Schenectady parish set to close

A steady decline in attendance over several years has led to the announcement that Holy Cross parish in Schenectady will close at the end of this month.

Rev. Richard Carlino, pastor, told The Evangelist that while the small, mostly Lithuanian community of parishioners are very attached to their church, "there seemed to be a sense that this was coming."

He said the announcement of the closure, made at liturgies last weekend, was met with a great deal of sadness. But many parishioners also approached him to offer "very endearing, supportive sentiments. The people have been wonderfully understanding."

Holy Cross has an unusual history; it was built in 1891 as a Jewish synagogue and still has a rounded dome, rather than a steeple. The building was bought in 1923 to serve the Lithuanian Catholic community in Schenectady.

Parishioners were told as early as October that Holy Cross would probably close. Bishop Howard J. Hubbard recently approved recommendations to that effect from both the parish council and the Albany diocesan Presbyteral [priests'] Council.

The final Mass at the parish will be celebrated Dec. 31. Father Carlino said that parishioners will probably attend either St. John the Evangelist or St. Mary's after that; he is also pastor of those parishes.

Although he has been pastor of Holy Cross for only four years, he had helped out with Masses there during his previous pastorate at St. Anthony's in Schenectady, so he has known many Holy Cross parishioners for 17 years.

He said he will miss celebrating Mass in the small church.

"I'm sad," he stated. "I very much feel for the people."

(12/7/06) [[In-content Ad]]