The Sophian

Issue date: 11/19/09 Section: News

Parishioners of St. Mary's Catholic Church in downtown Northampton, across the street from College Hall and adjoining Stoddard Hall, received some disconcerting news over the weekend of Nov. 7. Effective January 2010, the Diocese of Springfield plans to shut down the 143-year-old church as part of a restructuring of the Catholic churches in the area. The news came as a shock for many, reversing an August announcement that St. Mary's would remain open and Sacred Heart Church on King Street would be closed.

Many members of the Smith and St. Mary's communities are unsettled by the latest decision. Maria Succi-Hempstead, lecturer in Italian language and literature, is concerned about the historical loss the closing would bring.

"St. Mary's is in the most central position, and it's also the oldest church," Succi-Hempstead said. "If you're consolidating, it would make sense to keep the nicest, oldest church."

St. Mary's was established in 1866 and dedicated in 1885, making it the oldest Catholic church in Hampshire County.

"Its presence between the College and the downtown announces to all the rich heritage and continuing tradition of the faithful here," remarked Pat Skarda, professor of English language and literature and parishioner at St. Mary's.

The original decision to keep St. Mary's open was motivated by such factors as the central location and the historical significance. However, the high level of feedback the diocese received from Northampton residents led the Pastoral Planning Committee to revisit the earlier decision.

"This whole process has seen a lot of cooperation from the Catholic community in Northampton," said Mark Dupont, a diocese spokesperson. According to Dupont, Northampton residents have been in close communication with the diocese about their goals and needs leading up to and following the announcement of the plan in August.

"Within a very short period of time [after the announcement], we began hearing from a number of Catholics concerned about accessibility for seniors," he said.

St. Mary's is on a main road and a hill, and there is very little parking, making the walk difficult for the elderly and handicapped community. "In making St. Mary's the primary house of worship for Catholics," Dupont noted, "we would be disenfranchising these individuals."

But just as senior citizens felt slighted at the choice of St. Mary's over another, more accessible church, St. Mary's parishioners at Smith have much at stake in the church's closing. Smith student Jaimi Inskeep '12 has been attending services at St. Mary's ever since she came to Smith.

Continued...

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