About 300 representatives of the parishes attended the meeting today with Bishop Lennon.

Bishop Lennon said today that the archdiocese wanted to settle all lawsuits.

Bishop Lennon was ordained in the Boston Archdiocese on May 19, 1973.

But this spring under Bishop Lennon, it closed five elementary schools and is considering closing more, church officials say.

It was clear today that Bishop Lennon planned to take advantage of whatever grace period Catholics here are willing to give him.

Several priests and church experts said that Bishop Lennon had many of the most desirable qualities.

Church experts said it was unlikely that Bishop Lennon would be selected as the permanent replacement.

Bishop Lennon did not rule out bankruptcy.

Bishop Lennon, he added, "has been out here to say Mass and for dinner and to get to know people; he is a very bright man."

Bishop Lennon declined to discuss his views on the possibility that the archdiocese would file for bankruptcy protection to deal with nearly 500 abuse lawsuits.