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On Last Day, Parishioners Question Church Closing

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CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Parishioners on Sunday attended what could be their final services at Holy Family Church.

Chicago's second-oldest Catholic church survived the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 and the wrecking ball in the late 1980s.


Now, the 162-year-old house of worship in Little Italy is slated to merge with nearby Notre Dame de Chicago and some of those who gathered for the 9:45 a.m. Mass were wiping away tears.

Father Michael Gabriel told the diverse crowd he wants them to go out with a roar.

Two of White Sox founder Charles Comiskey's great granddaughters returned to the church where he was baptized to say they'll try to persuade the Archdiocese of Chicago to change its mind.

Through its Renew My Church initiative, the Archdiocese plans to keep Holy Family open for sacraments and other services with St Ignatius College Prep next door but wants weekly Mass to move as part of a larger consolidation effort. 

Odell Gordon urged his fellow parishioners to still show up next week.

In a letter to the parish back in March, Cardinal Blase Cupich says the new Holy Family and Notre Dame de Chicago Parish will embark upon the next phase to "become a stronger, more sustainable presence."