14 More Archdiocese Of Philadelphia Parishes To Undergo Self-Studies To Decide Future
By Pat Ciarrocchi
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Fourteen parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are the latest communities to enter the process of the Parish Area Pastoral Planning Initiative.
Parishes in Philadelphia, Delaware and Montgomery Counties -- which are now in close geographic proximity -- will begin a program of self-study. Ultimately, the goal is to consolidate these neighborhood worship centers.
In the Fall of 2010, there were 266 parishes, now there are 216. The closing and merging of parishes came through earlier planning initiatives.
The self-studies, led by pastors, parishioners and the Archdiocesan Strategic Planning Council, will look at parish membership and its potential for growth, Mass attendance, financial stability and property values, among other issues. A decrease in the number of clergy to staff parishes is also a factor.
In a statement from the Archdiocese, the release outlined "the end result."
"It is hoped that the end result will be the strongest possible parishes that are poised for stability, growth, and service to God's people now and far into the future throughout the five-county Archdiocese."
Recommendations are made, some may involve parish mergers, in others – there may be no change.
The study is multi-phased.
In more from the release:
"Parish Area Pastoral Planning is designed to be as collaborative and consultative as possible. Its goal is to provide pastors, after consulting their parish leadership, with the opportunity to dialogue with members of the ASPC in providing joint recommendations for parish growth and sustainability within their respective geographic areas."
Archbishop Charles Chaput makes the final decisions. There is an appeals process in place which some parishes which were ordered to merge in 2014 followed. None were reversed. Final results will be announced in late Spring, 2015.
Parishes Undergoing Study:
Delaware County:
Saint Francis of Assisi (Springfield)
Montgomery County:
Saint Anthony of Padua (Ambler)
Saint Catherine of Siena (Horsham)
Philadelphia:
Saint Adalbert (Port Richmond)
Mother of Divine Grace (Port Richmond)
Our Lady Help of Christians (Port Richmond)
Many of these parishes, especially those founded in Philadelphia grew out of immigrant communities, in various ethnic groups, which wanted to have their own faith communities in the early 20th century.
That's why many of these churches are within blocks of each other. Demographic changes have altered the populations that would traditionally support these churches.
