Boston archdiocese unveils plans to sell closed parishes
February 17, 2011
The Boston archdiocese has taken the first steps toward the sale of property at several parishes that have been officially closed since 2004.
The archdiocese will solicit public comments on the plan to sell 7 parish churches. In four of those churches, unhappy parishioners have mounted vigils in a thwarted attempt to stall the closing of the parishes. Although the Vatican has dismissed the parishioners' canonical protests against the closing of their parishes, the new archdiocesan plan-- which would entail the "alienation" of churches that have been consecrated for sacred use-- presents new opportunities for canonical appeals.
The Boston archdiocese has been paying over $1 million each year to maintain and insure the properties of parishes that were closed as a cost-cutting measure.
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Further information:
- Boston Archdiocese taking first steps toward selling contested closed parishes (Boston Globe)
- Boston archdiocese paying over $1 million yearly to maintain closed parishes (CWN 12/29/09)
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