Wayland Town Crier 1/7/10: Wayland's Catholic churches to merge. In 2003, when Roman Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston were being closed in rapid succession due to the combined impact of the clergy abuse crisis, priest shortage, dwindling church attendance and financial woes, it was puzzling to many why St. Ann’s and St. Zepherin, less than 2-and-a-half miles apart in Wayland, both remained open. Even when Father Frank Silva left St. Ann’s three years later, a new pastor, James Laughlin, was appointed in his place, and the parishes didn’t come any closer to merging. This changed, however, when Father Ronald Bourgault of St. Zepherin retired in 2008 and Laughlin was appointed to head up both parishes. Finally, a decision on the next step has been made – the two churches will merge as soon as the logistics and other details can be worked out.