Vatican denies appeals by 10 closed Boston parishes

Published: 2006-01-20

BOSTON (CNS) -- The Boston Archdiocese announced Jan. 14 that the Vatican's Congregation for Clergy has denied the appeals of 10 parishes that were closed in the process of archdiocesan reconfiguration. "We appreciate the disappointment that this news brings to those who submitted the appeals and all who are saddened by the parish closings," Boston Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley said. "While many members of closed parishes have joined, enriched and strengthened neighboring parish communities, others continue to struggle with the effects of reconfiguration. This has been a difficult time for our Catholic community. We wish to express our gratitude to the many priests, deacons, religious and parishioners who have generously accepted the need for change in light of our limited resources," he added. The archdiocese cited "declining numbers of clergy, changing Catholic demographics and significant financial pressures" as the causes of the reconfiguration process that began in January 2004.

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