Understandably, reactions to the news of the closures and consolidations have been marked by many emotions.
Former Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman, a longtime lector at St. James Major Church in Gentilly, attended the vigil Mass on Oct. 28. In a report by Nola.com, he said parishioners were saddened by the announcement, as the church has been in existence for over 100 years.
“It was not good news,” he said. “It was not a joyous day.”
Chad Sherman, a parish council member of St. John Bosco Church, said in the Nola.com report that that he attended two weekend Masses at his parish and another at St. Rosalie Parish last weekend to see the reaction of parishioners upon the announcement of the merger.
He said he is disappointed, as both parishes have known for months that their finances were under scrutiny and have been trying to come up with a plan. He wishes they had been given more time.
“But in some ways, I think this is a new beginning and how we deal with it will be up to the people,” Sherman said.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans, which filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in 2020 in the wake of the clergy abuse scandal, faces the settlement of 500 sex abuse claims with the potential to cost the archdiocese more than $100 million. In a Sept. 8 letter, Aymond wrote that “parishes, schools, and ministries” will be asked for monetary contributions to protect their assets during the bankruptcy proceedings.
Aymond concluded by asking for prayer for these communities as they move through this time of transition. “Let us pray, too, for all of us as a local Church, may the Holy Spirit continue to guide each of us as we strive for holiness, seek a deeper encounter with Christ each day and witness with joy in our parish life.”
SueAnn Howell, O.C.D.S., is an award-winning journalist who resides in Charlotte, N.C. A veteran of Catholic media, her work has appeared in national Catholic news outlets, diocesan and secular publications, as well as in Columbia magazine, the international publication of the Knights of Columbus. In addition to her editorial work, she serves as the Strategic Communications Advisor for the Carolina Catholic Media Network.