Friday, February 20, 2009
Dear Arthur and friends,
Arthur and the Quality Hill Neighborhood Association were correct in predicting in January 2009 on local church mergers.
According to sources close to the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen, the Providence Journal real estate dealings recently reported St. Joseph's Church and Rectory in Pawtucket sold for $555,000 to an unspecified developer. Will the parish become the long-desired St. Raphael Academy arts center and classroom space?
In addition, the sources say Sacred Heart Church in Pawtucket will close down this summer. Both St. Joseph's and Sacred Heart will merge with Our Lady of Consolation which underwent recent heavy church remodeling.
These closings will have a devastating effect on the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen, which will probably have to move twice in one year.
As reported earlier, St. Cecilia's Church will be merged and services will be held at nearby St. Leo the Great parish.
As Arthur previous mentioned, the Diocese of Providence must develop a better long range plan as to how to best operate.
