The Observation Deck

A big issue looming for the city of Lakewood and surrounding communities is the fate of the Roman Catholic churches (and schools) within the parish cluster.

This includes the parishes of:
St. Luke
St. James
St. Cyril & Methodius
St. Hedwig
St. Rose
St. Clement

I have read that Bishop Lennon will make a decision about which parishes to close in March.

I am curious as to what scenarios would provide for the best outcome for Lakewood, in general?

St. James is one of the most beautiful churches I've ever seen. Believe me, between my aunt and grandmother, I think I've seen every one on the west side.

I'm no longer Catholic, but I did grow up in that church. It would be sad if they close it.

I need to mention the acoustics in there. Most of the church is marble and it bounces the sound till it sounds like it's soaring.

I love that church, too, for a variety of reasons (went to school there, married there, other weddings, funerals, etc.). But I can imagine it is expensive to maintain...

I am not Catholic but I appreciate the importance of these parishes and I would hate to see them close. I can't even imagine the impact that this is going to be on the community.

John Guscott wrote:A big issue looming for the city of Lakewood and surrounding communities is the fate of the Roman Catholic churches (and schools) within the parish cluster.

This includes the parishes of:
St. Luke
St. James
St. Cyril & Methodius
St. Hedwig
St. Rose
St. Clement

I have read that Bishop Lennon will make a decision about which parishes to close in March.

I am curious as to what scenarios would provide for the best outcome for Lakewood, in general?

John

I have been keeping track of this for a variety of reasons. mostly what to do with the parishes that close, which could be very good for the city.

I am also amazed that the Catholic Church would close any in Lakewood with rental markets coming back as fast as family sizes are growing. It would seem like it might be easier to sell off some of the art no one ever gets to see, then close a person's church.

However, hazard a guess on the wealthiest parish in the list?


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I'm guessing the wealthiest (by asset, not income) is Hedwig's?

Although I did not participate in the Cluster Committees I do sit on the Parish Council as well as the Finance Council for St. James. So I know the answer to JOB's question as to the wealthiest church in the cluster.

Suffice it say, I believe that the decison will come down to a 3 church scenario, the question still remains as to what three, the likely scenario is James, Luke and Cyril's, but I wouldn't rule out Clements.

As to why JOB would they close any parishes in Lakewood, two words

Money and Priests.

Not only are the Parishes bleeding money, which causes the Diocese to bleed money as well. Like any corporation, the Parent business is asking the various divisions to tighten up so that everyone can survive.

Priest numbers are dwindling as has been reported for years, I think every Pastor in Lakewood is either close to retirement or has passed the age except for Clements which has a Administrator.

Look for the decision after the March 1, I think the Pastors will find out late next week. So that weekend should be when everyone will hear.

After that, the interesting discussion will take place as to what to do with the facilities of those parishes that are to be closed and the tax implications for the diocese.

John Guscott wrote:I'm guessing the wealthiest (by asset, not income) is Hedwig's?

you are correct!


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TIM CARROLL wrote: After that, the interesting discussion will take place as to what to do with the facilities of those parishes that are to be closed and the tax implications for the diocese.

Tim

Kenneth Warren had a great idea about trying to get some Jesuit Universities to come in and create junior colleges.

I have always thought that would be agreat use of some of these parishes.


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As communications liaison to the Cluster Team, it would be my fervent, if impossible, wish that we don't get into speculation about which churches will or will not close, what to do with those parishes, etc. This is a very emotionally charged issue that is coming down to the final days before a decision is announced.

I will say that in our process of discernment, "wealth" was not only measured in dollars, but in vibrancy: baptisms, weddings, funerals, existing ministries and parishioner involvement, number of parishioners and year over year trends also weighed heavily.

You'll have answers upon which to base speculation in short order. Until then, your discretion is appreciated.

Paul Schrimpf
Communications Liaison, Lakewood-Cleveland Cluster

As a non Catholic, but a great appreciator of all that your community has and will continue to contribute, I wish you (and the rest of us who are beneficiaries of your work) the best of outcomes in your difficult deliberations.
Stan Austin

Paul Schrimpf wrote:You'll have answers upon which to base speculation in short order. Until then, your discretion is appreciated.

Paul Schrimpf
Communications Liaison, Lakewood-Cleveland Cluster

Paul

We will wait.

Did not mean to get so $$$$$ and ¢¢¢¢¢¢ on this. I am just amazed at the
little church that could, St. Hedwig. It has to be tough for any parish to be on the list of "which to close."

As I look over the list, all have given so much to this community.


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Paul,

I apologize if my inquiry seemed callous. I recognize that all of the churches have deep histories, and many people have emotional connections to the roles the various churches have fulfilled over the years.
I can only hope that the proper decisions are made, not only for the best outcome for the city, but also for the communities the churches serve.

John --

Thanks for the response. There is a lot of interest from the community, which is certainly understandable. Once we get the word from the diocese, there will be plenty to talk about. The city has expressed an interest in talking with us about future planning and have offered support in this regard.

As for the decisionmaking process, representatives from each of the six cluster parishes met over a 15 month period and gave countless hours of time and effort under pretty stressful conditions to participate in this process. It was certainly not a perfect process but we all got a voice and had a hand in composing and constructing our submitted proposals to the Bishop.

While we are all bracing for the decision rendered, I think I speak for everyone in the cluster that we are looking forward to getting past this difficult milestone and moving toward planning for a bright future.

Paul Schrimpf
Communications Liaison,
Lakewood-Cleveland Cluster