Local6/3/2005

Lawrence, Stoughton and Beverly parish properties offered for sale

byChristine Tolfree

The Archdiocese of Boston will begin marketing three additional properties in Lawrence, Stoughton and Beverly, according to a statement dated March 25.

The former parishes of Sacred Heart in Lawrence, Our Lady of the Rosary in Stoughton and St. Alphonsus in Beverly will be on the market for at least 90 days. Brian McKenzie of Richards Barry Joyce & Partners will market the property in Lawrence, which includes the church, rectory, convent and school. In Stoughton the church, hall, rectory and office will be marketed by Chris Griffin of Cushman & Wakefield. The church, hall, and rectory in Beverly will be marketed by Jim O’Neil of Nordblom Co.

The archdiocesan Real Estate Office and Real Estate Advisory Committee will review the offers and make recommendations to the chancellor, who will review the financial terms. The chancellor will forward his recommendations to the vicar general, who will review the bids according to other considerations, including social concerns. The vicar general will forward his recommendations to Archbishop Seán P. O’Malley, who will seek permission from the College of Consultors, the Finance Council and, where needed, from the Holy See before accepting any offer.

The archdiocese put the first 16 parishes closed in reconfiguration on the market in November 2004 and has since added 15 properties to that number. One has been sold and nine others are under purchase and sale agreements.