The congregation of St. James Catholic Church in Seaford is outraged over the circumstances surrounding a beloved nun's departure. Three weeks ago, parishioners say Father Robert Hewes told Sister Rosemary Traynor that she had to leave the convent in which she has lived for decades. According to parishioners, Hewes told Traynor she had to leave because the convent did not have the minimum of two nuns living there. Traynor, director of religious education for the parish that teaches 2,000 children, decided to resign effective Dec. 6, parishioners say.According to parishioner Jill Marie Delano, Hewes then told Traynor she could stay through June and keep running the education program, but she declined.The Diocese of Rockville Centre told News 12 Long Island it was Traynor's decision to resign. "Unfortunately," the diocese says, "rumors and falsehoods have been communicated to the St. James Parish community."The community has reacted swiftly. In protest, the religious coordinator resigned, as did some parents who teach at St. James on a volunteer basis. Parishioner Andrea Guerriere is so distraught over Traynor's treatment, she might not stay at the church. "It would be heart-wrenching if I had to leave the parish and find somewhere else to go, but I'm considering it," she says.

To watch the complete interview with a parishioner of St. James Catholic Church, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.