Friends of Saint Peter Lithuanian Parish – Update # 19

June 18, 2005

Dear Friends,

As I wrote in yesterday’s update, we have every reason to celebrate and take satisfaction in the fact that our Parish will remain open for now. I also mentioned that there are questions that need to be answered and certain statements need to be clarified. Today’s Boston Globe (Saturday, June 18, 2005) has an article about O’Malley’s decisions (p. B1, B4).

In one paragraph, the Globe writes that” O’Malley announced he plans to allow two Boston parishes - St. Mary of the Angels in Roxbury’s Egleston Square and St. Peter, a parish formed to serve Lithuanian immigrants in South Boston - to remain open.” However, further in the article, there is a parish breakdown in list form. Here the information lists us under a section that states “no immediate closing date”.

So, as I wrote earlier, let’s celebrate and enjoy this reprieve from the threat of closure. However, let’s also remember that our future as a Parish is still uncertain and we must remain vigilant. Do your part to keep St. Peter Lithuanian Parish alive and well. Come to mass, support Parish activities and recruit your family and friends to join you.

This is the time to strengthen our position as a Lithuanian community of worshippers. I received an e-mail from one of the Friends of St. Peter Lithuanian Parish. With his permission, I am quoting his message for all to read. Let’s heed the advice.
E-Mail received June 18, 2005:

“Gloria:

Congratulations to All. A victory is a victory… is a victory…IS A VICTORY.

As President Clinton once said…Define IS!!

This is an “IS!”

NOW IT IS UP TO ALL OF US TO BUILD A LITHUANIAN MOVEMENT AND MINISTRY THROUGHOUT NEW ENGLAND THAT MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE TO EVER CONSIDER CLOSING ST. PETER AGAIN. WE MUST NOW THINK BIGGER AND BETTER.

THIS IS THE CHALLENGE OF THE LITHUANIAN COMMUNITY. THIS IS OUR MISSION.

Three cheers for St. Peter Church.
Until next time,

Gloria R. Adomkaitis for the Friends