received its “letter of intent” to suppress the Parish on November 21, 2004, the situation looked bleak.  Many said “It is Hopeless” or “The Archdiocese WILL NEVER change its decision”. We all witnessed the power of Hope, Prayer and DECISIVE ACTIONS BY PARISHIONERS SUCCEED, and the Archdiocese reversed and threw out its May 2004 decision.  It is February 2006 and Sacred Heart Parish still EXISTS as a vibrant Faith Parish Community.

 

We now face another imposed decision deadline in May 2006.  The Archdiocese has again threatened Suppression of one or both Parishes in Lexington and the sale of Parish Buildings. Mark O’Connell, an Archdiocesan lawyer, has even said “Both Parishes in Lexington could be closed, and there would still be plenty of parishes close by for people to attend. (Official Minutes of Closed Combined PPC Meeting with Mark O’Connell November 21, 2005.)

 

Many Parishioners at Sacred Heart Parish will not succumb to fear or threats.  We have chosen hope and work with a firm resolve for positive and creative solutions.  We know that many of you share our goals and want Sacred Heart Parish to remain open with its current facilities.  We are not naive or in denial; the Boston Archdiocese has a major financial crisis caused by the sex abuse scandal, cover up, and financial mismanagement.  We offered to create and support creative solutions to assist with their financial crisis. One suggestion was the mentoring of a financially troubled Parish which would include subsidizing all or part of its operating expenses. As Catholics, we will share in the sacrifice necessary to save our Archdiocese.  However, we choose not to accept that the closing and selling of our Parish properties to pay for Archdiocesan debts is the one and only option.

 

Lexington needs two Parishes to support its current Parishioners, provide choice in our worship and liturgy, and more important, provide for evangelization and growth.

 

WHILE SOME CONTINUE TO SAY IT IS “IMPOSSIBLE”, MANY OTHER ARCHDIOCESES HAVE TWO OR MORE PARISHES WITH ONE PASTOR MODELS, INCLUDING WORCESTER, NASHOBA VALLEY, SPRINGFIELD, AND IN MULTIPLE STATES. IN FACT, IN SOUTH BOSTON THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON HAS A TWO PARISH AND ONE PASTOR EXISTING MODEL. SEE THE REVERSE SIDE FOR THE TWO PARISH AND ONE PASTOR DETAILS.  WHY IS THAT EXACT MODEL NOT POSSIBLE OR PERMITTED FOR OUR PARISHES IN LEXINGTON?

 

Other religions in Lexington are growing and expanding their facilities. No other religion is choosing closure and consolidation as its preferred model for the future. Join the many families that are acting to revitalize and grow Sacred Heart Parish.  Our attendance numbers have stabilized and lately have increased. Our financial condition is sound; Father Colletti has said we have enough money to last to the end of the year.  The MPC’s preliminary Building Report evaluated our buildings in “Good” to “Very Good” condition.  Our differences of opinion are not with the MPC, St. Brigid’s or those who want to agree to be suppressed.  Our disagreement is with an Archdiocese whose method is to “liquidate” our Parish properties as the one and only approach.  The Parish survey insists that you agree to be suppressed and give our Parish Assets, Buildings and Funds to the Archdiocese.

 

Sacred Heart Parish is a vibrant, diverse and loving community committed to Faith and Community Service.  Vote on the survey and raise your voice in support - anonymously if you must. Wear your ribbon to show: you choose hope.  Join us as Sacred Heart Parish celebrates its 75 Anniversary of active Catholic worship and practice. We look forward to our 76th year and the future of Sacred Heart Parish.

 

The Syrnick/Fiola Family, the Mahoney Family, the DiPietro Family, Ted and Patsy Heuchling, the Bellini Family, Daniel Rapperport and children, the Hegarty Family, the Gillis Family, the Cimino Family, the Laffey Family, Clora Bucci, the O’Connor and Ou Family, the Shine Family, the Sullivan/DeNatale Family, the Bosco Family, the Bourque Family, the Spillane Family, the Bradford Family, the Kush/Quartararo Family, M. Lorraine West and Family, the O’Sullivan Family and many other Parishioners and Families too numerous to fit on one page.