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	Parishioners File Appeal, Call Closing Decision 'Flawed' By Scott Patterson YNN June 12, 2010 http://rochester.ynn.com/content/507284/parishioners-file-appeal--call-closing-decision--flawed-/ [with video] Parishioners at one Catholic church in Irondequoit don't understand why their parish was chosen to be shut down. Those parishioners have filed an appeal with Bishop Matthew Clark, the first step in a process that could continue all the way to the Pope. It had been talked about for months, but last week Clark made it official: The Rochester Catholic Diocese intends to consolidate five Irondequoit churches into one unified parish. "As a result of his decree, St. Thomas will be closed forever," said Jennifer Lockemeyer, who filed the appeal on behalf of parishioners at St. Thomas the Apostle. St. Thomas and St. Salome are set to be closed. The new parish is slated to hold services at the current buildings of Christ the King, St. Cecilia, and St. Margaret Mary. "I guess the initial reaction was confusion," said Lockemeyer. Parishioners at St. Thomas say the decision-making process was flawed, which is why they filed the appeal asking Clark to reverse his decision. "Had the research been done and shown that yes indeed, our attendance is the worst of all the Irondequoit churches, we're in financial deficit, I think you would have had parishioners say it's time to close," said Lockemeyer. "But indeed that's not the case. It's completely the opposite. Our attendance is probably one of the most stable churches in Irondequoit. Furthermore we are the most financially efficient of the parishes in this area." The diocese released a statement about the appeal: "The Bishop's office has received the parishioner's appeal. He will give their appeal careful study and prayerful consideration before making his decision." The Bishop has 30 days to make that decision. If the parishioners aren't satisfied with the response, they can appeal all the way to the Vatican and Pope Benedict himself. "It's a lengthy process, but we're ready," said Lockemeyer. She said the appeal isn't just about St. Thomas, but also about what parishioners call a worrisome trend. "If this is allowed to happen in Irondequoit at St. Thomas, it will proceed throughout the diocese," said Lockemeyer. She said that would create an even bigger problem. "In all honesty you lose Catholics when you close churches," said Lockemeyer. "You lose the effectiveness of your message." They hope this appeal spells out their message loud and clear.
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