Boston parishes rebuild, protest year after closing announcement

Published: 2005-05-26

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A year ago, Boston Catholics were given notice. Last May 25, the contents of white Federal Express envelopes revealed if their parishes would remain open, become one of the 70 initially slated to be closed, or be used as chapels or worship sites for another parish. Boston Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley, who sent the letters, said the reconfiguration of Boston parishes was in response to a shortage of priests, shifting demographics, declining numbers of parishioners and financial burdens. In the year since the announcement, 63 parishes have closed and 44 churches are no longer in use, since some churches have merged or are now being used as worship sites. Nineteen more parishes are set to close within the next 18 months, according to an archdiocesan spokeswoman. Many Boston Catholics from the closing parishes are still coping with the announcement. Some have joined their newly assigned parishes and are trying to fit in. Others continue to dispute the decision and have essentially staged round-the-clock sit-ins at their parishes. Still others have left the church.

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