FRIENDS TO SPONSOR 2ND ANNUAL HAM & BEAN SOCIAL
Tuesday, 10/27/2009

The Friends committee convened at Maironis Park to finalize plans for the 2nd Annual Ham & Bean Social. We invite you to join us on Sunday, November 1 at 1:00 p.m. to enjoy good food, good company, a performance by Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Choir, a raffle, and a brief meeting. To purchase tickets ($10 each), please contact Ray Jakubauskas at 508-832-6682. You may also purchase tickets at the door.

MEETING HELD AT SAINT JOHN'S CHURCH
Tuesday, 09/08/2009

A meeting was held for those members of the now suppressed Saint Casimir's Parish who have joined Saint John's Parish. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the future of the Lithuanian Community. Approximately ten individuals were in attendance. Father John Madden, speaking on behalf of Saint John's Parish as a whole, openly accepted and acknowledged the responsibility of upholding the history and culture of the Lithuanian Community. Father Madden indicated that for the time being, Saint Casimir's Church will remain open for sacramental services, such as baptisms, weddings and funerals. It may also be used for special functions, such as dinners, special Masses, etc. After several exchanges of mixed opinions, three special Masses have been scheduled at Saint Casimir's Church:

Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. (Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Siluva)
Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. (Lithuanian Independence Day)
Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. (Feast of Saint Casimir)

A commemoration presentation in the church hall will follow the Mass in celebration of Lithuanian Independence Day, and a traditional dinner at Maironis Park will follow the Mass in celebration of the Feast of Saint Casimir.

Additionally, Father Madden was receptive to the possibility of working with the Lithuanian Community to celebrate a midnight Mass in Lithuanian at Saint John's Church for Christmas. Due to a lack of support by the Lithuanian Community, however, these plans have not yet moved forward.

Please stay tuned for additional information, coming soon! Return to top.

PARISH CELEBRATES CLOSING MASS
Sunday, 06/28/2009

This morning's Mass at 10:00 a.m. sadly concluded the final chapter of the 115-year history of Saint Casimir's Parish. Preceded by a "Vigil of Tears" at 9:30 a.m. on the front steps of the church, the morning's events were very well attended. For the first time in many years, the church sanctuary was firmly packed by more than 500 people. More information, photos and video coming soon. Return to top.

RESULTS OF PARISH SURVEY COUNTED, NOT UNEXPECTED
Monday, 04/20/2009

The question: will you join Saint John's Parish? The results are officially in, and they are not unexpected:

No - 124 votes
Yes - 5 votes
Undecided - 3 votes

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PARISH LEARNS RESULTS OF NEGOTIATIONS
Sunday, 04/19/2009

Following the 10 o'clock Mass, parishioners joined the Friends of Saint Casimir's Lithuianian Parish in the church hall to discuss the outcome of a recent meeting with Father Madden, Father Jakubauskas, and several other individuals. During this recent meeting, we learned the results of the request that Father Madden agreed to bring to Bishop McManus on behalf of Saint Casimir's Parish. Very sadly, the bishop remains unwilling to rescind his decree or even compromise to allow the Lithuanian community to regularly worship in its native language. Additionally, further details were revealed, which confirmed parishioners' suspicions surrounding the closure of Saint Casimir's Parish.

This news was not well received.

Frank Statkus, Chairman of the Friends committee, spoke at length regarding the foreseeable future of the Lithuanian community, as well as the fate of the church building. Presently, it appears that the last Lithuanian Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 28. After this date, parishioners must join Saint John's Parish or another parish of their choice, and the family that once resided in Saint Casimir's Church will be forever scattered in the wind unless they band together and find a way to prevail. Frank noted that respectful correspondence will be promptly forwarded to Pope Benedict XVI, and parishioners' donations (totalling nearly $20,000) would be retained until July 2009, and at that time the donors would be offered the choice of either recouping their donations or donating them to a charity of their choice.

David Moulton, Clerk of the Friends committee and Music Director at Saint Casimir's Church, spoke briefly to suggest that parishioners remain a close-knit community, but as a group, choose a parish of their liking where they can share with others their ethnic pride, their traditions and the qualities that made Saint Casimir's Parish the true parish family that it was until last summer. Although David is of non-Lithuanian descent, he advised parishioners to promote their Lithuanian heritage and introduce these special traits to others, rather than isolating themselves.

