Can. 212 §3 They have the right, indeed at times the duty, in keeping with their knowledge, competence and position, to manifest to the sacred Pastors their views on matters which concern the good of the Church. They have the right also to make their views known to others of Christ's faithful, but in doing so they must always respect the integrity of faith and morals, show due reverence to the Pastors and take into account both the common good and the dignity of individuals.

Can. 215 Christ's faithful may freely establish and direct associations which serve charitable or pious purposes or which foster the Christian vocation in the world, and they may hold meetings to pursue these purposes by common effort.

Before there was a United Parishes, there were a few brave folks in Kirby, Salem, Toledo, and elsewhere who knew that there was a crisis on the horizon.  But doing something about it would take more than just a belief that the Diocese are making a disastrous mistake.  One evening in Kirby, parishioners from churches on the chopping block all over the 19 county diocese met and discovered that we were not lone voices trying to shout in a hurricane.  Something new was starting among Catholics who refused to allow themselves to be disenfranchised by the church hierarchy. 

On Thursday June 2nd at 7:30 pm, St. James hosted a prayer service and meeting.  Members of closing or threatened parishes were welcome and encouraged to attend.  Turnout was huge, and included Toledo 11 News.  Weekly meetings were held until Fall, when the schedule changed to hold them on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.  The group has formally organized and goes by the name United Parishes; which under the motto "Together We Can," works together to constructively oppose church closings.  Please visit the United Parishes homepage by clicking on the link in blue text above to find out the latest; or to find out more about what United Parishes is about.