Can Notre Dame Church be saved?

I have indicated previously that this blog, Future Perfect Progressive, is a forum I use for brief entries on a variety of subjects. This is one of those.

I am not a member of Notre Dame Church, located on Route 131 in Centre Village in Southbridge. In fact, I do not consider myself religious, so this concern does not come from that point of view. That being said, I believe it would be a travesty to raze a church that is so much a part of the history of Southbridge.

Southbridge is a blue collar town, and much of the labor that worked the jobs that built the factories came from the French Canadians who early on made Southbridge their home. Notre Dame Church was always known as the French church because it was built from the hopes and efforts and dreams of the French Canadians. Masses were conducted in French. Choral music was performed in French. This church gave French Canadians a sense of belonging in the community.

Of course, as the French Canadians assimilated to their new home and as generations passed, the emphasis on the French language lessened, and today parishioners come from diverse backgrounds. The Roman Catholic Church has experienced a loss of membership overall, and it has been determined that 4 churches in Southbridge is more than is needed. Notre Dame and the other “French parish,” Sacred Heart, have been yoked together. The Diocese seems to be leaning toward keeping Sacred Heart open and closing Notre Dame. I have had family that called both of these churches their home parish at one time or another, and I would guess that many others in Southbridge could say the same thing.

There is no easy answer, and I have none to offer. I cannot imagine Main Street without the majestic edifice at the top of the hill. I have prepared a simple page on my website that can help those who carry out their vigil to save Notre Dame Church. I believe that those of us who are not part of the Parish need to be aware of the struggle taking place.

Please take time to visit the page, and if you are so inclined, leave a message in the guest book. Thank you.

A Vigil for Notre Dame Church, Route 131, Main Street, Centre Village, Southbridge

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