Our Lady of Mercy faces the priest shortage

Our Lady of Mercy, the venerable and cherished Catholic church on West Richmond Avenue, has seen attendance dwindle in recent years. Now the Oakland Archdiocese wants to know: What should happen with this church?

Even with the resurgence following the arrival of Father James Pickett, who has briefly come out of retirement, there are simply not enough priests to go around.

Last Sunday, representatives of the archdiocese and several dozen members of the parish met and talked. Everyone broke into groups of eight and noted what they liked about the place. Newly transferred and devout Catholic Amy Jackson was impressed by the old-timers' passion. Many of them were married or baptized here, and many more remember the standing room-only Sunday morning services.

Among the options are to have a retired priest come in for weekend services while a layman runs things turning the week, says Father Picket. At worst, the parish could be closed. He foresees no decision before Easter.