Ray Jakubauskas, Treasurer of the Friends committee, also spoke briefly about the future of the church building and possible uses that it may see going forward. Ray concluded by recommending that parishioners try to stick together while making their own decisions, not allowing themselves to be pressured into joining one parish over another, if any.

Other parishioners vowed to do whatever they can to keep the community together and alive.

Finally, an anonymous vote was held to determine, at Father Madden's request, the number of parishioners who will join Saint John's Parish after Sunday, June 28. The question was simple: will you join Saint John's Parish? Parishioners were invited to anonymously choose YES or NO, and submit their response card. The responses will be counted and posted on this web site in the immediate future. Return to top.

FRIENDS OF ST. CASIMIR SPONSOR DINNER
Sunday, 03/08/2009

In commemoration of the Feast of Saint Casimir, which was celebrated on March 4, the Friends of Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish sponsored and coordinated the traditional parish dinner at Maironis Park. Surprisingly, the dinner was better attended this year than in years past -- by approximately 35%! Following the dinner, the choir presented a cultural program that consisted of several Lithuanian songs, and a raffle was held. We were pleased to be joined by so many friends from our parish family. Return to top.

PARISH MEETING HELD AT ST. CASIMIR'S CHURCH
Sunday, 02/22/2009

Following the 10 o'clock Mass, the Friends of Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish held a brief meeting in the church hall to discuss the status of their efforts. Details were shared about the Friends' meeting with representatives of the Pastoral Planning Committee. To date, a response has not been received from the Pastoral Planning Committee. Additionally, details were shared about a separate, private meeting that was held with Father Jakubauskas, Father Madden and eight representatives of Saint Casimir's Parish, now known as the Lithuanian Community of Saint John's Parish. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss several topics including the fate of Saint Casimir's Church building, as well as what could be done to further welcome the Lithuanian Community into Saint John's Parish. In the end, it was determined that Saint John's Parish would utilize the hall at Saint Casimir's Church for various parish functions. It was also determined that most members of the Lithuanian Community would not attend Mass at Saint John's Church -- not because they do not like the church, its parishioners or its leaders, but because they are comfortable where they are and with what they know. Again, the Friends' request for an extension of six months or more was raised during this private meeting. Father Madden charged Frank Statkus and others with the task of seeking parishioners' feedback: how would you feel if you technically became a member of Saint John's Parish, but could still attend a weekly Lithuanian Mass on Sunday at Saint Casimir's Church? With this, Father Madden agreed to approach the Diocese with the Friends' request. The majority of parishioners were accepting of this concept and agreed that it could be an appropriate compromise: the hall can be used for functions whenever necessary and the Lithuanian Community may continue to hold a sacred Mass in its native language each Sunday. Return to top.

FRIENDS' COMMITTEE PLANNING DINNER
Friday, 02/06/2009

For many years, the feast of our patron saint has been celebrated with pride. Each year, in the beginning of March, we gather as a parish family to enjoy a special meal at Maironis Park. In the last nine months, our parish family has been tested through and through. While some have chosen to visit other parishes, many have remained. Thus, we will gather again this year to celebrate the Feast of Saint Casimir at Maironis Park on Sunday, March 8 at 1:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased for $17.00 each from any member of the Friends' committee: Frank or Pat Statkus, Ray Jakubauskas, David Moulton, Anne Leseman, Barbara Thompson or Al Bulejcik. Saint Casimir's Choir will perform a few short numbers, and we will have a raffle as well. If you wish, please consider donating appropriate items for the raffle. Return to top.

FRIENDS MEET WITH MEMBERS OF PASTORAL PLANNING COMMITTEE
Friday, 01/16/2009

The Friends of Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish met with two representatives of the Pastoral Planning Committee: Mr. Frank Kartheiser and Deacon Tom Surozenski. The Friends again expressed discontent with the Pastoral Planning Committee's decision to suppress Saint Casimir's Parish. It was noted that we are no longer allowed to hold any non-Lithuanian liturgies or events at the church -- a detail of which the Pastoral Planning Committee was previously unaware. Frank Statkus, Chairman of the Friends of Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish, expressed our request for an extension of six or more months to further adjust to the impending changes. Frank Kartheiser and Deacon Surozenski agreed to bring our request to the Pastoral Planning Committee for discussion during their upcoming meeting on January 27. A response is expected thereafter. Return to top.

