Pending closure of St. William leaves an empty feeling in Norwood

By Dawn Anderson
Posted 3/21/17

The heart-wrenching decision to close St. William Church has left a void in many of its parishioners, some of whom have been attending for decades.

“It’s sad as could be,” says longtime …

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Pending closure of St. William leaves an empty feeling in Norwood

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The heart-wrenching decision to close St. William Church has left a void in many of its parishioners, some of whom have been attending for decades.

“It’s sad as could be,” says longtime member Maureen O’Brien, “I’ve been coming since third grade.”

She fondly spoke of her history with the church, attending with her parents as a young child and how her brother was baptized there. Now retired, she attends with her good friend, Paula Medeiros, who echoed similar sentiments. “I love coming to church. The people here are awesome, it’s like a family,” she said, speaking of the close-knit camaraderie amongst its members.

In St. William, where everyone knows each other, the thought of transition hasn’t been easy. The dismal realization that friendships forged throughout the years may end has proven difficult.

“It’s sad, we might lose track of people we love and care about. They get integrated into different parishes,” said congregant Sue Almeida. The most difficult parts of transition for some of the members has been a feeling of “letting go” of those they’ve worshipped with for years, suddenly not having a church home, being the “new kid on the block” when entering another congregation, and the task of visiting different parishes unfamiliar to them in search of one to fit their schedules.

Parishioners realized they were unable to prevent the closure stating simply that funds weren’t available to do so. Others felt that the Diocese made its final decision, claiming that a church is a business, and sometimes businesses close. Some of the land belonging to the church has already been sold, and it is reported that homes will be built upon it.

According to a release issued by the diocese earlier this month, the parish had reserves totaling $12,700 and accounts payable of $203,000.

While attending one of their last Masses together in their beloved church, its white walls adorned with stations of the cross leading to the sacred altar, they listened to Fr. Tim Reilly speak of issues that hit home for many of them. First, there was a bit of self-reflection as he asked the congregation if any have wandered away from God this week. Then, during his homily, he spoke not only of Christ’s Transfiguration but his own personal example of changing anger to joy, setting an example for those in attendance that all go through difficult times, and when God closes one door he opens another.

When speaking of the importance of the body of the church, its people, Fr. Reilly offered a saying from the Holy Book, stating, “The Holy Spirit says in the Bible that the people are the living stones of God,” reiterating that so many feelings the most important thing isn’t the building, or the priest, it’s the people who choose to attend and be a part of the congregation.

While the church has given information on different parishes to consider as people prepare to go their separate ways, the work they did together throughout the years to help provide for the neighborhood and each other will not soon be forgotten. Its many outreach programs throughout the years have included establishing the former Warwick Family Shelter, the Loaves and Fishes Food Closet, Prayer Line, holiday food baskets, coat drives, Annual Giving Tree and walk-a-thons, just to name a few. The Food Closet will continue throughout March, and any remaining items will be donated to Westbay Marketplace. The Prayer Line will continue as it is supported by multiple parishes.

In early March, the Diocese of Providence announced the church closing, stating a decline in attendance combined with financial debt and low reserves as the reason. The final Mass at St. William will be held Easter Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

St. William is one of 10 Warwick Catholic parishes. It was established as a mission of St. Matthew Church in Cranston with the St. William Chapel being dedicated in 1926. The parish has been a part of Norwood since 1933.

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