An argument against closing a church in Weymouth

I write in response to the possible church closings in the town of Weymouth.

When I began to examine the facts and circumstances concerning the strength of our parishes in Weymouth, I did so objectively open to the possibility that there may be no other option but to close a local parish. However, after careful analysis and review, I humbly suggest that the data clearly support the decision that no parish need be closed in Weymouth.

It is clear that all of the Weymouth's parish sizes are well above the average size in the Boston Archdiocese. Each of the parishes is in good financial condition, as incomes exceed expenses. All parishes are self-supporting and are not subsidized by the archdiocese. There are an adequate number of priests for each of the parishes. Additionally, the town of Weymouth has a very active Catholic community with a higher percentage Catholic population than the average city or town in the archdiocese. These figures are reflected by high sacramental indexes as well as high weekly Mass attendance.

For instance, St. Albert's parish, which has been recommended for closure, was established in 1950 and serves as the youngest parish in Weymouth. The church and rectory are in excellent condition and very cost efficient to operate. Many renovations have been made to the church in recent years, including new stained-glass windows for which parishioners contributed $150,000. Financially, the parish is self-sustaining and will be debt free by this June. In fiscal year 2003, income exceeded expenses by almost $200,000. St. Albert's serves as the financial source for many charitable organizations in the town. It also serves as the base of operation for numerous outreach activities, such as girls' color guard, CYO sports, adult education and faith formation, parish health ministry, and the St. Vincent DePaul Society. More than 1,225 people attend St. Albert's Mass on a weekly basis, and the numbers in recent years continue to grow.

Based upon this solid information relative to total overall parish finances, size, attendance records, and my first-hand knowledge of the importance of each and every one of Weymouth's parishes, it is clear that no parish should be closed in the town of Weymouth.

James M. Murphy Weymouth

(The writer is a Democratic state representative from Weymouth)