February 27, 2023

Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Chicopee to close in June

REGIONAL
Staff report

The current worship site for Holy Name of Jesus Parish has been the former Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary church building in Chicopee.

CHICOPEE – Citing a significant drop in Mass attendance and increased operating expenses, Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne announced that Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Chicopee will close June 30, 2023. Bishop Byrne wrote a letter to Holy Name of Jesus parishioners which was read at Mass the weekend of Feb. 25-26.

“Since the COVID outbreak, Mass attendance at Holy Name has been down significantly while operating expenses have increased. As a result, the parish has been unable to meet all of its financial obligations with current income. Unfortunately, while this is a pattern found in other parishes, the situation has become acute at Holy Name,” the bishop stated in his letter.

“Despite the best efforts of your parish administrator, Deacon David Southworth, and so many of you, it is clear that this trend is no longer sustainable,” the bishop stated.

Established in 1838, Holy Name of Jesus is the oldest parish in the Diocese of Springfield; the church was built between 1857-1859 by Irish immigrants. Holy Name was one of five Chicopee parishes that remained open amid diocesan-wide parish closures in 2009. Prior to 2009, Holy Name had been linked with Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. 

The original church building is located on South Street and has been closed since 2011. The current worship site for the parish is at the former Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary church located on Springfield Street in Chicopee. Deacon Southworth has been parish administrator since 2018.

The two cemeteries affiliated with Holy Name Parish, Calvary and St. Patrick cemeteries, will now be operated by the diocesan cemetery office, effective July 1. Records, administration and upkeep for the cemeteries will be managed through the diocesan office at Notre Dame Cemetery in South Hadley.

Sacramental records from Holy Name of Jesus and the former St. Patrick Parish will be transferred to St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Basilica in Chicopee. Records from the former Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. George parishes will be transferred to St. Rose de Lima Parish in Chicopee.

Once the property is sold and debts are paid, proceeds will be divided between the Chicopee Fund, as well as for the upkeep of Calvary and St. Patrick cemeteries. The Chicopee Fund was created from the proceeds of former Catholic properties in Chicopee, to support future needs in that community.

“Again, please know I share in your sadness, especially for those of you who have remained so very faithful to this parish over the years. Although the active life of this parish will come to an end, its great legacy will live on in our faith community. I know that all nearby Catholic parishes will be prepared to welcome you. Please know that you will be in my prayers,” stated Bishop Byrne.