Parish Reconfiguration

27 July 2004

Dear Monsignor/Father:

Since Archbishop O’Malley met with the priests of the Archdiocese on December 16, 2003 to discuss parish reconfiguration much has happened.  Hundreds of hours of meetings have taken place at which parishioners, clergy and religious discussed parish life.  From the gatherings of parish clusters, recommendations were made for achieving a more vibrant Archdiocese of Boston.  These recommendations were then reviewed by the vicars forane and the regional bishops, who in a number of cases offered additional recommendations.  All of this work was reviewed by a central committee made up primarily of lay people, with representation from clergy and religious.  This group also made recommendations.  The Archbishop then reviewed all of this work with the Presbyteral Council, and on May 25 announced the suppression of 70 parishes.  While the suppression of these parishes has caused pain and some anger, it had to be done for the greater good of the Church.  With changing demographics, 60% of our active clergy over the age of 60, with one-fifth of our parishes unable to pay their operating bills, and needed renovations to churches and other parish property costs in the hundreds of millions of dollars, reconfiguration was necessary to rebuild our Church.  Together, these factors make a compelling case for the reallocation of parish resources.

Unfortunately, one particular issue has caused considerable pain and misunderstanding.  Many people continue to insist that the reconfiguration effort is all about the Archdiocese of Boston getting money.  While it is true that many parishes are experiencing financial challenges and that there are needs in the Archdiocese for money, this reconfiguration effort was not driven by money nor were the decisions as to which parishes would close determined by the value of assets of any particular parish.   In my February 13, 2004 letter I put forth important points about the use of assets.  I wish to reiterate this information and ask that you share it with your parishioners.

The funds raised from the sale of suppressed properties will be used to address past due obligations and employee benefits of the suppressed parishes, including:

1. Monies due employees of suppressed parishes for past work and separation assistance;
2. For vendors who are owed monies from suppressed parishes;
3. For amounts for past employee benefits and parish insurance due from suppressed parishes;
4. For run-out costs of health insurance for separated employees;
5. For repayment of revolving loans from suppressed parishes; and
6. For expenses involved in the closure of suppressed parishes.

In addition, these funds will be used to assist in rebuilding our Archdiocese as we go forward:

1. For assistance to parishes that are unable to fund needed church repairs;
2. For expenses to provide current direct and indirect support services to parishes;
3. For establishing an endowment fund for parish support for those parishes that cannot be self-supporting;
4. For covering unfunded pension liability for lay employees and clergy of all parishes; and
5. For restoring the $28 million of equity to the various funds that provided “Jubilee Year” debt forgiveness.

Moreover, we remain committed to employees who will lose their positions due to reconfiguration and will help them secure positions at parishes if at all possible or to assist them with finding other employment.

The process of reconfiguration has affected all the parishes in the Archdiocese.  This process is not just about closing parishes; it is all about strengthening and revitalizing the Church as we go forward together as the Catholic faith community of Boston.  This process will provide our Church a solid foundation for the ministry entrusted to us, and will provide the Church in Boston with the capacity to address the needs of its people and to fulfill its mission. 

It is our fervent hope that with this process of reconfiguration we may begin to move forward revitalized and energized.  Our parishes will be stronger, more able to respond to people’s needs, better staffed and with more resources for ministry.  In welcoming parishioners from our closed parishes, our parishes will be better equipped to carry on the work of evangelization, to reach our young people, to serve our shut-ins, to pass on the faith to future generations and, together, exceed our present accomplishments as a Church.

I want to thank you for your cooperation and support through this difficult time.  I am very appreciative of your efforts.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

The Most Reverend Richard G. Lennon

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