On the other end of the spectrum...USAToday did an article on the Priest from St. Colman:

 

 

Hell-raiser in a collar still winning fights

Posted 13h 10m ago | Comments 6  | Recommended 5 E-mail | Save | Print | 

 

 

CLEVELAND — He is this city's rebel priest, a hell-raiser in a collar who broke laws to protest the immoralities of war, racism and poverty. He took on the government, the military, the weapons industry and the Catholic Church. He destroyed property, was jailed, suspended from the priesthood and targeted by the FBI.

 

That was 40 years ago, when the Rev. Bob Begin first took his vision of Christianity to the streets.

 

Today, at age 71, he appears calm and contemplative — a far cry from the angry young man who splattered blood inside Dow Chemical's corporate offices and hijacked St. John's Cathedral to protest the Vietnam War.

 

 

More at cleveland.com:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-06-22-bob-begin_N.htm

http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/10485

 

$600K Pledged by Supporters to Keep St Patrick's Catholic Church Open

Submitted by Eugmc on June 28, 2009 - 6:18pm.

Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Local News News

 

Members of the historic West Park St Patrick's Catholic church are working fervently to keep their doors open. Last month, the congregation was shocked when they found out that Bishop Lennon had selected the parish to close its doors despite having heavily attended masses and being a fixture to Cleveland's Irish community for over 160 years.

 

The group released a message on Facebook stating that they have already raised $600,000 in pledges by supporters to show financial viability. They added that that Bishop Lennon has scheduled a meeting with their committee for Thursday, July 2nd as part of the appeal process.

 

So far two Cleveland area churches have gained a reprieve from closure by the Bishop. St Colmans and St Ignatius of Antioch both made successful appeals after protesting their closures. Many West Park residents are hoping that Saint Pats makes it a lucky a number three.

Cleveland Catholic Bishop Richard Lennon will not consider appeal to keep St. Patrick Church open

Posted by Robert Smith/Plain Dealer Reporter July 10, 2009 20:23PM

Categories: Church Closings, Real Time News

 

 

CLEVELAND -- There will be no second chance for St. Patrick, a holy landmark that anchors the far West Side of Cleveland.

 

Bishop Richard Lennon said this week that he will not consider an appeal of his decision to close the 1,100-family church, all but sealing its demise and unnerving the West Park neighborhood.

 

More at cleveland.com

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/07/cleveland_catholic_bishop_rich.html

This is very shameful! So many of these churches are a great tribute to architecture and craftsmanship. The Bishop sounds really shady to me... He is really hurting that neighborhood with keeping a closed mind. Well, that's at least how I interpreted the article. Architectural sins. What example of fine old churches will there be left if this continues. These are some of the best buildings we have left! Insane! And in fact, I see it taking away a certain appeal to a neighborhood that draws people to live in it. So, if money talks in the end, I see removing such places as a sort of economic drain to a neighborhood.

Threatened Catholic churches seek suburban support

Posted by Michael O'Malley/Plain Dealer Reporter August 26, 2009 04:00AM

 

Categories: Church Closings, Real Time News, Religion

CLEVELAND -- A group of Catholics organized to protest the Cleveland Catholic Diocese's closing of 50 parishes, mostly urban, is putting out a call to suburban parishes to stand in solidarity against the shutdowns.

 

The group, known as Endangered Catholics, has begun a massive letter-writing campaign and a petition drive. More than 1,000 letters were mailed this week to priests, secretaries, music directors and other parish officials at 95 suburban churches.

 

More at cleveland.com http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/08/threatened_catholic_churches_s.html

I'm not going to say which churches, but I went to X catholic grade school as a kid and once i went to high school i stopped going to sunday masses there and instead went to one closer to my house. Well my cousin asked me to be her confirmation sponsor when i was in my 2nd year of college and i needed the signature from the priest at my grade school to sign a form saying i was a "good catholic" and would make a good sponsor. The first words out of his mouth was that he didnt see me at mass anymore and didnt think i would be a good sponsor for that sole reason. He told me if i didnt start going to his church and give my weekly envelope with money to his church then he would call the school my cousin went to and tell them to not let be her sponsor. It didnt matter that i was going to church down the road, what mattered was where my money was going to. Ever since then ive been totally turned off by the catholic church.

