A notice to Parishioners regarding St. Mary's Chapel

A NOTICE TO PARISHIONERS REGARDING ST. MARY'S

St. Mary's Chapel, formerly the parish church, was closed two years ago due to its deteriorating condition.  It was deemed to be unsafe.  Moreover, it does not have handicap access, a bathroom, air conditioning or ample parking - all modern necessities.  Repairs just to fix the roof and the bell tower would cost well over $100,000.  The church served the community well for 140 years, but the parish has long outgrown it.  For this reason, the Finance Council and Pastoral Council have approved a petition by our pastor to the Archbishop of Philadelphia to relegate the status of the building to profane but not sordid use.  This canonical term simply means that the building would lose the formal designation of a worship site.  It would be the first step in allowing us to put the entire Evergreen Street property up for sale to a reputable buyer.  Of course, the altar and any valuable stain glass or other art work in the church will be removed.  The petition will most likely be considered by the Council of Priests and the Archbishop at the end of the month.