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	Bishop Gives Church Extension By Elizabeth Roman The Republican November 2, 2009 http://www.masslive.com/springfield/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-25/1257149796194350.xml&coll=1 SPRINGFIELD - Hundreds of parishioners and supporters erupted in applause on Sunday when the Most Rev. Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell said Immaculate Conception Church, set to close Nov. 29, will get a seven-month extension. "This is a breath of fresh air," said the church's spokeswoman Kelly A. Tracy. "It's not everything we wanted but we don't see it as bad news." McDonnell spent at least 20 minutes of the Mass held Sunday morning discussing the reason why the church is up for closing and telling parishioners they must "prove" to the dioceses that they can remain viable. "I think we will be able to do it. We have stayed strong and we will move forward just as strong," said Joseph M. Welcz, of Wilbraham. Welcz has been a member of the church for 50 years. McDonnell cited dwindling numbers as one of the reasons the church is being considered for closing. He said the problem extends across Western Massachusetts. "In 1980 there were 361,000 Catholics in Western Massachusetts and in 2009 there are 221,000. Our numbers have dropped by one-third," he said. McDonnell said the diocese has gone from 200 priests to just 90 in the area. "We have seen a drop in membership of people in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. We are hurting," he said. He said he was happy to see the church filled Sunday, but was skeptical that it could last. "Is Mass like this every Sunday?" he asked people crowding every seat and standing in the aisles. "I know there are people here from other parishes supporting you, but can you maintain this every week?" While the church will get an extension until June 30, they will have to show the diocese that they can keep their membership up and remain out of debt. McDonnell said the closing of the school attached to the church will bring a revenue loss of more than $200,000 this year, which is close to half of the church's yearly income. McDonnell said not to take his decision lightly. "In June I will be back and you have to face the possibility that the church might still have to be closed. So you get good news and bad news today. We will see what happens, but there is hope," he said. Tracy said the congregation is committed to making this extension eventually turn into a permanent decision to keep the church open. "Now we have been giving the time necessary to prove to the diocese that we can survive and thrive," she said. For more information on the parish and their fund-raising activities logon to www.sa veioicc.com Contact: eroman@repub.com
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