Letter re closure of St John the Baptist church, Ilford

Dear Editor,

On Gaudete Sunday (December 17th) the theme of which expresses the joy of anticipation at the approach of the Christmas celebration, the parishioners of St John the Baptist, Ilford are again devastated by the news that Mass on Christmas Eve wil be the last Mass at the Church - and told to us not in person but via newsletter.

This is highly insensitive, particularly at this time of year when the community of the Church wishes to come together, and for some this is a difficult time, requiring the support of the members of the congregation who are known and are dear to them.

The parish has been under threat of closure for over a year and recourse has been requested to the Vatican who are considering the case. To close the Church for the celebration of the Mass while Rome is considering whether or not this Church should indeed close, is pre-empting the decision of the Vatican and affecting all aspects of the health and well being of the members of the community.

Please help us in our endeavours to keep this church open in Ilford.

Yours sincerely,

Blossom Aberneithy

We asked Brentwood Diocese for a comment. They gave us the following statement:

Bishop Alan's decrees to merge the Ilford parishes of St John the Baptist and Ss Peter & Paul, and then to close the former, have been appealed to Rome. The Diocese awaits that decision and nothing has been done in the meantime to preempt that decision. The church of St John the Baptist remains open for prayer and the occasional celebration of the sacraments.

LINK

St John the Baptist church - http://sjbilford.org.uk/