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Most Rev. John R. Quinn Archbishop of San Francisco 445 Church Street San Francisco, Ca. 94114 Dear Archbishop Quinn: How time flies! Not so terribly long ago I was asked to be a reader at a special Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral honoring Bishop McDonald. Today I am standing by to learn whether I am obliged to change parishes 31 years after moving to St. Brigid's Parish from St. Vincent de Paul. I, for one, probably am not the only one who does not know the gospel truth about why St. Brigid is being closed. First the word "retrofit" was bandied about and now something is not "viable." whatever the reason, I disagree whole-heartedly with the statement attributed to Mr. Wesolek to the effect that parishioners' feeling was based more on "emotion" than on reason. If that represents the concensus of your blueribbon committee, I suggest you need a new committee. Another buzz word is "demographics." Let me tell you about one of the groups with whom I am associated - St. Brigid's Forty-Plus Club-Seniors." We have a membership of approximately 100 and attend Mass regularly. We also are engaged in activities which include the duties of Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Ushers, and Ministers of Hospitality. We also assist in the rectory whenever help is requested. Our Club meets twice a month during the entire year. We have three or four special occasion meetings and make four over-night trips to Reno, in which other parishioners join. In any event, I think we deserve more than being told to transfer to another parish, Mr. Wesolek to the contrary. This concerns me personally as one of the "over-the-hill" seniors. Going back to Bishop McDonald's tenure as Pastor, my name has appeared as a co-signer on every parish letter connected with the annual fund-raising campaign. This includes 1994-( hope it materializes)' It takes people to support a live parish financially and St. Brigid has certainly done that. From the inception of the annual campaign, we have more than met the levied assessment. I would imagine there are records at the Chancery which will show noteworthy performance, even with significant yearly increases in the assessment. Another point worth mentioning is the fact that St. Brigid has always been a "transient" parish, meaning there is significant turnover every year within St. Brigid's parish boundaries. I see that even in the block on Buchanan where we live. Years ago it also was referred to as a "silk stocking" parish but unfortunately that no longer is the case. In any event, what your blue ribbon group has proposed is the dispersal of 1200 practicing Catholics, who are second to none in supporting the Church, Mr. Wesolek and other "experts" notwithstanding. I would suggest that the Chancery formulate a positive plan to increase the number of Catholics by going after those who have left the church, those who attend Mass only on Christmas and Easter, as well as non-Catholics. I appreciate that this will take some doing in today's environment but why provide a clear field to other faiths? Now, I have mentioned "retrofit", "viable," and "demographics". I should like to add, "reconsideration" by asking you not to force us to pull up stakes and transfer to a group not worthy of this wonderful Catholic family. Sincerely yours,
W.R.
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