After 66 years, the last mass at St. Mary’s Church is scheduled for Sunday.
The church is closing after a Decree was issued by the Diocese of Prince George in January citing a decline in mass, demographic changes, and duplication of services.
An appeal was filed and has been received but not ruled on by the clergy in Rome according to Pastoral Chairperson, Ron Polillo.
“The fact that the decree is coming up this weekend and it will take effect if there is no higher power that can overturn it, the decree takes effect and sadly that is what we are preparing for this weekend.”
“We haven’t given up all hope but we are disappointed. We still haven’t heard either way.”
Polillo mentioned closing the long-time church could have negative consequences in terms of attendance.
“This has really challenged my faith, this decision. I am not sure what I am going to do when St. Mary’s closes to be honest with you. It looks like almost 40% of people (who were surveyed) are unsure about what to do and that points to be people stopping coming to weekly mass or coming to church.”
“Both of my daughters went to St. Mary’s School. I was part of the St. Mary’s School council as chair for six years and I was part of the St. Mary’s Church Pastoral council for seven years all as the chair. So, it’s sad.”
St. Mary’s School and the daycare will not be impacted.
“The school is definitely not closing and is full and vibrant. In fact, enrolment is looking very good for the fall and the full-day St. Mary’s daycare is being fully utilized. There is an after school day care, which is full too,” added Polillo.
“The school will be utilizing the space (St. Mary’s Church) in some form as school resumes in September.”
All the properties of St. Mary’s will be jointly managed between Christ Our Saviour and Sacred Heart Cathedral.
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