Dear Woodbury Residents,
On Wednesday, March 22, a disheartening announcement was made regarding St. Patrick’s Church located in Highland Mills. The Archdiocese made the decision to merge St. Patrick’s Church with Sacred Heart in Monroe due to a shortage of priests in the Archdiocese and stated the beloved St. Patrick’s Church’s doors would close in July 2023.
The passion displayed and comments made by the parishioners clearly voiced their concerns and discontent on a decision made without considering the detrimental impact on St. Patrick’s congregation. I have been a member of this community for most of my life. I, along with many of you, received the sacraments at St. Patrick’s, became altar servers, our children received the sacraments at St. Patrick’s, too many memories one can share. To fathom the loss of this church was a shattering blow to the Woodbury community.
I understand life changes, situations change, and the church is dealing with ongoing vocational issues. Reality is the church has been struggling with this issue for many years and through the years Pastors have come and gone, yet its plus parishioners have remained diligent. They continue to come to church, have contributed their time and finances for enhancements to St. Patrick’s. The anguish of being displaced, losing community, losing the forum for children to receive catechism in one of the best programs in Orange County is unwarranted and unfathomable.
The evening of the 22nd, I voiced my concerns and hope there is still a chance to circumvent this erroneous decision. As the Town Supervisor I have requested to take part in all upcoming meetings and conversations relating to the fate of St. Pat’s. I will do what I can to support each of you. Collectively, we need to do all that we can to ask the Archdiocese to reconsider their position on the merger of St. Patrick’s and its closure. St. Patrick’s is an integral part of Woodbury, the heart of Woodbury. This church began in 1902 as a Mission Church. The current church building was completed in 1910 and St. Patrick’s has been a part of this community for 113 years. A history the Archdiocese wants to eradicate in July of 2023. Continue to let our voices be heard.
As your Town Supervisor I am committed to find a way to preserve the heart of Woodbury.
Respectfully,
Thomas J. Burke
Town of Woodbury Supervisor