Is your parish on the list of churches that may close? If so, why do you think it should or shouldn't be closed?
Read the story: 60 churches will close in Boston archdiocese
Special report: Parish closings

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Although I am a recovering catholic, I think it is really sad how people are writing cruel things about the closing of these churches. Yes, the administration of the Catholic Church lies and has hurt people...but the heart of the church is its people. This hurts the people...period. Arch Bishop O'Malley will not be hurt by this. I just hope catholic followers begin to understand how dangerous O’Malley is and call for his resignation.

Kevin, Chelsea

I hope Father O'Malley truly asked himself if this was the Christian thing to do. He is inflicting more pain on his troubled flock at a time when he needs to bring them together. I hope the parishoners are not the only ones making a sacrifice to pay for the crimes of a few.

John, Quincy

From a religious point of view, it's obviously a sad day. However, from a political point of view, since the Papacy has chosen this path for over a thousand years, it can only be a good thing for Liberty. How can papal officials, as a bishop in Colorado did, demand that their faithful *vote* for candidates based on the political agenda of the Papal States? If they do that, why not require them to register as a political party? I mean, what's the difference? Besides, they have proper Embassies, so why not? Why must the papacy continue to insist on usurping religion for political gain? I only echo the cries of Martin Luther and countless others. My sincere condolences for the faithful, but my gladness for the cause of Liberty.

Andy, Boston

Shame on the church who brought this on themselves. By allowing the molestation of children to become part of the culture, and not policing themselves, they have in effect put the screws to their parishoners twice. The first event was for pedophilia creating lawsuits as a natural byproduct which then created the second event, to close parishes to fund the lawsuits.

Sophia, Cambridge

For those of us who have faith in the most holy gift from God, the Eucharist, we know that through all this mess, created by man, that God will find a way to make His Church survive. It may be a different one that what we have experienced these many years and that is OK. The one thing that will never change for me, as a Catholic, is my devotion to the most holy sacrament of my faith the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. So many people have been hurt, by abuse, by closures, by mistrust, if you truly believe in God's healing power, then you must believe He will get us through. Walking away from church, withholding future financial support, only hurts the individual. You are denying yourself the greatest gift from our Lord (not from man) his holy body and blood. This is intended only for Catholics, not for others who seek to find any reason to bash religion. This is our Catholic belief, please respect it and not use it against us. Thank you.

Susan, MA

This day is truly a sad, sad day in the Roman church. One of the reasons cited for closing is the aging clergy. Ordain women and the churches will be alive with music and liturgy...a time for singing will have come..the time for caring, nurturing, loving and healing will happen...a time for old weary men to leave, a time for young, fresh, zealous women to come in...then this will be the day the Lord has made, all will rejoice and be glad in it...instead tears are being shed...truly a sad day in this stubborn, male-dominated, arrogant Roman church...

Elizabeth, Hingham

I understand why people are saddened by church closings, but I think t's all very necessary. There aren't enough priests, attendance is way down, old buildings are falling apart... What other choice is there? Plus, parishes that absorb displaced parishoners have such a great chance to become so much stronger. For all of those who are hurt, that's OK. However, it's so wrong to attack O'Malley for doing this. The only alternative is to head for disaster. Actually, I think they should sell off all of the churches and get back to being a strong, grass-roots organization like the orignal Christians. Many folks are too concerned with stained glass windows as opposed to the real meanings of Christian spirituality.

Michael, Plymouth

I'm sad for the older folks as they are losing ground every day in every way. People should look to the future and move on. They should look towards history for well documented church abuses towards civilization in general. Perhaps if the numbers of catholics dwindles enough Ted Kennedy won't be reelected!

Ralph, Wellesley

I sad because that is a battle had won by devil - however the real catholics will not forsake our faith and religion, we are followers of God (father) his son Jesus who lives among us througth Holy Ghost

olga

Hope they close all the churchs. When a group that can molest children for 50 years, hide its crime, put up barriers against woman and gays, they deserve, to have their doors close. It is ashame and I feel bad for the the members of the church. But the Catholic church needs to face realty.

kate, woburn