February 15, 2009
Dear Arthur and friends,
Would someone please check the facts about the latest rumors of Roman Catholic and Protestant church closings and mergers ?
Due to the high cost of maintenance, the Diocese of Providence later this year will close St. Cecilia's Church on Newport and Central Avenues. As a result, St. Cecilia's will merge with nearby St. Leo the Great parish. Over the past few years, St. Leo's Church underwent significant renovations and, sizewise, is much easier to maintain.
However, according to one source, the fate of St. Cecilia's Elementary School and will be uncertain based on decent school enrollment. In St. Cecilia's Parish, a convent and preschool and social service office functions. What will be their fate?
Both St. Cecilia's and St. Leo the Great were founded in the early 20th century on the pennies, nickels, and dimes of textile factory workers from Quebec and Ireland, respectively.
If this rumor is true, the numerous mergers and closings will not bring goodwill between the Diocese of Providence and churchgoers in the Blackstone Valley. As Arthur previously said, the combination of parishes of Sacred Heart, St. Joseph's and/or Our Lady of Consolation may be merged or closed in 2009.
Very recently, St. Teresa of the Child Jesus pastor, Rev. Joseph Paquette said during a Mass the St. Teresa school enrollment is extremely low.
Last Sunday, 2/8, the diocese announced St. Mary's School in Pawtucket will be closing in June, ending 155 years plus of education. In 2008, the diocese announced the closing of St. Leo the Great Elementary School.
On the Protestant mergers, a source for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America said two inner city Rhode Island churches may merge.
In a recent Pawtucket Times article, the Rev. George Peters, pastor of the now for sale Pawtucket Congregational Church, said several area Protestant churches are in danger of closing in the near future.
In closing, it seems organized mainstream religion is in trouble.
Peace,
Jim