It's an absolute shame that these old churches are closing and the people that abandoned those churches to move to the suburbs wont do much to help them out. My grandparents belonged to St. Vitus when they were younger till they moved to Lake County and donates nothing to st vitus. Anything she donates is to the church in lake county

Wow, maybe he should change his title to extortionist from priest.

 

I'm so glad my mom never forced us to be catholic.

My church is Holy Rosary.  Luckily it is supported by Little Italy, Mayfield Hts, and decent amount of people from CWRU, CIA, CIM, and Cleveland Clinic.  I think being the "University Circle" Catholic Church has cemented it to stay open for a while.  Either way, I still feel for these BEAUTIFUL city churches that are being forced to close.

 

EDIT:  I agree there should have been some spreading of wealth though.  Maybe a second collection for a year (52 sundays) for the Cleveland Diocese would have raised enough money.  I know I would have given to it.

 

Also, it is important to note there is a heavy shortage of priests.  Possibly the Bishop saw the need to brace for the future and eliminate potential problems now.

Just to correct some misrepresentations - under Bishop Pilla (and it continues) there is an initiative called "Church in the City" that partnered suburban churches with inner city churches.  Collections were/are collected as well as volunteers from suburban churches used to help with community meal programs, etc.

 

My church closes this sunday - so i'm not an apologist for the Bishop.  The church has meant a lot to my family for 3 generations.  Not only did I recently get married in my church - there are countless memories of other weddings, baptisms, and funerals took place.  I understand the anger, because I have some.  However, my faith is above that one building that is closing. 

 

I've come to grip with reality and have accepted the change.  Not only is there a shortage of priests, there's a shortage of inner city Catholics and the price to upkeep these beautiful structures is unable to be supported by aging and diminishing parishoners.

 

I respect everyone's believes or views of the Catholic church - but there is no reason to insult us that are catholic by unnecesary comments that do nothing to the discussion (MTS specifically). 

Just to correct some misrepresentations - under Bishop Pilla (and it continues) there is an initiative called "Church in the City" that partnered suburban churches with inner city churches.  Collections were/are collected as well as volunteers from suburban churches used to help with community meal programs, etc.

 

My church closes this sunday - so i'm not an apologist for the Bishop.  The church has meant a lot to my family for 3 generations.  Not only did I recently get married in my church - there are countless memories of other weddings, baptisms, and funerals took place.  I understand the anger, because I have some.  However, my faith is above that one building that is closing. 

 

I've come to grip with reality and have accepted the change.  Not only is there a shortage of priests, there's a shortage of inner city Catholics and the price to upkeep these beautiful structures is unable to be supported by aging and diminishing parishoners.

 

I respect everyone's believes or views of the Catholic church - but there is no reason to insult us that are catholic by unnecesary comments that do nothing to the discussion (MTS specifically). 

 

My mother is catholic. My father is Baptist.  I've gone to both churches.

 

I don't know how you could take me saying, "I'm so glad my mom never forced us to be catholic." as an insult, since it was not meant that way.

Honestly I don't see why you would take offense to his comment given the context - I think that the priest that cardsnxtyr referenced was being selfish and trying to strongarm the situation. Let's face it, it sounds like that specific priest (not ALL) was trying to extort card's donations to his parish - if he's being a good Catholic, what does it matter which parish he attended? And I'm very glad I wasn't raised Catholic, or Muslim, or Pentecostal, you name it - it's not an insult on those beliefs or those who choose to follow them, but an admittance that I don't think any of those would have been an ideal situation for me. 

But also, I think we need to be sensitive that his life long parish is closing this week...

But also, I think we need to be sensitive that his life long parish is closing this week...

 

I understand that.  My comments were merely about that priest, who was IMHO was not acting as a "good catholic" by trying to force money out of Card and my personal experience.  My mother has never forced us to decided.  We've gone to catholic church with her family and baptist church with my fathers.

 

Had I brought up some other unkind things that have been brought to light about the catholic church, that could be seen as offensive and uncalled for.

 

Trust me as someone who loves old things and beauty, see these closures make my heart heavy.

 

Now behave before CDM has to get all C.O.G.I.C up in here!

As much as I would like to be able to criticize MTS, I found no offense in his comment! 

As much as I would like to be able to criticize MTS, I found no offense in his comment! 

 

Since this is a religious thread, this is approrpriate.

 

If that was directed to Teddy, then he may need this!!

