[NYer]

We need to put the accent on Catholic and come together as one people ready to make sacrifices for our Church. We are part of something bigger than ourselves.

Domenico Bettinelli, made some interesting observations about this situation, at his blogspot.

"The first news of closing parishes is coming out. Among the closed, it is interesting to note that the parishes of about 90 percent of the 58 priests who demanded Cardinal Law’s resignation are there. My guess is that these guys had been identified as troublemakers long ago and were put in dead or dying parishes where they could do little harm.

More news on this topic here.

Fight to save parishes continues

[Salvation]

A sad day for Massachusetts.

[Palladin]

I find this part hard to believe:

In addition, I want to assure the people of the archdiocese that the decision to close parishes is in no way connected with the need to finance the legal settlement with the victims of clergy sexual abuse. The sale of the Brighton property of the former archbishop's residences and surrounding land has raised the $90 million dollars needed to do so. No money from the future sale of parish assets will be used to pay for the settlement. What these funds will do is allow us to financially support as needed the parishes and schools that do remain in the archdiocese as well as to recapitalize our pension and medical funds.

And why are they still paying pensions to the pedophile priests?

[saradippity]

Too bad he is no longer able to end his letter with:"So as sad as many may be to learn their parish is closing,it is good to know that wherever we go,we as Catholics,will hear the same Gospel,learn the same Truths,partake of the same sacraments and worship the same God,with the same prayer in the same tongue with others members of His Church on earth. God Bless you all".

There was an incredible beauty and power in that true,simple,clear and comforting statement for Catholics the world over. And when we can say that again,the Church will thrive.