FRIENDS' COMMITTEE PLANNING HAM & BEAN SOCIAL
Thursday, 10/09/2008

A major concern throughout these last several months has been the parish family's ability to remain together. While some English parishioners were forced to move on to other parishes closer to their homes, many have remained at Saint Casimir's Church. This fact demonstrates the cohesiveness and strength of the family that we have. In an effort to bring everyone together for a social opportunity, the Friends of St. Casimir's Lithuanian Parish are sponsoring a Ham & Bean Social. The event will consist of a delicious dinner at Maironis Park, followed by a parish meeting to discuss the status of the people's efforts to appeal the suppression of our parish. The dinner will take place on Sunday, November 2, 2008. Tickets may be purchased in advance. Return to top.

SECOND PRAYER VIGIL HELD AT ST. CASIMIR'S CHURCH
Sunday, 10/05/2008

In demonstration of the Lithuanian community's commitment to remaining at Saint Casimir's Church as a parish family, a peaceful prayer vigil was held on the front steps of the church before the 10:00 a.m. Lithuanian Mass. Parishioners carried Lithuanian flags, prayed the rosary in Lithuanian and English, and sang a traditional Lithuanian hymn, "Marija, Marija," in honor of the 400th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady of Siluva. The vigil was attended by more than 80 English and Lithuanian parishioners. Return to top.

FRIENDS' COMMITTEE GATHERS TO PLAN FOR FUTURE
Friday, 08/27/2008

Throughout these past two months, the Friends of Saint Casimir committee has met to plan their course of action with regard to the canonical advocate's failure to represent us as requested. Although our parish is now outside of the 15-day window in which we were required to submit an appeal to the Congregatio pro Clericis, we firmly believe that our ethnicity, history and faith are reasons to submit a tardy appeal. Furthermore, we believe that a procedural error may have been committed by the Diocese of Worcester, which should amplify our appeal. We have since contacted a second canonical advocate regarding this matter, and we will soon compose our appeal. Meanwhile, we wish to speak respectfully with Bishop McManus and the Pastoral Planning Committee about the possibility of reversing the decree of suppression and/or extending the length of time during which the Lithuanian community may worship at Saint Casimir's Church in Worcester. Return to top.

PARISHIONERS CONVENE TO LEARN LATEST NEWS
Sunday, 08/17/2008

Chairperson of the Friends of Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish, Mr. Frank Statkus, recapped the events that have unfolded thus far. Despite the alternative solutions that were formally offered by members of Saint Casimir's Parish, our appeal to Bishop Robert McManus was promptly answered with a rejection letter, citing the same reasons for suppressing the parish that we have all heard since the devastating announcement was initially made on May 17, 2008. The Friends organization then made an appeal to parishioners to collect the monies that would be necessary to submit an appeal to the Congregatio pro Clericis in the Vatican. A sum of nearly $20,000 was collected in a matter of less than two weeks! Meanwhile, the Friends organization forwarded a mandate to Mr. Carlo Gullo, a canonical advocate in Rome, granting him the power of attorney to represent Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish before the Congregatio pro Clericis. Carlo Gullo informed Frank Statkus that Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish had been scheduled on the docket in October 2008. At that time, the Friends organization attempted to send the agreed fee of 4,000€ to Carlo Gullo via wire transfer. However, the wire transfer was unsuccessful due to an invalid SWIFT identification number. With Mr. Peter Borré graciously acting as a translator, the accuracy of the number was confirmed by Carlo Gullo, and the Friends organization attempted to complete the wire transfer several additional times, still without success. Through an exchange of several e-mail messages, it was later determined that Carlo Gullo had not, in fact, scheduled Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish on the docket in October 2008. The Friends organization immediately ceased all attempts to forward the fee of 4,000€, and inquired about the time limitation of fifteen working days in which the appeal must be filed from the date on we received Bishop Robert McManus' rejection. This information was never confirmed by Carlo Gullo, and it is obvious that we are now outside of that timeframe. Nevertheless, the Friends of Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish agreed to compose their own appeal to the Congregatio pro Clericis. Meanwhile, the Friends parishioners wish to speak with Bishop McManus, as well as members of the Pastoral Planning Committee, to discuss the possibility of extending the period of time for which the Lithuanian community may celebrate ethnic Masses at Saint Casimir's Church. Return to top.

