When news started to spread that Guardian Angel Church in Allendale, New Jersey may be sold by the Archdiocese of Newark, parishioners and residents both felt a profoundly strong calling to try and stop it. We simply cannot fathom an Allendale without Guardian Angel watching over our people from the corner of Franklin Turnpike and Allendale Ave. While it's understood that the monetary value of the property is absurdly high and dollar signs are really what make the world turn in 2025, the Archdiocese of Newark and the town of Allendale need to understand that the spiritual and historical value of Guardian Angel Church within this community far surpasses the financial value of the land.

Guardian Angel Church is not just a building; it is a symbol of faith, community, and history for so many of us. This church has been the cornerstone of our community for generations, particularly for four decades of my own life. It is where countless children were baptized, couples married, and beloved parishioners remembered. It is where new members of the Catholic faith are still being confirmed today. The thought of losing such a sanctuary is devastating to the parishioners that cherish their place of worship and it's also concerning to the interfaith community of Allendale as a whole as far as what this means for our small town.

The plan to potentially sell and ultimately demolish Guardian Angel Church overlooks the deeply rooted community ties and historic value of the church. Let us come together as people from all faiths and backgrounds, as residents and parishioners alike, to protect Guardian Angel Church, a vital piece of Allendale’s identity. I urge you to sign this petition and support the preservation of not just bricks and mortar, but a haven that embodies the spirit of our community.