Voices raised in unison outside a Newark church Sunday weren't a part of the usual weekly services, but rather a movement to support a long-time Newark priest.

Worshipers say the archdiocese is forcing Monsignor Joseph Granato to leave the rectory after his retirement, despite serving 54 years at St. Lucy's Roman Catholic Church in Newark. Church officials say it is against policy to allow a priest to stay in the rectory after he retires.

"I know what Monsignor Granato means not only for the city of Newark, for the county, but for the state and what he's done for 54 years," Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo says.

The archdiocese says it is holding firm to its July 1 deadline for Granato to move out of the church's living quarters. Church members say they will hold another rally for Granato June 28.