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9-23-2024 12:51am
OPEN LETTER to Archdiocese of Boston & St. Joan of Arc Westwood: Church Member Seeks Answers to Firing of a Beloved Youth Teacher
Darlene Cancell
Editor
Below is a copy of an open letter from Wendy Thurmond, a Westwood resident and member of St. Joan of Arc Westwood, regarding the unexpected termination of service of Karlene Duffy, a beloved religious education teacher at the church.
Ms. Thurman writes to her church, the Westwood Parish Council, and the Archdiocese of Boston, and requests greater transparency in the decision to end the relationship with Ms. Duffy as the religious education teacher.
St. Joan of Arc Westwood was formed by the recent merger of St. Margaret Mary's and St. Denis churches of Westwood.
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The following open letter represents the views and opinions of the author, and not necessarily those of Westwood Minute.
An Open Letter to St. Joan of Arc Westwood, The Westwood Parish Council and the Archdiocese of Boston,
My children were baptized at St. Denis and attended religious education at St. Margaret Mary’s. It's under the loving guidance of the former Director of Religious Education, Karlene Duffy, that their spirituality grew. As a religious education teacher, I saw firsthand how she sparked kids' interest in their faith. She has always been there for anyone, no matter how devout you are. She shaped my children's love of God, and I am eternally grateful. In times of need, I know of many kids turning to Karlene. She attends high school games to cheer kids on. She always shows her support and genuine love for all of Westwood’s youth. Karlene has been the one constant at St. Margaret Mary’s Church, which has had its share of turnover.
When Karlene was recently let go with no notice, and no explanation by Father Matt Norwood, the community was at a loss. Karlene was not even granted the dignity of clearing out her desk. This is not the Christian way to treat a person, who has dedicated twenty-plus years of her life to the church. Karlene is an incredible role model, inspiring many kids with her love of God. It has been very confusing and upsetting for kids to hear about Karlene’s treatment by her own Church. What would Jesus do? Certainly not this.
I urge the Archdiocese and St. Joan of Arc Westwood to practice what it preaches; honesty, kindness, and compassion. At a time when the Catholic Church is struggling to get parishioners to be more involved, it can’t afford to turn its back on its parishioners. We should all be allowed to know why the decision to let Karlene go was made. At the very least, Karlene should be allowed to know.
As Karlene always says, “God is good all the time.” We humans aren't, but admitting to making a mistake is a start.
Respectfully,
Wendy Thurmond
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Thanks to Wendy Thurmond, a Westwood resident and member of St. Joan of Arc Westwood, for sharing her open letter with Westwood Minute.
Editor's note: As a response to the letting go of Karlene Duffy, a group of supporters has formed the Facebook group, Karlene's Angels. On September 21, 2024, Karlene's Angels had almost 100 followers. As of September 22, that group is no longer publicly viewable on Facebook.
Westwood Minute takes no position on the opinions expressed in this open letter, but seeks accurate and thoughtful commentary on topics that matter to our community, from a variety of differing viewpoints. Feel free to reply with your reaction below, or submit another perspective to WestwoodInAMinute@gmail.com.