 

I don't get easily offended so i 'm not saying it was offensive.  First of all - those comments have nothing to do with the diocese closing churches.  Secondly, cards explanation of what happened to him - however unfortunate is most likely not completely accurate.  I took it as just another example for non-practicing catholics to say what is so wrong with the religion.

 

To "sponsor" a child as a god parent or a confirmation sponsor - you have to belong to a church and actually go to church.  If card went back to his childhood church to get a sponsor certificate, then he apparently was not a member of the church he had been attending or he would of been directed to get a sponsor certificate from there.  Turning in envelopes is not only a way to "take attendance" it also shows you support the church.  Even if $1 was put in the envelopes, the church would not of cared.  You do not have to buy your ability to belong to the church or be a sponsor!  Collections is the only way a parrish pays its bills - it does not go to pad the wallets of a select few.

 

If card was not a member of a church - he is unable to prove that is a 'practicing Catholic' and able to be a sponsor.  There is nothing wrong with that.  Honestly, I'm glad the Priest followed his rules.  Being a God parent, etc. should not just be a term.  It is supposed to mean that you will support that individual in their faith. 

I don't get easily offended so i 'm not saying it was offensive.  First of all - those comments have nothing to do with the diocese closing churches.  Secondly, cards explanation of what happened to him - however unfortunate is most likely not completely accurate.  I took it as just another example for non-practicing catholics to say what is so wrong with the religion.

 

To "sponsor" a child as a god parent or a confirmation sponsor - you have to belong to a church and actually go to church.  If card went back to his childhood church to get a sponsor certificate, then he apparently was not a member of the church he had been attending or he would of been directed to get a sponsor certificate from there.  Turning in envelopes is not only a way to "take attendance" it also shows you support the church.  Even if $1 was put in the envelopes, the church would not of cared.  You do not have to buy your ability to belong to the church or be a sponsor!  Collections is the only way a parrish pays its bills - it does not go to pad the wallets of a select few.

 

If card was not a member of a church - he is unable to prove that is a 'practicing Catholic' and able to be a sponsor.  There is nothing wrong with that.  Honestly, I'm glad the Priest followed his rules.  Being a God parent, etc. should not just be a term.  It is supposed to mean that you will support that individual in their faith. 

 

I think what you said might have been over looked as I didn't think about that, but you gloss over the other things the priest said. 

 

The priest should have instructed card to get that information from his current church and not add all the extra.

I don't get easily offended so i 'm not saying it was offensive. First of all - those comments have nothing to do with the diocese closing churches. Secondly, cards explanation of what happened to him - however unfortunate is most likely not completely accurate. I took it as just another example for non-practicing catholics to say what is so wrong with the religion.

 

To "sponsor" a child as a god parent or a confirmation sponsor - you have to belong to a church and actually go to church. If card went back to his childhood church to get a sponsor certificate, then he apparently was not a member of the church he had been attending or he would of been directed to get a sponsor certificate from there. Turning in envelopes is not only a way to "take attendance" it also shows you support the church. Even if $1 was put in the envelopes, the church would not of cared. You do not have to buy your ability to belong to the church or be a sponsor! Collections is the only way a parrish pays its bills - it does not go to pad the wallets of a select few.

 

If card was not a member of a church - he is unable to prove that is a 'practicing Catholic' and able to be a sponsor. There is nothing wrong with that. Honestly, I'm glad the Priest followed his rules. Being a God parent, etc. should not just be a term. It is supposed to mean that you will support that individual in their faith.

 

Right, i had to go to my grade school church because they had all of my records/certificates, specifically the one saying that i was confirmed and at that church.  At the time we were members of that church but lived 15 minutes away from it, but there was another church that we started to attend mass that was only 3 minutes down the road once i finished grade school. When we moved away from the neighborhood my parents didnt want to pull me out of the school i had been at 4 years to put me in the one closer to us for a year and a half, and the new school would have been worse than the one i was already at.

 

And the whole story is relevant to this thread because that specific church wanted my money, they didnt want it going to the church 15 minutes away. So why would they be ok supporting the urban churches that are closing if they were not ok with just losing my family's donations?

Well, goodbye St. Procop

The final Mass is held at St. Procop in Cleveland: 'A day of sadness, a day of anger for some'

Posted by Michael O’Malley, The Plain Dealer August 31, 2009 05:00AM

Categories: Church Closings, Real Time News, Religion

 

 

The church closed its doors for the final time after the morning service.Catholics from across Greater Cleveland packed St. Procop Catholic Church on Cleveland's near West Side Sunday to mourn the death of a parish founded 137 years ago.

