Statement concerning St. Theresa Chapel, Sagamore, MA
June 1, 2008

Our mission chapel has been an integral part of both Corpus Christi Parish and Sagamore Village for 82 years. For all that time it has served the sacramental needs of those in Sagamore and Sagamore Beach, and has been the place of worship for some from both Plymouth and Sandwich as well.

It has been very difficult, therefore, to come to the conclusion that the parish can no longer continue pastoral service at the chapel. We began to look at the use of the chapel several years ago, when the Diocese of Fall River conducted an official study of the future of all parishes. This study and subsequent diocesan plans were prompted by the expectation of fewer priests, declining vocations to the priesthood, rising expenses and limited financial resources.

Before reaching our decision, the following considerations were given much thought and prayerful deliberation by the Parish Pastoral Council, the Parish Staff, and the Diocesan Office of Pastoral Planning:

- Options identified at the August 2007 meeting at St. Theresa Chapel.
- Rising operational costs, especially for fuel and electricity.
- The age and condition of the building, and needed repairs and updating.
- The availability of priests.

When all of these factors were taken into account, it became clear that it was necessary to close the chapel and direct all of our efforts to continuing and strengthening the pastoral work of Corpus Christi Parish.

The Pastoral Council, the Parish Staff, and the Bishop of our Diocese concurred in the decision to close St. Theresa Chapel after the last Mass on November 23, 2008, the Solemnity of Christ the King, which is the last Sunday of the liturgical year. The closing process will be framed, then, by the 82nd anniversary of the chapels dedication, this Friday, June 6, 2008, and the end of the Church year.

A special ad hoc task force committee will be formed to address the many issues involved in this closure. It will be composed of people who worship at the chapel and those who worship at Corpus Christi Church. An open meeting will be held as soon as this committee has been able to establish itself and its goals.

Major concerns which will affect all our parishioners will be the changing of the Mass schedule at the church, and welcoming the many dedicated men and women who serve at St. Theresa Chapel into the various ministries based at Corpus Christi Church.

The task force will also work at helping groups that currently meet at the chapel find alternate spaces, and work with diocesan officials on the disposition of the property and the respectful use of the chapels furniture and fixtures. Together with our liturgy planning committee the task force will prepare proper closure ceremonies.

As pastor, I recognize that many parishioners will be deeply saddened and perhaps angered at this decision. Please recall that it reflects consideration of the pastoral mission of the whole parish, and should be seen as a pro-active step, namely, taking action in a timely manner before it becomes a rushed necessity. All I can ask for at this point is your continued support and prayers.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

(Rev.) Marcel H. Bouchard, Pastor