It was an emotional day. It was final mass of St. Clare Catholic Church in Cooper, Texas. The church has been a staple of the community from its landmark art work on the corner to the quaint comfort of the modest pews to the joyful parishioners; one can always count on for a nice visit and hug.
The corner has been home to St. Clare since 1999. The parish has seen its ups and downs over the years with struggles with times for masses having to coordinate with larger neighboring Catholic churches.
Not long ago the St. Clare underwent repairs – fixing the roof and updating interior fixtures. According to elders of the parish the entire contents of the building will be relocated to Our Lady of Victory in Paris, Texas. They will utilize the items in the chapel of the large structure they are building for the nuns. Many of the members have opted to attend mass in Paris or at St. James Catholic Church in Sulphur Springs.
The building will be returned to the Catholic Diocese of Tyler along with the land St. Clare Catholic Church owed near FM 64. It is expected the Diocese will likely sell the properties.
The last communion was offering given… One last glance through the church’s guest book… Extinguishing a candle before saying the final farewell and receiving one last blessing…
Here is a blessing from St. Clare's second letter to Blessed Agnes of Prague:
What you hold may you always hold.
What you do, may you always do and never abandon.
But with swift pace, light step and unswerving feet,
so that even your steps stir up no dust,
Go forward, the spirit of our God has called you.
The doors on St. Clare Catholic Church closed on Tuesday, May 30, 2017.
