Small Northwest Missouri parishes facing closure

Apr. 25—Dwindling membership numbers are leading to the closure of several Catholic congregations in the region.

Bishop James V. Johnston has issued proclamations on behalf of the Diocese regarding the merger of several smaller, older parishes with bigger nearby churches.

One church set to close its doors is Seven Dolors, located just east of St. Joseph. Parishioners there said they understand why the process is happening, but the grief of losing a place that has been a hub for generations is palpable.

Longtime Seven Dolors member Dale Buhman said the hardest part is the breaking up of a community.

"We've been together for so long," Buhman said. "Families here go back five or six generations."

A few years ago, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph held a series of listening sessions and an objective that emerged was a desire to use its physical resources wisely. The Rev. Charles Rowe, vicar general of pastoral affairs at the diocese, said that began the process of closing, merging and transitioning church buildings and properties.

"The most recent study looked at the rural northern part of our diocese," Rowe said. "Many of these rural communities have experienced a loss of population, and so there are fewer people around to support the church."

Other Northwest Missouri Catholic churches slated for closure include St. Benedict Mission near Tarkio and Immaculate Heart parish in Princeton. Some of the diocese's parishes in the Kansas City area also will close.

Rowe said the hope is merging smaller communities will consolidate resources in a way that will provide larger parishes and more resources to care for people.

But those who are part of parishes like Seven Dolors, which is set to merge with St. Joseph Catholic Church in Easton, said they are concerned the consolidations will have the opposite effect.

Mary Bray, another longtime member of Seven Dolors, said although she sees potential for new friendships and ministry opportunities in a merger, but the fact that generations of her family have called the church home will make the transition a challenge.

"I grew up here," she said. "So when this parish is gone, I'm not sure if I would ever feel 100% a part of a newer parish. This is my parish and always has been."

Several parishioners expressed a deep sense of grief, as well as a concern that the entire tiny community of Hurlingen will dissolve completely when Seven Dolors closes. Members formed a separate entity that cares for the community cemetery, which dates back to the mid-19th century, and they hope the diocese will allow them to maintain that even after it decides the ultimate future of the church building and other parts of the property.

Rowe said the diocese is in ongoing communication with the cemetery committee and feels that the issue will be resolved soon. He also said the diocese recognizes the emotions experienced by members of older, smaller churches that are dissolving and has a process to help them through the grieving process.

"We try to help the churches find the 'why?' behind this process. We don't just spring it on them," Rowe said. "We also invite former members of parishes affected to a final mass before the church merges."

Rowe added the diocese makes sure the buildings are used for positive purposes after the congregations leave. He said some churches have been repurposed as health clinics and centers for social assistance.

However, some longtime members of Seven Dolors said they feel the process became too impersonal. The leadership of the parish even appealed to the Vatican to keep the church open, but that plea was denied. The final mass at Seven Dolors will be in mid-May and will be presided over by Bishop Johnston.

Steven Reardon said he and other members of the Seven Dolors congregation are trying to make the best of the new situation, despite a deep sense of loss.

"Even though people will have an opportunity to form new communities, many will probably be drawn in different directions after the merger," Reardon said. "Sometimes it's a good thing to start something new, but we all feel a sense of loss because we know it will never be quite like what we've had."

Charles Christian anchors the evening news for News-Press NOW and also serves as an ordained minister at United Methodist Churches in Union Star and Helena, Missouri. Charles can be reached at charles.christian@newspressnow.com. Follow him on twitter: @NPNowChristian.