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Highlighting News Stories for Our Town for the week of  April 26, 2004

Previous Newsbreak Archive

Newsbreak for Walpole

The Week – April 26

The Year – 2004

                   Waiting for the News

          Downsizing is a term in vogue to describe the effects of a corporation reducing its workforce and trimming down its physical assets. This condition normally reflects an economic downturn for that particular entity.

What is it like when a church, namely the Catholic Church in Boston, enters into the same arena?

And, what might the effects be on residents in Walpole and Norwood and Sharon with the downsizing in process in the Archdiocese of Boston?

First, consider what happening.

1.              In December, Archbishop Sean O’Malley announced that he would be planning to close a significant number of parishes. The closing of parishes would be a complete closing. Property would be sold and assets distributed elsewhere.

The reasons for the closing are attributed to two main developments. The operating expenses to maintain many of the older churches and the capital costs to repair those buildings exceed the financial resources available. In addition, the number of priests available to serve the congregations at many parishes has dwindled to a crisis level. Vocations have nearly disappeared.

2.              Then, we have seen recently that the Archdiocese has agreed to sell much of their property in Brighton, including the former Cardinal’s residence, to Boston College.

3.              In the next few weeks we will hear from the Archbishop concerning the list of parishes in the local area that will close.

Speculation is rampant and there is concern that St. George’s parish in south Norwood will close. Other small parishes in Walpole and Stoughton are under scrutiny.

The total impact upon each of the 2 million Catholics in Boston cannot be measured at this time.

However, the thousands of Catholics in Walpole, Norwood, and Sharon will be affected.

Marriages might be shifted or delayed. Funerals will take place in parishes other than where expected.

The church is in a climate of change. The number of parishioners is increasing with the general population. The ability of the church to serve them is declining rapidly.

Stay tuned.