The Friends of St. John the Baptist Church in New Bedford continue to raise funds for their legal challenge in Rome to keep their historic church open. 

Bishop George Coleman ordered St. John the Baptist Church closed last November, but parishoners like Fred Langevin want the parish to remain active and the church reopened.........

St. John the Baptist Parish, unitil its closing, was considered the oldest Portuguese parish in North America. 

Bishop Coleman recently issued a decree, allowing non religious activities to be held inside St. John's. 

Langevin says the "Friends"  appealed that decree this week, saying they want the church to remain a sacred place, till their appeal to the Vatican is decided.

More From WBSM-AM/AM 1420