 

On a gloomy, rainy day, worshippers streamed into the giant, 110-year-old sandstone edifice on West 41st Street for the final Mass said by Bishop Richard Lennon, who ordered the church closed earlier this year.

 

More at cleveland.com

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/08/the_final_mass_is_held_at_st_p.html

It is a shame.  As parishoners we decided to "go out with class" and peacefully.  The final mass was beautiful and showcased the beautiful building and people.

 

It was dissapointing that the Bishop felt he needed armed policemen following him - and they had no business being part of the recession line at the end.  It also was dissapointing that so many people that weren't connected to the church came just to say not so nice things to the Bishop. 

 

Regardless, it is sad that a parrish that did so much for its neighborhood is now closed.  The majority of us are heading to Our Lady of Lourdes on 55th/Broadway and hope to bring the same energy and outreach to that community.

well lets hope this is a wake up call that sprawl, bad or uninvolved neighborhood and city leadership, all combine to take it's toll on neighborhoods.

 

Like small businesses, commercial districts, police stations and transit hubs, the local church is a major player and reason someone would locate to the city.

 

This is something the mayor - even if he has no power to help - should be speaking about.  Partnering with the churches from a neighborhood development standpoint would do wonders  for the city.

Sorry I don't mean to keep bringing up this sad news but I heard in another news source that this place will be boarded up:

 

http://www.10tv.com/live/content/onnnews/stories/2009/09/01/church_closing.html?sid=102

 

There's really no other option other than to board up a 110-year old building??

Sorry I don't mean to keep bringing up this sad news but I heard in another news source that this place will be boarded up:

 

http://www.10tv.com/live/content/onnnews/stories/2009/09/01/church_closing.html?sid=102

 

There's really no other option other than to board up a 110-year old building??

 

It still belongs to the church.  What do you really expect them to do with it?? 

 

Boarding it up will prevent vandalization.  Until a developer steps forward to buy and do something with it, the church has to preserve it.

"Protesters Marta Fordos of Fairview Park and Hanna Gereby of Cleveland ran after Lennon, catching up to him. "I'm sorry you have to ruin our churches," snapped Fordos. "Judas!"

 

 

What a couple of scumbags

Some good news out of Lakewood.  Also, I hope the second comment isn't true..although I wouldn't doubt it..

 

 

Lakewood moves to protect, preserve ornate St. James Catholic Church as closure looms

Posted by Michael O’Malley/The Plain Dealer September 14, 2009 09:00AM

 

LAKEWOOD, Ohio — Even if the Cleveland Catholic Diocese goes ahead with the planned closing of St. James Church, the twin-towered building may be protected.

 

Proposed legislation in Lakewood City Council would prohibit the diocese or any future owner from tearing down the church or gutting its ornate interior.

 

 

MORE AT CLEVELAND.COM 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/09/lakewood_moves_to_protect_pres.html

 

Does anyone know of a list of scheduled closings?  Has anyone heard when Our Lady of Mercy is set to close (it may have already) in Tremont?

 

 

Does anyone know of a list of scheduled closings?  Has anyone heard when Our Lady of Mercy is set to close (it may have already) in Tremont?

 

 

 

Have you looked at the diocese's website?

^I get the Catholic Universe Bulletin and I've never seen a timeline for all the closures published there.  I also can't find a schedule for closures on the website.

Kucinich calls on Jackson to save closed church buildings through eminent domain

Posted by Michael O'Malley, The Plain Dealer September 16, 2009 11:24AM

 

CLEVELAND,Ohio — In an effort to preserve Cleveland's ethnic history along with the future of its neighborhoods, U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich is calling on the city to take over closed Catholic churches by eminent domain.

 

The latest casualty in an ongoing downsizing by the Cleveland Catholic Diocese was St. Procop, a 137-year-old Czech-founded parish on West 41st Street that was closed last month.

 

 

MORE AT CLEVELAND.COM: http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/09/kucinich_calls_on_jackson_to_s.html

 

 

^^ I don't think there really is a schedule for the closing, the decisions just have to be carried out by June 2010.  My wife works at a parish which is merging and they've been free to move at their own pace so long as that June deadline is respected. However, it wouldn't surpise me if the Bishop was pressing some of the priests to close their parish sooner to avoid closings all at once.

