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	Parishioners Vow Fight after Church Shutdown The Courier-Post November 12, 2010 http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20101112/NEWS01/11120335/Parishioners-vow-fight-after-church-shutdown A Catholic church that's been a hub of resistance to parish mergers in South Jersey has closed abruptly. The surprise shutdown of St. Mary's Church in Malaga will intensify an ongoing battle between local parishioners and the Diocese of Camden, opponents of a planned merger said Thursday. "This is just the beginning of the fight," vowed Julie Heiland of Hammonton, a member of a grassroots group called Save St. Mary's. The group for more than two years has opposed plans to combine St. Mary's with two nearby parishes -- St. Rose of Lima in Newfield and Queen of Angels in Buena, Atlantic County. Bishop Joseph Galante announced plans in April 2008 to reduce the number of parishes in the diocese from 124 to 68, largely through mergers. The restructuring is needed due to a priest shortage, demographic changes and other factors, the bishop has said. The two sides split sharply over the reasons for Tuesday's closing. In a statement Thursday, the diocese said a broken boiler at St. Mary's "had made it impossible to continue services in the cold-weather months." It also noted the parish debt of $250,000, low attendance -- "fewer than 200" - at weekend services, and the availability of nearby churches to serve St. Mary's members. "The facts of the parish's situation speak for themselves," said diocesan spokesman Peter Feuerherd. "The bishop wants to strengthen parishes by bringing them together when necessary." But Leah Vassallo of Malaga, another merger critic, said parishioners had offered to donate the amount needed for boiler repairs. She said the shutdown decision was made by a five-member board of trustees dominated by diocesan representatives. "Nobody is buying what they're selling," she said. "This is not a decision of parishioners." She said parishioners "feel betrayed more than anything else by the manner in which this was done. There was no mention beforehand that there was a possibility they'd close the church." After the decision was made, Vassallo added, many people learned of the shutdown from a letter taped to the church's door. The two sides also differed on their view of the future. Parish mergers and other changes "will make eventually for a stronger faith community," said Feuerherd, the diocesan spokesman. Said Vassallo: "We still intend to pursue any recourse, whether through civil law or canon law. We will continue to fight for as long as it takes." Reach Jim Walsh at or jwalsh@courierpostonline.com
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