Holy Cross Parish, Lansing at 1611 W Oakland Ave, Lansing, MI 48915 US

Bishop Boyea Announcement of Closure

January 14, 2009

Dear Monsignors, Fathers and Faithful of Holy Cross Parish and Saint Mary Cathedral Parish in Lansing,

In September, 2008, I accepted the recommendations of the Diocesan Coordinating Commission, Planning Tomorrow's Churches, for the restructuring of parishes throughout the Diocese of Lansing. Having received the official notification from Father James Kent, the Minister Provincial of the Conventual Franciscan community, that they will be withdrawing the presence of the Franciscans who staff Holy Cross Parish and notification of the change was presented to parishioners of Holy Cross Parish and Saint Mary Cathedral Parish. In my letter to parishioners last week, I indicated that I would review the status of Holy Cross Parish in light of current available data and in light of the overall mission of the Church in Lansing.

With current data from the Office of Pastoral Planning and after consultation with the Presbyteral Council, (the key council required by Canon Law to advise the bishop with regard to modifications of parishes) and the pastor of Holy Cross Parish and the Rector of Saint Mary Cathedral, I have reached a decision.

Aware that the Conventual Franciscans can no longer provide priests to staff Holy Cross Parish after June, 2009, and considering all factors, Holy Cross Parish will merge with Saint Mary Cathedral Parish by the end of June, 2009, resulting in the closure of Holy Cross Parish. Saint Mary Cathedral will be served by two priests.

I now urge Monsignor Murphy, Father Hayes, the pastoral leadership and faithful of both parishes to collaborate diligently on the implemenation of the plan, working with the Office of Pastoral Planning. After consultation with the Franciscan leadership, we are currently planning to hold the closing ceremonies on Sunday, June 21, 2009. I myself will preside at the closing Mass.

The new parish merger for the center city of Lansing holds great promise for a strengthened and renewed Catholic presence. It is imperative that we now join forces for the mission of the Church to proclaim Jesus Christ boldly and effectively. Particularly, I invite the parishioners who have provided many charitable services to area residents to continue their fine work by working with your colleagues at Saint Mary Cathedral Parish.

Once again, I express my profound gratitude for the presence and dedication of the Franciscan Friars at Holy Cross.

Assuring you of my prayers during this time of transition to a renewed and revitalized presence of the Church in the center city of Lansing, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Earl Boyea
Bishop of Lansing.

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Holy Cross Parish, Lansing at 1611 W Oakland Ave, Lansing, MI 48915 US - Bishop Boyea Announcement of Closure