As members of the now former San Mateo parish settled into new places of worship this weekend, they said the fight for their beloved church is far from over.
Working with an attorney that specializes in Catholic Canon law, members of the group Save San Mateo said they’ve written formal appeals to church leaders in Washington D.C. as well as The Vatican; asking them to reopen the perish.
Earlier this fall, members were informed by the Fort Worth Diocese that San Mateo was to be shut down.
In a statement earlier this month, a diocese spokesperson said the perish has never been self-sustaining and has seen a decline in attendance recently.
However those who attend regularly said they have not seen that to be the case and don’t feel the Diocese has given a clear reason for the closure.
So the historically Hispanic church held its final services last weekend and this weekend members were instructed to relocate to St. Patrick Cathedral in downtown Fort Worth or one of the other parishes in the area. The Diocese said that includes six predominantly Hispanic churches.
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Members like Yolanda Hendon said they weren’t satisfied with giving up that easily on the church many had been attending since they were born.
“This is home,” said Hendon.
So they’ve started meeting with San Mateo faithful at other churches and spots throughout the area to attempt to save the church.
Diocese spokesman Pat Svacina said earlier this week they came to an agreement with the group’s attorney that says nothing will happen to the church for the next 120 days, until mid-March, and in return the group will not seek legal action. That will allow the Vatican time to consider their appeal.
Group members are also keeping a occasional peaceful presences at St. Patrick Cathedral and elsewhere to show solidarity and remind the local Catholic community that the effort to save San Mateo is not over.
For now, the church sits dark with the front door chained shut.
