THERE is widespread sadness and concern in Ackworth that Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic church is to close with a final service on August 17.
The diocese of Leeds – led by Bishop Arthur Roche – held a review of the Catholic parishes in the area in order to address the national decline in church attendance and shortage of Catholic priests available. This review concluded that several local
churches including Ackworth, Kinsley and Featherstone should be closed and sold off – and the 100-plus church attendees at Sunday Mass in Ackworth advised to go to Pontefract.
Bishop Arthur may have made a good job of logistics management with buildings and priests in the diocese and come up with a logical conclusion for their rationalisation.
The local communities such as Ackworth have, however, made significant sacrifices and donations to establish, build and maintain these beacons of Christian community. It is therefore fitting that the future of the sites and buildings for local community benefit should also be the subject of further consultation.
Meanwhile young families and the elderly will seek spiritual guidance on their route to Pontefract and forgiveness for the increase in their carbon footprint.
NEIL POUNDALL
Ackworth
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