We received the following from Cardinal Sean O’Malley, who has determined that Holy Rosary Church can be used for non-sacred purposes.
Decree Relegating A Church Building To Profane Use In nomine Domini. Amen
Having received a thorough study regarding Holy Rosary Church in Winthrop, Massachusetts, which was completed by the Pastor of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Winthrop, Massachusetts, Reverend Christopher K. O’Connor, following consultation of the members of the parish, including those who formerly participated in sacred worship at the former Holy Rosary Parish; and with the concurrence of Very Reverend James J. Ronan, V.F., Vicar Forane; and with the concurrence of Very Reverend Brian J. McHugh, V.E., Episcopal Vicar for the Central Region of the Archdiocese of Boston, regarding the pastoral and spiritual good of the faithful and the mission of the Catholic Church in the town of Winthrop, Massachusetts and the Archdiocese of Boston; and having carefully considered the present condition of the church since the merger of Holy Rosary Parish with Saint John the Evangelist Parish, also located in Winthrop, forming the new Parish of Saint Michael the Archangel on February 1, 2021, and having heard the opinions of financial experts regarding the costs for preserving and maintaining the building for future use; Having heard the Director of Clergy Personnel regarding available ministerial personnel and the Archdiocesan Chancellor and Finance Officer regarding Archdiocesan assets and possible other sources of revenue that might be used for maintaining the church; Having presented all this information to the Archdiocesan Presbyteral Council on June 9, 2022 and having heard the Council regarding the relegation of Holy Rosary Church to profane but not sordid use, in accord with the norm of law (cf.cc.127 #1; 166; 1222#2); I hereby decree, in accord with canon 1222#2 of the Code of Canon Law, that Holy Rosary Church of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Winthrop, Massachusetts be relegated to profane but not sordid use.
