BishopAccountability.org
	Parish Closings Are Only the Beginning Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland August 16 2010 http://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/mainsite/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1453:parish-closings-are-only-the-beginning&catid=1:latest&Itemid=534 Diocese Reconfiguration moves into next Phase The closing of St. Emeric parish in Cleveland on June 30th signaled the completion of one phase of the reconfiguration process involving 50 churches across the eight counties of the Diocese. This part of the process began in April of 2009 and resulted in the creation of 17 new parishes with the ultimate goal of creating a stronger, more vibrant Catholic faith here in the Diocese of Cleveland. Fourteen of the parishes which were closed have appealed to the Vatican to be reopened. Those appeals are pending. While the appeals process continues, those parishes are closed, but there will be no disposition of the interior items or the buildings themselves until the appeals process is completed. Bishop Richard Lennon attended nearly all of the closing Masses and appealed to the Faithful of closing parishes with these words: “Let us all pray that the wounds will heal and that we move forward as Christ did, knowing that change is part of life. With this new beginning let us go beyond our current understanding of parish life…onto an even more vibrant one.” With this reconfiguration stage completed, appeals not withstanding, the next phase of the VPLII Initiative is now underway and this phase includes an even greater mission for the remaining 174 parishes of the Diocese. In the words of Bishop Lennon, “The downsizing of the Diocese is just one aspect of the Vibrant Parish Life Initiative which began 10 years ago. Now, we must encourage all of the Faithful to promote worship as the center of our lives.” The Bishop’s words speak to the essence of what was foreseen when Vibrant Parish Life began at the time of the new millennium; to bring people closer to God through inspired worship and the vibrant sacramental and spiritual activities of each parish. These efforts now become the heightened focus of the process. Here at the Diocese, reports from all of the clusters are now under review assessing what the parishes have begun to accomplish in light of the cluster recommendations offered in the Fall of 2008. Particular to our homebound viewers of the television Mass, if your parish has closed, it is important that you register in a new parish. If your parish was involved in a merger then you need to register in the newly named parish. If you have any questions about closed or merged parishes we once again suggest that you call the office for Reconfiguration and its Director, Deacon Jim Armstrong at 216-696-6525 ext. 2130. Rosemary Galizio of the Communications office can also assist at 216-696-6525 ext. 4540. Please do not hesitate to contact either of these individuals as it is important to assure your inclusion in our Faith community. Let us end with this prayer: “Lord, give us faith to be strong, give us strength to be faithful. This life is not long, but it’s hard. Give us grace to go on, make us willing and able. Lord, give us faith to be strong. Amen” Robert Tayek Director of Media and Public Relations Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
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