Dolan Notes Fiscal Impact of Sex Abuse Cases
By Bill Glauber
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
April 12, 2008
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=738454
The Milwaukee Catholic Archdiocese announced Friday a major restructuring to eliminate 37 central-office jobs early next month, wring out $1 million in cost savings and close a $3 million budget deficit.
The plan was revealed this week by Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan in an e-mail sent to more than 4,300 people in the central office, parishes and schools, and to church volunteers.
"We worry about the many services and ministry areas that appear to be cut, while we place our faith in God's promise of new growth and new life that will result from the 'pruning.' And that takes faith," Dolan said in the letter.
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| Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan (right), laying hands on Bishop William P. Callahan during a service last year, this week announced job cuts expected to save $1 million and help eliminate a $3 million deficit.
Photo by Kristyna Wentz-Graff |
He did not sidestep the cause of the budget problems facing the archdiocese.
"We are frustrated that money is tight and we have to make these cuts," he said. "This is heightened because we know it is caused largely by the financial impact from the actions of those priests who sexually abused minors."
The archdiocese is under financial strain as it pays off a loan incurred to cover about $4.6 million of its $8.25 million portion of a nearly $17 million settlement of 10 sexual abuse lawsuits in California in 2006.
The restructuring was first reported Friday by The Business Journal of Milwaukee.
Under the restructuring, 37 of 150 central-office positions will be eliminated. Eight of the eliminated positions are already vacant. In addition, 15 new positions will eventually be created.
Prominent positions to be eliminated include: the vicar for Hispanic ministry, director of African-American ministry, co-director of Asian ministry, coordinator of corrections ministry and coordinator of health ministry.
"These ministries don't end," said Jerry Topczewski, Dolan's chief of staff. "They are happening every day in all parts of the diocese. They're not reliant on a person in a centralized place to continue."
A new structure will provide needed services in new ways, Topczewski said.
"We'll be more reliant on people in our parishes and schools who have expertise and talent, and can volunteer their services to others."
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