-----------------------

To the Parishioners of St. Mary's East Eden -

I can imagine how difficult and painful it must be for many of you, as a result of the Bishop's decision to change the status of your parish to that of an oratory.  Even though that decision is different from the one presented to our Vicariate and different from the one proposed by the Diosesan Commission, I want you to know that the parish family of St. John's of Boston, of which I am a Pastor, wish to assure all of you a warm welcome in our parish, should you accept our invitation to join St. John's through your registration with us.

Your pastor, Father James Bartnik, and I have been in contact with one another and both of us are cooperating to make this transition as smooth as possible.

When you attend Mass at St. John's, please introduce yourself to me so that I can personally welcome you to Boston.  Be certain of my prayers and pastoral concern!

    ~Msgr. Fred R. Voorhes