Dear Jimmy,
From past experience, the best time Bishop Tobin announces any church or school or other religious institution closing occurs in late May or early June, after the financial pledges for the Catholic Charity Fund seemed settled.
Being a displaced Roman Catholic, the only two times recalled as exceptions was Winter 1971 when Bishop McVinney announced the closing of St. Joseph School in Central Falls. As a result, the Central Falls congregation refused to assist the church budget until late 1972, nearly disintegrating the church.
A second incident occurred with Bishop Louis Gelineau announcing the closing of the former Our Lady of Providence High School in early 1989. Before the school year ended, many parents of the remaining 150 plus students, transferred their students to other parochial or public schools. By February, the school enrollment decreased to the situation where the bishop nearly shutdown OLP before the third quarter.
In closing, watch for other Pawtucket area Roman Catholic churches to face consolidation before 2015. The best the Diocese of Providence accomplishes to stop further closings seems to be acquiring the services of younger priests or to be allowing the priests to marry.
Peace, Jim
