Diocese May Close More Churches Southbridge Fitchburg Needs Will Be Studied, by Bronislaus B. Kush, Telegram & Gazette, May 20, 2008

Diocese May Close More Churches
Southbridge, Fitchburg Needs Will Be Studied

By Bronislaus B. Kush
Telegram & Gazette
May 20, 2008

http://www.telegram.com/article/20080520/NEWS/805200654/1116

WORCESTER— The 20 or so worshippers gathered at the 12:15 p.m. Mass yesterday afternoon at Notre Dame Church were awaiting the final blessing of the worship service when the Rev. Richard G. Roger unexpectedly walked away from the altar area and returned to the pulpit.

Most knew what the priest would say.

The majestic midtown church — founded by French Canadians more than 100 years ago — would be closing this summer.

The weekday afternoon Masses at the Salem Square landmark draw a number of people who work downtown and most had already been informed by their own pastors last weekend that Notre Dame — along with Holy Name of Jesus, St. Casimir, Ascension, and St. Margaret Mary parishes — would shut their doors July 1.

Photo by Paul Kapteyn

Still, the news remained unsettling. Notre Dame has been affiliated with St. Joseph for several years.

"I know this is shocking to many of you who have been coming here regularly," Rev. Roger said. "But don't let this news shake your faith. We're still a community and we'll continue on."

Rev. Roger's remarks drew applause from the Mass attendees.

Over the past five years, local church officials, working with lay people, have looked at ways of reconfiguring the sprawling Diocese of Worcester to better meet the needs of Central Massachusetts Catholics in the wake of a dramatic drop in church attendance in some parishes and the dwindling number of active priests.

Raymond L. Delisle, the diocesan spokesman, said officials will soon begin examining other urban areas in the region.

He said, for example, officials will study the needs of Catholics in Southbridge and in Fitchburg, two communities with similar demographics to Worcester.

All three municipalities have "ethnic" churches that sit almost side by side with more diverse "territorial" churches. The older, immigrant-founded churches have been losing members as the younger generations move to the suburbs.

"Highway construction and development over the years have dramatically changed the demographics of the region and we're trying to determine how best to fill the spiritual needs of Worcester area Catholics," Mr. Delisle said.

Next steps: Officials will begin examining other urban areas in the region, including the needs in Southbridge and Fitchburg.
The quote: ` Highway construction and development over the years have dramatically changed the demographics of the region and we're trying to determine how best to fill the spiritual needs of Worcester area Catholics.' - Raymond L. Delisle, diocesan spokesman

He noted diocesan officials also have to deal with growth in a number of areas.

For example, membership has jumped considerably at St. Theresa the Little Flower Parish in Harvard and St. Francis Xavier Church in Bolton.

Mr. Delisle said the two churches are small and there's some talk about building a new house of worship that would serve both parishes.

He added that plans continue to construct a church — St. Gabriel the Archangel — on 45.5 acres of farmland on Mendon Road in Upton, purchased recently by the diocese for $1.2 million.

The new church would house congregations now worshipping at Holy Angels Church in Upton and St. Michael's Church in Mendon.

A hike in the number of Catholics in Southboro is also prompting a review by chancery officials.

Overall, inner city churches have seen a precipitous drop in membership while those in the suburbs are seeing significant growth.

Last weekend, Bishop Robert J. McManus, in a letter read at Masses, "sadly" announced the church closings.

"Our prayers and support are needed for all those who are experiencing change in their parish life, especially those for whom the loss of their beloved parish and church is great," said the bishop. "These pastoral decisions are never easy but I am convinced that avoiding them or postponing them any longer is pastorally unsound."

The bishop's decision was made after an exhaustive planning process determined the five parishes were not economically or pastorally "vibrant."

Diocesan officials cautioned there may be more changes in the works for city parishes. For example, they said that some might be "twinned" or merged.

The chancery hopes to finish its study of city churches next fall and Bishop McManus said he will re-examine the overall reconfiguration of city churches again in five years to see if the plan is working.