MANDATE FORWARDED TO CANONICAL ADVOCATE IN ROME
Monday, 07/21/2008

Acting upon the recommendation of Mr. Peter Borré, Co-Chairperson of the Council of Parishes, representative members of Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish have forwarded a mandate to a canonical advocate in Rome, Italy. (To protect confidentiality, this advocate will remain unnamed until further notice.) This mandate charges the canonical advocate with the task of representing Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish before the Congregatio pro Clericis, and if necessary, before the Vatican's high tribunal. Next week, a payment of 4,000€ (approximately $6,500US) must be forwarded to the canonical advocate. A letter will be forwarded to parishioners in the immediate future, providing an update on the status of our appeal, and also to seek the financial support of parishioners. Return to top.

BISHOP REJECTS PARISHIONERS' APPEAL
Thursday, 07/10/2008

Today, representative members of Saint Casimir's Parish received a letter from Bishop McManus, dated July 3, 2008, that rejected an appeal to safeguard and preserve Saint Casimir's Parish as a fully-functioning parish in the city of Worcester. This letter was received by Frank Statkus, Barbara Thompson, Anna Leseman and David Moulton. Acknowledgement of the letter will be forwarded to the bishop as soon as practicable. In light of the bishop's decision, an effort will be made to push ahead with an appeal to Rome. Please stay tuned for additional information. Return to top.

BISHOP'S DECREE CARRIED OUT
Tuesday, 07/01/2008

Much to the disappointment of countless people, Bishop McManus' decree of suppression and merger was carried out today. This means that Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish no longer exists as its own entity. Rather, it will be known as the Lithuanian Community at Saint John's Parish. Effective today, only one Mass will be celebrated each Sunday, in Lithuanian, at 10:00am. We continue to wait for the bishop's response to our appeal. Please stay tuned for additional information. Return to top.

PARISH MEETING HELD AT MAIRONIS PARK
Sunday, 06/29/2008

Approximately 90 members of Saint Casimir's Parish gathered with the Friends of Saint Casimir committee at Maironis Park to discuss future plans. The committee's most recent letter to Bishop McManus was read. A simple vote, by show of hands, was taken to determine how many people were committed to continuing our efforts. All but a few raised their hands. The group discussed the financial burdens of persuing the next several steps of the appeal, as well as the likelihood of our efforts being futile. Nevertheless, the group banded together and made a commitment to see this process through to the end. Meanwhile, we will continue to pray for our parish, its members who are grieving, and for the Bishop, that he may open his mind and heart to be willing to compromise with the people of Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish. Return to top.

PARISHIONERS GATHER FOR PEACEFUL VIGIL & CLOSING MASS
Saturday, 06/28/2008

Members of Saint Casimir's Parish organized on the steps of the church to hold a peaceful vigil in support of the parish. Some were dressed in ethnic garments, and many were proudly waving Lithuanian flags. They sang Lithuanian and American hymns, constructed a hill of crosses, and prayed the rosary in English and Lithuanian. A Mass followed at 4:00pm. Contrary to claims made by the pastor, diocesan officials indicated that this was the parish's official closing Mass. Approximately 200 people from the parish and neighboring parishes were in attendance. Members of other parishes in the region, such as Saint Casimir's Parish in Brockton, Trinity Church in Northborough, Saint Bernadette's Parish in Northborough, Saint Peter's Parish in South Boston, and others also came to support us on this day. Return to top.

SAINT CASIMIR PARISH SUBMITS FORMAL APPEAL TO DECREE
Tuesday, 06/23/2008

The Friends of Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish committee has forwarded a formal letter of appeal to Bishop Robert McManus, pleading for his reconsideration. The Bishop should have received the letter on Wednesday, June 24, 2008. Return to top.

SAINT CASIMIR PARISH RECEIVES DECREE OF SUPPRESSION AND MERGER
Monday, 06/16/2008

Bishop Robert McManus released a decree of suppression and merger to Rev. Richard Jakubauskas, Pastor of Saint Casimir Parish, demanding the suppression and merger of our parish with Saint John's Parish, effective at 12:01am on July 1, 2008.

Rumors are circulating, indicating that our parish will remain open for a period of one year, and a closing Mass will not be held at this time. Based upon the decree issued by Bishop McManus, this statement is not accurate. Although our church building will remain available to the Lithuanian community for weekly liturgies and occasional funerals to be celebrated in Lithuanian for a period of one year, Saint Casimir's Parish will cease to exist as of July 1, 2008.

