(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Members of two dozen Roman Catholic churches closed or slated for closure by the Chicago Archdiocese are fighting to stay open.
They’re appealing to the Vatican, claiming they are financially viable, despite the Archdiocese’s assessment to the contrary.
Gerry Winters, president of Save St. Matthias Church, says the plan to merge his Lincoln Square parish with another has resulted in a lot of people have stopped going to mass all together.
He said Wednesday it’s disappointing the Archdiocese asked parishes to raise millions of dollars in 2013 and then were told they’re closing a few years later.
In a move he calls “utterly clueless,” Winters said St. Matthias members continue to get letters from the Archdiocese telling them they’re behind on monthly donations more than a year after the closure announcement.
A spokeswoman for the Archdiocese says structural changes are needed to a parish life model that was built for a different time.
Susan Thomas said the Archdiocese understands the changes are difficult but they are heartened to see many people transition to a more vibrant worship experience.
As for the financial campaign, she says that was to strengthen the church throughout Lake and Cook counties. That money will go to the newly combined parishes as well as any leftover from sales of property after debts are paid.
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