ST. HEDWIG CLOSING - A REPRIEVE - AT LEAST FOR A WHILE

I went to the second Mass for this July of 2010 at St. Hedwig's - the second of what I expected to be two more. However, just before he started his sermon Father Joseph gave a 'little' announcement: that contrary to what the Deacon Jerry said on June 27th - the 11:30 AM Mass would continue -- at least for the next several months.

Do I shout "Hurrah" or accept the story given by Sally - the spinmiester as being factual (for once) or were other factors at work here.

On the way to church - had to take cut-thru the alley next to the old convent due the annual Polish Street Festival which for the 3 years now has been fenced off for security (and because the Lagrange Delopement Corp. wants to make some money on admission fees) I encountered a woman - a fellow parishioner - who confessed to coming to church here for 40 years. She said, as we walked to Mass together, that the announcement two weeks ago was bothering her and weighing heavily on her mind.

If this was not going to happen, and considering the behavior of our bishop, then nothing should have been said at all - even in speculation.

Fr. Joseph said he didn't know about what been said. Posh! I sent an email with a link to this blog on June 27th itself. So, either he does read his email often or somebody does that for him (deleting what Father doesn't need to see I imagine) or what? . . . he ignored it? And what about others who I am sure contacted him?

Being up front is important - especially now when the trust the clergy automatically got has been almost mortally wounded since the sexual abuse scandal broke.

I believe him, but I won't be surprised of it all closes down as originally announced. If it doesn't - then I'll have to wonder if it's going into a slow fade out - meaning - turning down the heat real low gradually bringing that water to a boil so the people won't see it happening. So, I remain as convinced as ever that closing the church building is on the menu.

Side note: once again Fr. Joesph used Eucharistic Prayer I. I heartily approve - about time that old and venerable prayer got taken out of month balls and used regularly.