Parishioners want St Mary’s reopened

Former parishioners of the recently closed St Mary’s Catholic Church in Columba Street are disappointed their petition for it to be reopened has been rejected.

The church’s closure in March this year, along with that of St Thomas in Locke Street, means St Patrick’s Cathedral is now the only Catholic church in Bunbury.

Calling for it to be reopened, former parishioners said having the second church allowed the infirm and elderly, who found it difficult to visit the cathedral, easier access to mass.

Attending the church for 35 years, Guy Chiappalone was one of more than 260 people to sign the petition.

Although the cathedral’s car park is capable of accommodating more than 130 cars, Mr Chiappalone said there were not always empty spaces.

‘‘Not everybody is prepared to drive up to the new cathedral because the parking is atrocious,’’ Mr Chiappalone said.

‘‘My wife, if she has to walk up the hill — she can’t make it.’’

Bishop Gerard Holohan said closing the church had been a difficult decision, but was proceeded by several weeks of consultation with parishioners.

Bishop Holohan said having one place of worship would achieve greater unity within the parish community.

‘‘No parishioner didn’t have the opportunity to say what they felt,’’ Bishop Holohan said.

Bishop Holohan said any parishioner having difficulty accessing the cathedral could call the parish office and they would be collected and taken to mass.

The church will now be handed over to St Mary’s Primary School.