BishopAccountability.org
	New: Mergers, Links between Catholic Parishes Could Come Soon By Mark Ranzenberger Morning Sun September 24, 2011 http://www.themorningsun.com/articles/2011/09/24/news/doc4e7cf418efd40713731460.txt Roman Catholics in central and eastern Michigan could see some major changes in the structure of their parishes, according to the Bishop of the Saginaw Diocense. “For years the diocese has discussed the need to prepare for a time when personnel and resources would demand major changes, and that time is now,” said Bishop Joseph R. Cistone in a statement released last week. “As a diocese, we need to address the number of sustainable parishes as well as priestly vocations.” The Diocese of Saginaw has 105 parishes, plus four additional churches, across its 11 counties. Many of the parishes were founded in the 19th century, and many more were built after World War II to serve the needs of a growing population. The number of parishes varies widely across the region. In Clare County, with a total population of 30,670, Roman Catholics are served by two parishes, St. Cecelia in Clare and St. Athanasius in Harrison. But on the other side of the diocese, in Huron County, the total population of 31,155 is served by 16 Catholic churches. But many of those parishes already don’t have priests assigned to them, with priests serving multiple parishes and missions. A total of 17 pastoral administrators also are serving the spiritual needs of the region’s more than 108,000 registered Roman Catholics. Isabella County has seven Roman Catholic churches, while Gratiot County has six. Many of those already are designated as “missions” of other churches, with a single priest serving multiple parishes. “As regards sacramental ministry, only 54 active diocesan priests are assigned to 109 churches,” Cistone said. “In addition, 22 active and senior priests, of various ages and health conditions, also provide sacramental ministry to our parishes.” Five priests from other dioceses and five religious order priests serve full-time as pastors in the Saginaw Diocese. Two more priests from other dioceses serve as sacramental ministers. Cistone said the diocese has hired a consulting organization called The Reid Group to assist in parish planning, and launched an effort called “A Future Full of Hope: Planning Tomorrow’s Parishes.” The diocesan statement said the project calls on “each parish to assess its strengths, name concerns and explore ways in which it can work with other parishes to better serve the People of God.” Cistone plans to appoint a planning commission formed of priests, deacons, pastoral administrators, religious sisters and lay people. The planning commission will provide recommendations based on parish information and rationale and demographic data. “It is our hope that, through this process, we will be in a position to enliven sacramental, educational and community life, including service and stewardship, for all of our people,” the bishop said. Once decisions are made, parishes will begin implementation by the summer of 2013, the diocese said. Further linking, partnering and even merging of parishes is possible.The planning commission is expected to issue its report in 2013. “The serious reality is clearly before us,” Cistone said. “This process of change might prove very difficult for some of our most devoted and loyal parish members. "However, we must attentively address the needs, challenges and opportunities that present themselves to this local church in this time and place.”
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.