Pastor's Page: The Changes in the Diocese
February 7, 2010 issue

Dear Parishioners,

As I hope you are aware via the LI Catholic, Newsday and the NY Times, our diocese – all the parishes, schools, seminary and administrative offices—are being restructured and downsized to meet the challenge of a down economy, and fewer Church going/contributing Catholics.

Parish income across the diocese has been decreasing while costs of operating schools, parishes, and the seminary, etc. have been increasing steadily. The diocese hired Charles Trunz, a retired Wall St. executive to bring us back fiscally. Meetings have been held throughout LI, with Trunz and diocesan officials convening with pastors. The immediate step was taken to offer employees, full and part time, (some 1500 across the diocese) a Voluntary Separation Package (VSP). If their chronologic age and years in ministry equal or exceed 65, the individual is eligible for a severance package that includes salary and health care for 6-9 months depending on full or part time employment. The employee may choose to accept this package, or not.

In our parish, Elaine Lamagna (full time Director of Faith Formation), Elaine Kangas (part time Rectory Housekeeper), and Lucy Young (Organist) all qualify and will be offered the package by the diocese. Please keep them in your prayers.

Although this step will cause pain and sadness for those who choose to depart parish ministry (and those who love them), the diocese and our Bishop believe it is an urgently needed step to avert fiscal calamity for the Church on LI.

Be assured of my Prayers for you, our parish and our diocese –
Father Bruce

Transition Website Established
There has been a great deal of discussion about the voluntary separation package and the other changes occurring in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. The Diocese has set up a special transition website that has the latest information. Please visit www.drvc.org and click on the Lighthouse icon.