Therefore, a letter has been sent to parishioners, inviting them to participate in a peaceful vigil at 3pm on Saturday, June 28. We will gather in the front yard of the church to pray and sing songs as a parish family before celebrating our last English Mass at 4pm. (Please note that an English Mass may be held on Sunday, June 29, at 8:30am. This does not affect our plans prior to the 4pm Mass on the 28th.)

A separate letter has been sent to every parish in the city of Worcester, several parishes outside of the city, and more than 20 Lithuanian organizations in the Worcester area, inviting them to join us for our last English Mass. This is a very important time in our parish's history. Please join us in support of each other and in support of our parish. Return to top.

PARISHIONERS MEET WITH FR. JOHN MADDEN, PASTOR OF SAINT JOHN'S PARISH
Saturday, 06/14/2008

Father John Madden, Pastor of Saint John's Parish in Worcester, met with members of Saint Casimir's Parish following today's 4pm Mass to discuss the upcoming transition. He expressed respectful concern for the people, and he acknowledged their feelings of sadness and pain. He also expressed joyfulness in the timely nature of our parish's incorporation into his own. The meeting was attended by approximately 35 parishioners. Prior to the meeting, a questionnaire was distributed with the parish bulletin, inviting parishioners to indicate that they would like to join Saint John's Parish. This questionnaire was issued by our pastor, Father Richard Jakubauskas, to help make the transition more seamless. While some parishioners completed the form and returned it as requested, most tore it up or wrote negative comments on the it before placing it in the collection box. Return to top.

PARISHIONER REGISTRATION FORM NOW ONLINE
Monday, 06/09/2008

As of today, interested persons may download our parishioner registration form. Simply click 'Join' in the menu bar above. If you are not currently a parishioner, please download and complete the form. When finished, return it to Rev. Richard Jakubauskas at the address on the form. Return to top.

BISHOP MEETS WITH PARISHIONERS
Sunday, 06/08/2008

Members of Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish met with Bishop McManus today. This meeting served as an opportunity for parishioners to convey their concerns to the Bishop. It was also an opportunity for the Bishop to explain his reasons for making the decision to close the parish. At the request of the Pastor, the 60-minute meeting was limited to members of the parish. However, several parishioners were denied an opportunity to speak. The Bishop did indicate that it was a "strategic blunder" on behalf of the parish to involve the media. He also indicated that he had absolutely no intention of changing his position and that his decision was made "for no other reason than for the vitality of the Diocese." He refused offers to negotiate specific goals and timelines in which we could work toward these goals. He also denied our appeal, as well as our request for an exception to the rule of vitality.

Following the disheartening meeting with the Bishop, the 'Friends' committee gathered at Maironis Park to further discuss its next course of action. Additional details will follow at a later date. Return to top.

FRIENDS OF ST. CASIMIR MEET IN PREPARATION FOR BISHOP'S VISIT

Sunday, 06/01/2008

The Friends of Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish met at Maironis Park for several hours this afternoon, accompanied by Peter Borré of the Council of Parishes, to discuss plans for the Bishop's visit next Sunday.  In addition, plans for the next step of the appeal process were discussed in anticipation of Bishop McManus' refusal to reconsider.  A parish letter has been prepared to remind parishioners of the importance of this occasion.  Enclosed with the letter is a petition signature sheet, which parishioners may use to collect signatures that will later be forwarded to Bishop McManus (and/or a higher power) at a later date in demonstration of the love and commitment that we all have for Saint Casimir's Parish.  The parish letter can be viewed in the Media & Correspondence section.  If you support our cause, perhaps you might also consider collecting signatures.  Simply print the sheet, and when ready, return it to the mailing address at the bottom of the sheet.

Meanwhile, we ask you to keep our parish family in your thoughts and prayers.  Pray with us that we may continue to serve Jesus Christ in our beautiful church, in our traditional ways, and with those whom we love.  Pray that Bishop McManus will come to see the many strengths that Saint Casimir's Parish has to offer, as well as the pain and disappointment that has been felt by so many.  Pray that he will hear our pleas and reconsider his decision.  Return to top.

LETTER OF APPEAL SENT TO BISHOP McMANUS

Tuesday, 05/27/2008

A formal letter of appeal was forwarded to Bishop McManus with copies sent to the Papal Nuncio, the Chancellor of the Diocese of Worcester, the Lithuanian Ambassador to the United States of America, and the Pastor of Saint Casimir's Parish. Please visit the Media & Correspondence section to view the letter. While we anxiously wait for the Bishop's response, we are planning additional meetings to prepare for any additional action that may be required.  Return to top.

