Though he deals with issues on a sound scholarly basis, what comes through most clearly is what has often been absent from the process of parish closure and consolidation: a pastor's spirit that gives a human face to forgiveness and offers a wholesome vision of church.Worship This book would be a valuable aid to all those involved in the painful changes facing the Church and its churches today, especially bishops, diocesan officials, pastors, parish councils and ministry staffs.Pastoral Music . . . the book will be welcomed by pastoral planners, bishops, pastors, and parish liturgy coordinators.Catholic Library World Borne out of personal experience, Franciscan Fr Michael Weldon OFM writes a healing book that offers other pastors a guide that he didn't have.Crux of the News ". . . an uncommonly timely book."Touchstone Troubled Catholics in high and low places have sad reasons for needing all of some of this probably unique book.Review for Religions With all of our sacramental wealth, we do not seem to have developed a way to negotiate through troubled waters. Into this gap steps Michael Weldon. He has taken seriously the trauma caused by church closure or consolidation. With this book, he provides us with insights into how to move through this painful loss with sensitivity and grace. He draws these insights from his own experience as a pastor as well as the experience of others. He then calls upon our rich religious tradition for both inspiration and direction. What follows are suggestions for ritualizing the loss, the pain, and possible reconciliation. The approach offered in this book is a real gift to a changing church.Dianne Bergant, CSA, Professor of Old Testament, Catholic Theological Union Michael Weldon has a done a signal service to the Church in writing about church closings and consolidations. From now on no diocese should attempt closings or consolidations without carefully reading and studying this book. . . . I strongly recommend this book and the wisdom, insight and practical suggestions which make it so valuable.From the Foreward by Archbishop John R. Quinn, Retired Archbishop of San Francisco, California