Cleveland: Bishop, mayor discuss future of churches to be closed

Dick Russ    Updated: 9/18/2009 7:49:06 AM  Posted: 9/17/2009 3:38:07 PM

Read Comments (8)Recommend (4)

 

 

"This is one of the examples of how eminent domain can be used in a very constructive way for the purposes of historic and cultural preservation," Kucinich told WKYC. He said the city and ethnic or cultural groups could work together with the diocese to acquired closed church properties.

 

 

 

http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=121724&catid=3

 

Protesting parishioners agree to leave St. John the Baptist Church in Akron

By Rachel Dissell, The Plain Dealer

October 31, 2009, 6:38PM

 

Bishop Richard Lennon implored a group sitting vigil inside St. John the Baptist to leave the church. The protesters heatedly argued with him about his decision-making to downsize the eight-county Cleveland Diocese by closing for merging 50 churches. The said the bishop was dishonest and cared more about money than people. The bishop has repeatedly said his plan is aimed toward making the remaining churches viable and vibrant.

 

Updated Nov. 1 at 12:45 a.m.

 

AKRON, Ohio -- For the first time since the Cleveland Catholic Diocese began closing churches this year as part of a major restructuring, parishioners and protesters tried Saturday to prevent one from being shuttered.

 

A small group of people -- many from other parishes slated for closing -- gathered after the final Mass at St. John the Baptist Church on Saturday and announced they were holding a vigil...

 

FULL STORY AND PHOTOS AT: http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/10/st_john_the_baptist_church_in.html

FYI - The closing masses for the Community and Parish of St. Malachi were held yesterday.  This Saturday at 5pm, the opening mass for the new merged St. Malachi Parish will be presided over by Bishop Lennon.

Does anyone have any idea if St. Vitus still does regular masses? Im pretty sure the church is still open, but i couldnt find anything online about mass schedules. My Grandma and Grandpa grew up in the area and went to church their, and the entire family is talking of going to christmas eve mass at some church out in mentor. And before i suggest that maybe we should all travel to the old neighborhood i need to know if it is still open. My aunt goes to functions at the slovenian hall on st clair and has never had a problem, but can anyone give me details about the safety and crime levels in the neighborhood around the church, since i know that is going to be a question from some very sheltered and bubble living family members.

If there is a thread that is more appropriate for this question/discussion feel free to move it, but this is the best i could find. Thanks!

don't know much about the neighborhood - but here's the church's website

 

http://saintvitus.org/

 

They are currently open, because in the Catholic Universe Bulletin they are advertising their christmas mass schedules...

I didnt see anything about christmas eve masses at the church's website, and the most recent bulletin was from november.

Do you know what the schedule is? If not, I'll just call them up this afternoon and ask. Thanks again!

I have it at home and can post it the times when i get home after work

^ That would be great!!

Does anyone have any idea if St. Vitus still does regular masses? Im pretty sure the church is still open, but i couldnt find anything online about mass schedules. My Grandma and Grandpa grew up in the area and went to church their, and the entire family is talking of going to christmas eve mass at some church out in mentor. And before i suggest that maybe we should all travel to the old neighborhood i need to know if it is still open. My aunt goes to functions at the slovenian hall on st clair and has never had a problem, but can anyone give me details about the safety and crime levels in the neighborhood around the church, since i know that is going to be a question from some very sheltered and bubble living family members.

If there is a thread that is more appropriate for this question/discussion feel free to move it, but this is the best i could find. Thanks!

 

There is a midnight mass on Xmas Eve.  I don't believe that there is an earlier mass on Xmas Eve, but I could be wrong.

 

The area is fine safety-wise on Xmas Eve.  Try parking in the large lot directly south from the church on Lausche Avenue, or park along Lausche itself between 60th and Norwood (62nd).  You could also park directly on 60th, 61st, or Norwood (62nd) between Lausche and St. Clair.  And you could also park in school parking lot, which is accessed off of Norwood, just south of the St. Clair intersection.

^but the older population does.