FRIENDS OF ST. CASIMIR MEET WITH COUNCIL OF PARISHES

Sunday, 05/25/2008

The Friends of Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish met with Mr. Peter Borré, Founder of the Council of Parishes, an organized group of devoted and committed Catholics who offer support and guidance to parishes that are facing closure.  In this meeting, Mr. Borré offered information and helpful suggestions regarding our plans to appeal to the Bishop.  The meeting was a definite success.

This four-hour meeting was immediately followed by a full parish meeting at Maironis Park in Shrewsbury.  During this brief meeting, the Friends of Saint Casimir informed parishioners and guests of our plans.  Guest speaker, Mr. Gintaras Cepas of Saint Peter's Lithuanian Parish of Boston offered a summary of their proceedings.  Saint Peter's Parish remains open today, more than three years after being told that their parish would be suppressed.  Return to top.

PARISH COUNCIL & OTHERS MEET WITH DIOCESAN REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, 05/21/2008

The Parish Council and other church members met for a short time with Father Jakubauskas and two representatives of the diocesan committee that recommended the suppression of Saint Casimir's Church.  The recommendation was allegedly based upon five major criteria: the physical condition of our church structures, the financial condition of our parish, our sacramental records, the ministries that currently exist in our parish, and parishioner attendance at each of the Masses.  Each of these points was disputed.

Saint Casimir's Church owns a considerable amount of property.  The church building is well maintained; it underwent major renovation merely five years ago.  Our school building, which is leased by the City of Worcester for use by the Worcester Alternative School, is also carefully maintained; it received replacement windows last summer.  The rectory is also carefully maintained; several improvements were completed within the last year.  Despite these renovations, repairs and normal operating expenses, our parish remains very solvent.  We do not have any outstanding debts.  We neither require nor call upon the financial assistance of others, including the Diocese of Worcester.  While our parish is small and aging, we do have 150-200 faithful parishioners who attend liturgies regularly.  Many are daily communicants.  Return to top.

PARISH ORGANIZES TO DISCUSS PLANS

Tuesday, 05/20/2008

Much of the parish convened at Maironis Park in Shrewsbury to reflect upon the unexpected and sobering news that was received during the previous weekend.  Despite the anticipated anger and tears, a common theme was heard throughout the two-hour meeting: "Save our church!"

Many parishioners contributed valuable suggestions and ideas.  A committee of eight strong, faithful, devoted registered parishioners was formed.  This committee, known as the Friends of Saint Casimir's Lithuanian Parish, will spearhead parish efforts to appeal Bishop McManus' decision while also exploring other avenues of recourse.  Serving on the committee are Frank Statkus, Raymond Jakubauskas, David Moulton, Barbara Thompson, Anne Leseman, Alan Bulejcik and Teresa Adomavicius.  Return to top.

BISHOP ANNOUNCES CLOSURE OF ST. CASIMIR'S CHURCH

Saturday, 05/17/2008

In a letter that was read at the end of today's Mass, Bishop Robert McManus announced his decision to close Saint Casimir's Church, as well as three other parishes in the city.  (The letter is available in the Media & Correspondence section.) The news came as a shocking blow, bringing many people instantly to tears.  The decision comes as part of a diocesan 'reconfiguration,' blamed mostly upon a shortage of diocesan priests.  According to the letter, the bishop's decision shall become effective on July 1, 2008.  On this date, Saint Casimir's Church will be closed and moved to neighboring Saint John's Church.  Since this is an ethnic parish, however, the Lithuanian liturgy will be allowed to continue at Saint Casimir's Church for one additional year.  This, too, will then merge with Saint John's Church.

One parishioner, who was accompanied by a large number of family members and loved ones, expressed the joy that she was feeling when she entered the church that afternoon.  This Mass was to be celebrated for her son.  However, this joy was shattered by the news.

Many parishioners responded in the same way.  A heavy feeling of sadness, devastation and betrayal fell upon the church.  Many people sat silently in the church after each liturgy, recalling the years and lifetimes of memories that have been associated with that place.  Some sought consolation from Father Richard Jakubauskas, who also grew up in this parish.  Others could not bring themselves to move.  Some expressed their disdain by tearing up their contribution to the Partners in Charity campaign, operated by the Diocese of Worcester.  But most simply left the church in shock.

As we cope with the news that has been presented to us, and as we explore our options at this juncture, please remember us in your thoughts and prayers.  Return to top.