To the Editor:
On October 4, a letter from the Archdiocese of Newark was read to the parishioners of Our Lady of Assumption Church stating that our church will be closed as of January 1, 2016.
The history of our church began 113 years ago. It was the hard work of Italian immigrants who wanted to continue their tradition and culture by establishing a church with the language they could understand. The sacrifices and dedication that began then and continue to this day are being completely ignored with the stroke of a pen.
Not only are Italian church needs being overlooked but also the religious needs of our Spanish parishioners. Their numbers continue to grow at a very rapid pace. They too were told to find another church that will welcome them, which of course will not be easy. The church services and activities that have been established will have to be reestablished elsewhere.
We believe that a compromise can be reached if the Archdiocese will sit with Italian and Spanish church representatives so that a just and fair solution can be reached to keep our beloved Lady of the Assumption open so that our church can continue to grow and serve the religious needs of our parish families.
RICHARD AND MARIA SEECATO