LOCKPORT: Four churches to hold merger meeting

Staff Reports
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

January 03, 2008 01:05 am

— Parishioners of St. Anthony’s, St. Joseph’s, St. Mary’s and St. Patrick’s churches will meet at 1 p.m. on Sunday at St. Pat’s, 76 Church St., to select a new name for the Catholic parish that will be created as part of the Diocesan Journey of Faith and Grace.
“Plans for the closing of the four parishes and the creation of a new parish are already in motion,” said Barbara Wyse, the facilitator the New Parish Transition Team.
The meeting, which was postponed because of a snowstorm in December, is being held on the Feast of the Epiphany.
People can submit names for the new parish a the beginning of the meeting. The three most popular names will be sent to the Most Rev. Edward U. Kmiec, bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo, who will make the final name selection.
The meeting agenda includes an explanation of the process of closing four parishes and creating the new parish with a new pastor and new parish council.
There are sub-committees for parish life and worship, finance, building and grounds.
“We are hoping that people who want to get involved in the process of forming a new parish will attend,” Wyse said. “We need everyone’s ideas and input.”
The meeting is open to anyone from the four parishes, according to Barbara Felix of St. Patrick’s Church. It is not necessary for people to change their registration before the meeting.