BAYONNE -- The joy of a new year was mixed with sadness last night at Our Lady of Assumption in Bayonne, where parishioners celebrated a last Mass before the 113-year-old church permanently closed today.
Despite repeated protests from parishioners over the past few months, including numerous letters, a demonstration in front of the Archdiocese of Newark and a march in Bayonne, the Archdiocese has not budged on its decision to close the church at 91 W. 23rd St.
The closure is part the Archdiocese's plan, which was announced in September and takes effect beginning today, to consolidate five parishes in Bayonne into two churches with new names. The Archdiocese has said the consolidations are necessary "to provide for the long-term stability of Catholics in the area," citing changes in the area's demographic make-up.
Hundreds of people packed the inside of Our Lady of Assumption for its last Mass yesterday, with many standing in the back after the pews were filled. Decorations from Christmas, including wreaths, a tree and poinsettias, adorned the church's interior.
During the service, which was held in English, Italian and Spanish, pastor Joseph Barbone addressed parishioners about the church's closing, telling them that he shared their frustrations, but encouraging them to hold fast to their faith.
"It is my hope that as painful as all this is to you, that your faith will continue. See, the faith is not in an institution, the faith is in God," Barbone said. "I want to say thank you to all of you...Yes, I know you look to me for direction and guidance, but you've given me a lot more than I've ever given you."
His voice broke with emotion as he ended his message by saying "The church may close, but I will never, ever forget you."
As Mass carried on to its conclusion, some parishioners could be seen wiping tears from their eyes.
Bayonne resident Antoinette DeLuca, who has attended Our Lady of Assumption for 20 years, told The Jersey Journal that the Mass was a "time of great sadness" for the parishioners rather than a time of celebration.
"It should've been a joyful evening welcoming in a New Year, and a tribute to Our Lady of Assumption. Instead, we know that it's closing. The doors will be locked tonight. We will never see this church again," she said.
Barbone, who has been reassigned to St. James the Apostle in Springfield, told The Jersey Journal that leaving Our Lady of Assumption, where he has been the pastor for the last 15 years, is like losing his home.
"This is like a family. This is a unique parish, unlike any other in the Diocese. And it's like your home. And it's gone," he said.
Effective today, Our Lady of Assumption, St. Michael & St. Joseph and Our Lady of Mount Carmel have merged to become St. John Paul II, while Saint Mary Star of the Sea and Saint Andre have merged to become Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, according to the Archdiocese.
St. John Paul II will hold its services at the current site of Mt. Carmel, 39 E. 22nd St., and the buildings that house Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Michael & St. Joseph have closed, the Archdiocese has said. Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich will hold its services at the current sites of St. Mary Star of the Sea and St. Andrew, and both churches' buildings will continue to be used by the new church, according to the Archdiocese.
Jonathan Lin may be reached at jlin@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @jlin_jj. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
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