HOLYOKE, Mass. —  Bishop William D. Byrne of the Diocese of Springfield has issued a "Decree and Order"

merging Our Lady of Guadalupe and Immaculate Conception Parishes into St. Jerome's Parish.

 

This reconfiguration will take place Aug. 15. The decree along with the supporting documents have been posted on www.diospringfield.org.

 

This merger came at the direct request of the parishes involved and was the result of many years of discussion between the three faith communities.

 

"Since July 2020, our three parishes have worked closely in preparation for our formal merger on Aug. 15. Parish leaders are convinced that the reconfiguration they have proposed will foster a stronger sense of community and promote a better sharing of resources," said the Rev. Mark Stelzer, the administrator of St. Jerome's Parish. "The truly wonderful thing about this merger is that the request to merge came from parish leaders and was not imposed on parishioners by diocesan leadership. The entire process by which the Holyoke merger came about reflects the type of collaboration that builds stronger parishes and a more vibrant church."

 

Since last fall, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish began worshipping at St. Jerome's Church on Hampden Street. Its former place of worship, Sacred Heart Church was closed in March of 2017 when plaster began falling from the ceiling. At that time, Masses were moved into the chapel and parish center.

 

The new merger will continue to allow for Masses to be celebrated at St. Jerome's Church and Immaculate Conception on North Summer Street, which will be retained as a chapel.

 

All sacramental records for the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe parishes will be moved to St. Jerome's parish office, as will be the sacramental records for three other former Holyoke parishes, Precious Blood, Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

 

A new pastor/administrator will be named to lead the newly merged parish.

 

St. Jerome Parish is the oldest Catholic parish in Holyoke, opening in 1854.