Causes
Church closings, mergers are possible in Fall River Diocese, update on St. Anne’s church
Could your local parish be closing?
According to Bishop da Cunha, the diocese is looking to have strong institutions that can provide services needed. This may cause the combining or closure of parishes. The Bishop also stated that although parishioners become attached to a building of worship, and he realized the importance of that, he does not see the church as a building.
The Fall River Diocese will begin 12-18 months of strategic plan.
The purpose of “Renewing the Ministries of the Diocese” is to:
1. Forge a new vision out of the needs and aspirations
of many, not just a few clergy or administrators.
2. Foster unity with the Bishop.
3. Support our pastors, to enable “priests to be
priests.”
4. Listen to the concerns of our lay people.
5. Bring back those frustrated or fallen away from the
Church.
6. Allow laity to contribute their considerable time
and talent in meaningful and productive ways.
7. Find “positive deviants” — those with extraordinary
passion and skill to do great things.
8. Engage clergy and laity in productive ways that
show results.
9. Renew our mission to change lives.
10. Develop needed resources, financial and human.
In related news, Fall River Reporter contacted St Anne’s Parish in regards to rumors and the possible price tag to repair the church.
Here is Father David C. Deston Jr’s response.
1. At this point, studies are ongoing to figure out what needs to be done to get the building in good working order.
2. All parishes in the Diocese of Fall River are working with their parishioners, as well as with Bishop da Cunha and the rest of diocesan leadership, to strengthen all our institutions. This process is still in its beginnings and as yet, parishioners and diocesan leadership are still working through their data and having fruitful conversations. What the future holds for any particular parish is not decided. That decision will come as a result of consensus being reached between Bishop da Cunha and parishioners. Bishop da Cunha will be hosting a listening session at St. Mary’s Cathedral on April 12 as a part of this process.
3. As we don’t yet have a “price tag”, we have not yet begun to solicit donations. When we are prepared to move forward, we will pursue every avenue as far as we can to help reach our goal, whatever that may turn out to be.
If you are interested in attending the listening session of Bishop da Cunha, it will be held on April 12 at St. Mary Cathedral, Fall River from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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