Consider the following.
The ranks of Priests are declining, even as the number of practicing Catholics continues to diminish at an alarming rate. Yet, territorial parishes designed to operate with more of both continue to be the organizational infrastructure of the diocese.
The result.
It is becoming more and more common for a single Priest to have care of two (if not more) parishes, while the actual number of practicing Catholics in these multi-parish assignments may very well be less than the Priest would have had in previous decades.
However, since the fewer number of parishioners is divided between multiple parishes, the Priest is confronted with the an inordinate increase of work in the demands upon his time and energy.
Being Pastor of two (or more) parishes means having two Confession and Mass schedules. Now, there are two sets of parish accounts to administer. In some cases, two schools to govern. Two sets of choirs, liturgical ministries and catechetical teams (for Baptism or Marriage Preparation) to oversee.
On any given weekend, the Pastor must divide Saturday evening and Sunday morning Masses between two church sites, sometimes saying four Masses for a combined congregation which could fit, often very comfortably, into three or perhaps two Masses at one site alone.
Such an arrangement is damaging both to the physical stamina of an aging Priesthood, but also to their spiritual and psychological well-being.
The solution is by no means ideal for parishioners either.
That is most obviously so for those in the Pastor’s “other” parish, the one away from where he actually resides.
Beyond that, for both sets of congregations there is the negative impact on parochial morale of never being in a full church.
Sadly and all too often, parishioners of one parish may be reluctant to fully engage and cooperate with their parochial counterparts, resulting in tension and growing animosity between or among them.
The simple truth, which many Bishops are loathe to publicly admit and confront, is that there are far too many parishes, or rather, far too many churches.
That’s because Bishops and their advisors have chosen the easier (for themselves) solution of combining two parishes into one, but retaining both church sites.
No Bishop wants to be the “bad guy" and close churches. The backlash from parishioners is often overwhelming. It is deeply upsetting and unpopular for Pastors and parishioners alike.
Combining faith communities is difficult. And, there will always be a portion of parishioners for whom this change to the status quo simply means they stop going to Mass altogether.
Often times, the churches themselves are historic or beautiful buildings where generations of Catholics have celebrated their faith, been baptised, married and buried. They comprise an identity which should not be lost lightly.
Moreover, once churches are sold, it is unlikely they could ever be re-purchased or constructed in their former grandeur.
And so, Bishops are rightly concerned that churches should be closed only as a matter of last resort.
Since I lack the wisdom of Solomon, I have no ready solution to this growing and problematic trend.
However, I do believe it is time for the Bishops to begin to have a frank and honest discussion of these facts with Pastors and parishioners.
Bishops need to initiate and engage in a mature dialogue which may lead to solutions which effectively serve both the needs of the Priests and the people entrusted to their spiritual care.
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