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	Diocese Assembles Manual for Priests By Dustin Pangonis Standard-Speaker June 19, 2008 http://www.standardspeaker.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7699&Itemid=2 Schuylkill County priests affected by the Diocese of Allentown's consolidation plan met with diocese officials Wednesday in Kutztown to discuss a Parish Restructuring Manual intended to help priests during the transition. The Rev. Edward B. Connolly, pastor of St. Joseph, Pottsville, and St. Francis de Sales, Mount Carbon, said several diocese officials reviewed the manual and a new packet containing information on the final Masses for those churches that are closing. Connolly will become pastor of St. Joseph and St. Vincent de Paul, Girardville, on July 15. The 59-page document details the consolidation process, ranging from personal matters, like dealing with pastor and parishioner grief, to the logistics of parish property, finances and employees. Although Connolly said the manual was straightforward — "basically we live in a world where people don't want to read" and want things explained to them, he joked — he characterized the meeting as helpful and informative. The Rev. Leo J. Maletz, pastor of St. Stanislaus, Minersville, and St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Branchdale, said the meeting was "packed" with information. "It's good to see what resources we have available to us in a difficult time in our parish's history," Maletz said. "We have a very capable staff. I was impressed by the presentations and the sincerity of them." Maletz will become pastor of St. Matthew, Minersville, on July 15. Common questions A question-and-answer period raised interesting questions, Connolly said. One pastor asked what would happen if parishioners have scheduled a wedding at one of the closing churches after July 15. Connolly said the answer was that weddings scheduled within six months after July 15 would still be honored at the original location. Maletz said he had parishioners concerned about what would happen to items donated to the church. He found out at Wednesday's meeting that the church's policy is items given to the church will belong to the new parish. Connolly said similar concerns were raised in his parish, but parishioners should not be upset by a transfer of location. "Say last week I give you $10 because you're a nice guy," Connolly said. "I can't ask for it back this week." Although the Most Rev. Edward P. Cullen, bishop of Allentown, did not address the panel in a speech, Connolly said he was "respectful" and honest in response to questions about what would happen to the assets of churches in the process of an appeal. These assets, Connolly said, would remain untouched during the appeal process. Connolly said church unity is very important to him and that parishioners should keep in mind that the bishop's role is that of guidance on policy matters. Suggestions on coping The manual's first section addresses "Pastoral and Spiritual Considerations," and states the "primary need" is for a priest to sort out his feelings to better help guide his parish. "The restructuring of a parish affects not only the parishioners and the fate of buildings, but touches deeply the heart and soul of its pastor and pastoral staff," the manual reads. Pastors are advised to "talk about the restructuring process as a reality in both private conversations and in public settings (sermons, social events). Be honest and keep your parishioners informed as best you can, but do not speculate. Tell the truth, admit your ignorance if that is the case, and make the attempt to obtain answers." Connolly commended his parishioners on their "splendid" and "grown-up" attitude toward the consolidation, although he noted that countywide reactions ranged from acceptance to appeals. Parishioners should be realistic instead of sentimental, Connolly said. As an example, Connolly said that if all the churches in Pottsville were to disappear, the city's Catholics would logically organize themselves into one church — not five, and "certainly not St. Joseph across from St. Patrick." "Excessive sentimentality can drive us astray," Connolly said. "It's the duty of a bishop or leader to be rational, but at the same time respectful of people's feelings." The manual's suggestions for smoothing the transition include grief counseling, final celebrations within the closed parish and joint events between merging parishes. Pastors are also asked to form transition teams of "parishioners who are supportive of the restructuring process and who understand it to be a way of building a stronger and more vibrant parish" before the implementation of the restructuring on July 15. Property and jobs The manual also provides guidelines for the sale and transfer of church assets. Religious articles and items unused by restructured parishes may only be sold to other parishes or Catholic institutions, not to commercial businesses of individuals or for "secular or profane purposes." Non-religious items having "no significant value" — furniture, hall and kitchen equipment, cleaning supplies, tables, chairs — may be sold to those interested, such as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, an organization to benefit the poor, or to needy members of the parish. In the event a building is to be sold, pastors must write to the bishop for permission. The 14-page human resources section that ends the manual also addresses the loss of jobs within parishes. In order to be hired at another diocesan location, employees must complete an application and interview with the pastor there. The manual also states that assistance will be available from the Schuylkill-Carbon County Catholic Charities office or with counselors of the Department of Labor and Industry. The "Parish Employees' Information Form" advises those whose positions have been eliminated to file for unemployment and consult friends and neighbors to begin searching for another job. Contact: dpangonis@republicanherald.com
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