 

I am now worried about how this is going to effect inner ring suburbs.  In my hometown of Euclid, my parish, St. Christine, is "merging" with Holy Cross.  In the dumbest move I have heard, the Bishop is relocating the Pastor of Holy Cross and they are renaming it "Our Lady of the Lake"

 

So, not only am I losing St. Christines, I am also losing Holy Cross.  My mom goes to church every day, so she is an old Church lady and she knows everyone at both parishes. 

She, and a lot of her friends are thinking that this is the time to leave Euclid, some are thinking the west side, some out further east.  I never thought my Mom would ever consider leaving Euclid, but now it makes sense.  If she is going to have to get used to a brand new parish anyways, might as well buy a smaller house, near where her friends are moving.

 

If a quarter of the people who are threatening to move actally follow through, this will be the largest exodus since white flight/bussing.

 

This sucks.

Thanks Bishop Lennon

 

 

^but the older population does.

 

I am now worried about how this is going to effect inner ring suburbs. In my hometown of Euclid, my parish, St. Christine, is "merging" with Holy Cross. In the dumbest move I have heard, the Bishop is relocating the Pastor of Holy Cross and they are renaming it "Our Lady of the Lake"

 

So, not only am I losing St. Christines, I am also losing Holy Cross. My mom goes to church every day, so she is an old Church lady and she knows everyone at both parishes.

She, and a lot of her friends are thinking that this is the time to leave Euclid, some are thinking the west side, some out further east. I never thought my Mom would ever consider leaving Euclid, but now it makes sense. If she is going to have to get used to a brand new parish anyways, might as well buy a smaller house, near where her friends are moving.

 

If a quarter of the people who are threatening to move actally follow through, this will be the largest exodus since white flight/bussing.

 

This sucks.

Thanks Bishop Lennon

 

 

 

I went to Holy Cross and am absolutely disgusted by the name change. Apparently something like 60 people from St. Christines voted to change the name from Holy Cross to something along the lines of Our Lady of the Lake, while 400-500 people from Holy Cross voted to save the name Holy Cross. Yet in another stroke of brillianc from Bishop Lennon we get stuck from a name that sounds more like something out of a King Arthur tale instead of parish name.

St. Felicitas became St. John of the Cross :?

Cleveland's Landmarks Commission proposes 6 more Catholic churches for protection under historical designation

By Michael O'Malley, The Plain Dealer

January 25, 2010, 8:37AM

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland's Landmarks Commission is recommending that six more Catholic churches be designated as historical city landmarks, which would give them some protection against demolition or structural changes.

 

The Cleveland Catholic Diocese, which has been closing churches in an ongoing downsizing plan, opposes the designations that City Council will now consider adopting through legislation.

 

In letters sent to the commission and copied to council members sponsoring the designations, the diocese called the proposals "extremely offensive."

 

MORE AT http://www.cleveland.com/religion/index.ssf/2010/01/clevelands_landmarks_commissio.html#_login

I don't quite understand why the catholic church is fighting this.  They must not be historic building advocates like the rest of us...

^They want to sell the real estate

To be honest, I haven't read through this thread much.  I can't say I feel much sympathy for the Catholic Church as a whole for having to close churches, but I am curious as to what will be done with the buildings.  Has that been discussed?  Would it be possible to purchase them, do you think?

This is a very political manuever by the church... 

How about this for interesting!

 

Hungarian government joins battle to save St. Emeric's Catholic Church

By Michael O'Malley, The Plain Dealer

February 18, 2010, 11:55PM

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, joining a battle to save a Hungarian Catholic church on Cleveland's West Side, has brought out a big gun: the Hungarian government.

 

Kucinich met this week with an aide to Hungarian Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai to discuss St. Emeric church, a 105-year-old parish near the West Side Market that has been ordered closed as part of the downsizing by the Cleveland Catholic Diocese.

 

"We understand the difficulties of the Catholic church, but this church, St. Emeric, is of special significance to the Hungarian community in Cleveland," Szombati said in a telephone interview from his office in Washington, D.C. "It's a significant place of worship and a significant place of gathering for Hungarians."

 

St. Emeric celebrates Masses in both Hungarian and English. It has Hungarian language classes and various cultural programs.

 

MORE AT http://www.cleveland.com/religion/index.ssf/2010/02/hungarian_government_joinespar.html

 

 

 

^Although I would love to see the parish remain in place - if there's any church that would be ideal for a residential conversion, St. Emeric's is at the top of the list - easy access to transit, the West Side Market, great views of the skyline, etc.