Parish Closing Is Like a Death

Though I am often tempted to write a response to letters I read in our local newspapers, I am usually able to resist, convincing myself that the momentary furor over this cause or that issue will soon blow over, and we’ll all be better off for those who suffered in silence and spared us their opinions. That being said, I am offering my comments regarding the suppression of St. Jeremiah parish and the letters that have been published recently. In her letter (“Column about St. Bridget's was insulting” June 10, 2004) Alice Slattery, a parishioner from St. Bridget parish, chastised Adam Sell, a teenager from St. Jeremiah parish, for expressing anger about his parish closing. Without giving an opinion about St. Bridget’s pastor and his role in the reconfiguration process, I would like to share my feelings about St. Jeremiah parish and its planned closure.

I have been a parishioner of St. Jeremiah parish for almost 46 years. My family had been members of St. Bridget parish when St. Jeremiah parish was built in 1958. My dad believed in a Catholic education, just as Mrs. Slattery did, but unlike her, decided he wanted his family to grow in “The Family Parish” as St. Jeremiah has always been called. Because my dad had pledged money to the building of St. Bridget School, my brother and I were allowed to attend school there, but St. Jeremiah was always our parish. I have marked many milestones at St. Jeremiah, including my marriage, officiated with humor by Fr. Quinn, and my dad’s funeral, performed with love by Fr. Ron. During his funeral Mass, I remember looking up at the magnificent mural over the altar and thinking about all of the years I had spent there and how my life had changed, not always for the better, but always with God’s help. My parish is not just a “material building”, any more than my body is just a shell for my spirit. When a person dies, we grieve the death, even though we, as Christians, believe there is everlasting life in God. The loss of St. Jeremiah parish is a death to us. We are suffering like a terminally ill patient. At times we are angry and depressed, at other times we are hopeful and pray for a miracle that could save us. Our pastor understands and supports us in our grieving process because, in his words, we need to...”say goodbye to who we have been in order to say hello to who we can become.” Mrs. Slattery, if you have no comfort to share with us as we struggle to find our way, please allow us to grieve in peace.

Finally, I’d like to make a comment about Adam Sell. Whether he was right or wrong to publish his feelings, one truth is undeniable. If more young boys had been encouraged to express their feelings and speak out about what they felt was wrong, maybe the Catholic Church wouldn’t be facing the payment of millions of dollars in lawsuits to victims of sexual abuse. Adam’s love for his parish gives me hope for the future of our community, wherever it may be. It’s that hope we will build on, with God’s help and guidance.

Lorraine Dray
Framingham