“This is the oldest Catholic Church in Yonkers…The community deserve more time to preserve their spiritual home,”
-City Council President Lakisha Collins Bellamy
By Dan Murphy
Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy has asked the Archdiocese of NY to reconsider all options before moving forward with a planned closure of St. Mary’s -Immaculate Conception Church on South Broadway.
Council President Collins-Bellamy submitted a resolution to the City Council which passed unanimously to ask for time for the parish community to explore options and raise money to pay for an estimated $10 Million in needed repairs to the Church, which was built in 1848.
At a recent meeting at the church on Jan. 17, hundreds of parishioners, and supporters came out to support the church and spoke about what St. Mary’s means to Yonkers. Collins-Bellamy said she was “moved by the personal stories shared at the Town Hall.”
“The parishioners love for St. Mary’s was palpable. This is the oldest Catholic Church in Yonkers. It has served the community well. People travel from neighborhood cities to pray, and hear Mass in English, Spanish and Arabic. The community deserves more time to preserve their spiritual home.
“At a time in our country that is increasingly divisive, we must support the places that foster unity among us. I hope my colleagues join me in compelling the Archdiocese to listen to the parishioners of St. Mary’s and work with them to save the church,” said Collins-Bellamy.
A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of New York responded to tonight’s resolution with a statement.
“Saint Mary’s – Immaculate Conception Church is, indeed, an historic church not only for the City of Yonkers but also for the Archdiocese of New York. It is good to know of the high regard in which the Yonkers City Council President holds the church.
“Unfortunately, the strong feelings of attachment to the church expressed by so many are not reflected in attendance at Mass, which averages about 250 parishioners each week. It is the responsibility of the parishioners of a parish to financially support it, and a congregation of that size is not sufficient to meet the expenses of running the parish, meeting its weekly expenditures, and providing for the building’s proper maintenance and upkeep.
“To be clear: at this point in time, the archdiocese is looking at joining the parish with another parish, not closing it, in order to create a new parish that will be strong and vibrant for the future. That is the goal of our parish planning process, as we look at the situation of this parish and all parishes of the archdiocese. This is an ongoing process.
“Any discussion about a possible closure of the church building is premature. However, as mentioned, the parishioners are responsible for the expenses of running a parish, and that includes the upkeep of the buildings. The lack of funds has resulted in extensive work needed just to repair the façade of the church, at an estimated cost of $10 million (sure to go higher once work begins, as is always the case as every homeowner knows). Neither the parish nor the archdiocese have these funds. With a building that is 175 years old, it is likely that an inspection would reveal many other badly needed basic maintenance projects that have been neglected over time due to a lack of parish funds for repairs.
“If the City of Yonkers were able to guarantee the funding for any needed repairs, and provide for its ongoing upkeep, the archdiocese would certainly take that into consideration when determining the future of Saint Mary’s – Immaculate Conception, and we would be happy to hear whatever suggestions the City Council has in that regard, provided they do not violate the First Amendment.
“Be assured that whatever happens with this parish and its buildings, the Archdiocese of New York will ensure that Mass and the sacraments are provided for the people of Yonkers, including in the different languages currently offered at Saint Mary’s – Immaculate Conception. Many people agree that a nearby parish would work well as a new spiritual home. Our faith and ministry are not in specific buildings, and will be carried out for the people of Yonkers whether at this church or elsewhere. It’s not only about finances, but about serving a vibrant community.”
Editor’s Note: Our original story on St. Mary’s and its uncertain future indicated that the plan was for the church to close. Many parishioners and former parishioners of St. Mary’s have told us that the plan is just that -to close. And the statement from the Archdiocese above indicates that is the plan.
What is needed now is time for the St. Mary’s community to come together and come up with a plan. And if they come up with a plan, Council President Collins-Bellamy and others, can make sure that the Archdiocese will listen. Several architects and construction company owners have made suggestsions about fixing the church for less and over a period of time.
