"It is now my hope that we can move toward a constructive series of steps that will promote reconciliation and integration of the newly merged parish of Good Shepherd," the archbishop’s message concluded, praying that God will grant his peace to the archdiocese.
The protesting parishioners say they will continue their prayer vigils outside the churches.
Our Lady of Good Counsel parishioner Cheron Brylski said the parishioners plan to pray a Rosary at the closed church every Sunday.
"But obviously our goals remain to get to the table and have a dialogue with the archbishop, and we're still hopeful that the archbishop will change his heart and meet with us," she said, according to WDSU News.
"We agree with the archbishop's plan to have a new parish created," Brylski continued. "All we're asking for is one Mass a week here with our parishioners."
Parishioner Harold Baquet was more resolute in his opposition. One of the occupants of Our Lady of Good Counsel, he had climbed out onto the roof of the church to try to avoid detection after police forcibly entered the building to remove the protesters.
"This is just the beginning, sister, and I promise you this community will maintain its cohesiveness, its organizational capabilities, its communication capabilities and its fundraising capabilities and this pastoral plan is a trip in the desert," he said, according to WDSU. "It has led us nowhere. It's dividing the body of Christ."
Parishioners from both closed churches have reportedly filed civil suits.
A representative from the archdiocese reportedly said the archbishop’s decision is final.