Church Closings Spark Protests

Several papers today reported the continuing angst felt by communities slated to have their local parishes closed by the Catholic Archdiocese of New York as part of its grand reorganization plan that’s been in the works for three years. In some neighborhoods, that angst is turning into action as the planned closings become a reality. The Times reported on the sit-in that has been taking place since last Sunday at Our Lady Queen of Angels on East 113th Street in East Harlem. The small group of dedicated parishioners have vowed to remain in the church until its doors are reopened to the community. At Our Lady of the Rosary in Yonkers two parishioners were arrested for trespassing after remaining after the final mass. The shuttered St. Brigid’s in Alphabet City will also soon be joined by Mary Help of Christians just across Tompkins Square Park–it’s worshipers are looking into legal action. For those who may have missed the list of closings, here it is:

Parishes to be closed:
1. Mary Help of Christians, Manhattan
2. Our Lady Queen of Angels, Manhattan
3. Saint Mary, Bronx
4. Saint John the Baptist de LaSalle, Staten Island
5. Our Lady of the Rosary, Yonkers, Westchester County
6. Saint Margaret of Hungary, Yonkers, Westchester County
7. Saint Stanislaus, Hastings, Westchester County
8. Holy Cross, Sleepy Hollow, Westchester County
9. Most Sacred Heart, Port Jervis, Orange County
10. Saint John the Baptist, Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County

Realignment Announcement Decisions (NY Archdiocese)
Some Suspect Hand Of God Developers (NY Sun)
Committee To Save St. Brigid’s Church
Voice Of The Faithful New York Announces Its Support (VFTD)

Photo of Mary Help of Christians School by InfoMofo on Flickr.