I grew up in the 1950s and 60s in Paulding County five miles from Junction and attended Auglaize-Brown High School in Oakwood. I cherish those years of living in this farming community and now live north of New York City.

I feel compelled to write given the events of this past week at the former St. Mary Catholic Church in Junction. This former group of parishioners deserves a fair shake in the outcome of their community. They need time to reorganize, gather their resources and determine what their future will be.

The Catholic Church, I am sure, has carefully determined the fiscal necessity to close the parish. The Community accepted this decision, undoubtedly with great sadness, and since the closing in July has had only the solid structure of the church building to symbolize their bonds. Now, the Church can graciously be in communication with this Community and continue a dialogue which opens up possibilities.

This is what is owed these former parishioners " to be able to determine the future of this building and, perhaps, even the fate of the stained glass windows that were lovingly placed in this Church by their forefathers and foremothers with great pride and sacrifice.

My fondest wish would be that some generous donor hears of this community's dilemma and realizes that saving this church, these windows and this community means more than saving a structure " it is saving a way of life that matters. The community needs time to recoup, to regroup and create a future that keeps them together "being" the work of God.

Karen May

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