St. James Saved: A Year Later

More than a year after Bishop Richard Lennon reversed his decision to close St. James Parish in Lakewood — along with several other churches — there’s been quite a bit of activity at the church on Detroit Avenue.

For starters, membership is steadily climbing.

And events at the Detroit Avenue parish are in full swing.

St. James reopened last year after Bishop Richard Lennon reversed his decision to close about a dozen parishes in Northeast Ohio. The parish celebrated its one-year anniversary on July 25.

“It was so great to see our whole parish family there rejoicing in all that has been accomplished over the past year,” said parishioner and faith coordinator Mary Westmeyer. “So many good things are happening. We are now looking forward to the future with hope and great joy.”

There’s been a boost lately in St. James’ volunteer efforts — think community meals and assistance to immigrant families — as well as spiritual efforts, including evangelization, Bible study and youth and prayer groups. 

Improved landscaping, restoration and remodeling are also part of an effort to fix up the property.

Seems as if attendance is also climbing, however no official attendance figures could be immediately retrieved. 

“Speaking as an ordinary parishioner, I have seen attendance moving slowly and steadily upward since the first month after reopening,” said Westmeyer. 

“It seems to me that even more people are actively engaged in the parish these days than I remember from before—that’s saying a lot, as it has always been a vibrant parish.”