Boston archdiocese to reorganize parishes in 2nd retrenchment
November 15, 2012
Boston’s Cardinal Sean O’Malley has approved a sweeping reorganization of that will leave the archdiocese with 135 “collaboratives” in place of the current 288 parishes.
The new “collaboratives” will combine 2, 3, or more parishes under the leadership of a single pastor. The reconfiguration will be completed by 2016.
The reorganization plan is the 2nd for the Boston archdiocese under Cardinal O’Malley’s rule. In 2004 the cardinal announced that 65 parishes would be closed as the archdiocese struggled with the fallout of the sex-abuse scandal.
Cardinal O’Malley said that the new round of reconfiguration was prompted by declines in the number of people attending Mass. He said, however, that the archdiocese is “committed to re-engaging the culture, and providing a strong foundation for those who will follow us.”
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Further information:
- Boston Cardinal approves archdiocese reshuffle (AP)
- Boston cardinal reshuffles parishes to meet priest shortage (RNS)
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Posted by: koinonia -
Nov. 16, 2012 7:06 AM ET USA
As the Church moves forward in this year of Faith prayerful reflection at all levlels is most appropriate. Declining vocations, financial strains from the sex abuse crisis and poor Mass attendance are cited as leading factors in Cardinal O'Malley's two major reorganizations of the archdiocese. This is sad.
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Posted by: jacquebquique5708 -
Nov. 15, 2012 7:28 PM ET USA
O'Malley is very controversial. His role at the funeral of Edward Kennedy continues to stalk his efforts at reform.
