Proof Diocese Misled Local Church

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By Liz Tufts

Story Published: Sep 4, 2009 at 6:54 PM EDT

Story Updated: Sep 4, 2009 at 6:54 PM EDT

The Immaculate Conception Church in Indian Orchard was given the okay to do some costly renovations, then ended up on the closing list a few years later. Now, CBS 3 Springfield discovers a paper trail that proves the Diocese signed off on a costly parishioner-funded project.

"I just hope the damage can be diverted, " the Rev. Dariusz Wudarski said. The damage the Rev. Wudarski is talking about is a recent statement made by Msgr. John Bonzagni.

He told reporters earlier this week that the Catholic Diocese of Springfield told all churches to halt major renovation projects back in 2004. However, the Rev. Wudarski said his parish never heard such a thing.

And they say they have proof. They diocese supplied a bill for the elevator and other renovations to the church. Bishop Timothy McDonell signed off on repairs.

Another document even has the Diocese of Springfield signing off on the project in 2007, 3 years after the supposed warning not to make repairs.

Mark Dupont with the Springfield Diocese would not talk to CBS 3 Springfield on camera, but over the phone said it is regrettable the church wasn't told to stop construction altogether. However, Dupont said every church in the Diocese was told they could be on the list of closures and should have stopped on their own.

Members of the church are not happy. They were also told they would not be reimbursed for that $400,000 they raised for the elevator.

Instead, Dupont said all the money will be transferred to Christ of King in Ludlow. That is the church they will soon merge into if they do in fact close come November.

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Anonymous said on Thursday, Dec 24 at 11:06 AM

Maybe the Bishop should've been so aggressive with his pedophile clergy. Mmmm

anonymous said on Tuesday, Sep 8 at 3:45 PM

This is what we are teaching our young....lies lies and more lies! If they see the Church doing it I guess they can assume it's ok

Anonymous said on Monday, Sep 7 at 9:38 PM

Bishop and Monsignor and Dupont do not have the interest of the faithful at heart. I am so disillusioned by recent developments in the Church. None of the leaders can be trusted.

Anonymous 2 said on Monday, Sep 7 at 6:53 PM

If you can't trust the Bishop / Monsignor, who can you trust. $$$$$$$$$$$$$

Anonymous said on Friday, Sep 4 at 11:15 PM

Mr. Dupont, Should all parishes stop maintaining their churches? What churches are next on your list? Hmmm... Let's guess...the ones worth the most money.

Anonymous said on Friday, Sep 4 at 7:57 PM

another reason why the church is losing trust of the faitful

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