St. Casimir's church closing

A pulpit letter was read June 27 at the one remaining Mass offered at St. Casimir's Church in Albany, announcing the closing of the church as a worship location.

The closing was recommended by the combined pastoral council of the Center City Cluster, which includes St. Casimir's, St. Patrick's and Our Lady of Angels. They are located near one another.

Four years ago, a team consisting of the Daughters of Charity and the Conventual Franciscan Friars were appointed to St. Casimir's, Our Lady of Angels and St. Patrick's.

Renewing city

The letter from Bishop Howard J. Hubbard noted that "the team, together with the pastoral council, parishioners and neighbors of the four communities -- St. Casimir's, Our Lady of Angels, St. Patrick's, and the Center City Hispanic Community -- have undertaken the tremendous challenge to renew and revitalize the Catholic presence in the center city."

The team and community identified their goal as "the support of an ongoing vibrant faith community that joins together in prayer and worship of God, and commits itself to reaching out in evangelization to the neighborhood and surrounding areas."

Proposal reviewed

The Bishop said that "I have reviewed the formal stewardship proposal titled 'Strengthening for Mission,' the result of a great deal of time, energy and effort as well as collaboration and cooperation of many individuals to help advance the overall goal of forming one unified presence in the center city which the combined pastoral council submitted to me.

"After prayerful and serious consideration, the council recommends closure of St. Casimir's Church as a worship site for the cluster. I have weighed very carefully the information provided me by the members of your parish pastoral council. I have also sought the advice and council of the Diocesan Offices of Priests' Placement, Pastoral Planning, Finance and the Presbyteral Council.

"Based on the information provided, I have concluded that there are sufficient and valid reasons to close St. Casimir's. While there is great sadness in this decision, we must never neglect to give thanks to God for the many years of faith celebrated in this parish community."

Bishop Hubbard added that "while I regret the sadness this decision will bring for those who worship at St. Casimir's, please know that the decision was determined only after considerable thought and prayer. As we continue to work toward this renewal and revitalization of the center city, we are still blessed to have your two cluster parishes, Our Lady of Angels and St. Patrick's, which will provide for your sacramental and pastoral needs."

(The last Mass at St. Casimir's will be celebrated on August 29 at 2 p.m. The parish records will be transferred to Our Lady of Angels.)

(7/1/04) [[In-content Ad]]