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The Pastoral Plan for The Roman Catholic Community of Norwich St. Bartholomew Church – St. Paul Church October 18th, 2006 Preface Changing Times for the Diocese of Syracuse
With the declining numbers of priests in the diocese, all churches in the Diocese of Syracuse face serious priest personnel shortages now, and in the future. St. Bartholomew and St. Paul churches are no exception. In 2000, the Norwich Roman Catholic community was faced with a challenging adjustment. For the first time, just one pastor would shepherd both churches.
Under the guidance of Reverend Douglas Cunningham, the two parishes, separated by language, culture and socioeconomic barriers at the turn of the 20th century, would function as an informal alliance. Over the past several years, the parishes successfully:
- Shared Eucharistic celebrations - Combined Parish Council* - Formed collaborative Finance Committees - Consolidated the business offices - Established cooperative purchasing - Shared support staff - United the religious education and liturgical music programs - Shared associations – Knights of Columbus, Ave Maria Guild, Rosary Society, Ladies of Charity, Catholic Golden Agers, Adoration Society, Youth Ministry, Hospitality Committee *Per Parish Council Guidelines, November 1, 2004, “Guiding the Parish – Moved by the Spirit”, Diocese of Syracuse
In addition, the individual churches and their adjoining properties were retained. This remarkable change was met with faith-filled cooperation and optimism on the part of both parish communities.
The two parishes have worked collaboratively as one in the spirit of Christian hope and love. We have come to realize if we share more of our life as Church with each other, we will be strengthened by that sharing to become a viable Roman Catholic Community. Our common mission must be accomplished effectively by collaborating with each other while retaining the unique character and faith heritages of each church family. It is our goal, that by working together under the Lordship of Jesus, and using our gifts and treasures as equal partners in faith, we will able to move into the future with great confidence. The Roman Catholic Community of Norwich will be two distinctly unique faith communities: One called St. Paul Church and the other called St. Bartholomew Church, both under the title: Roman Catholic Community of Norwich. With this proposed configuration, which extends and refines the hard work already accomplished, we are therefore only submitting one plan. The only conclusion that could be drawn after careful review is that both churches are needed to serve the large Catholic community of Norwich. Looking to the future, as we become the center for the entire Chenango County Catholic community both churches will be needed.
With grateful hearts and trusting in the power of God's Holy Spirit, we therefore propose to our parishioners and to our Bishop, Most Rev. James M. Moynihan, the following plan for their affirmation. While aspects of this plan may change and grow as the needs of the community change, we trust that any changes that may come about through this plan will only serve to improve the quality of our Christian life in the future. As our churches become the Roman Catholic Community of Norwich let us begin our journey together.
Constraints We Face in Pastoral Planning
Planning for the future must be based on current reality and what we can realistically expect. These were the realities that guided our efforts:
1. A priest must preside in order for the Eucharist to be celebrated.
2. The number of active priests in the United States and in the Diocese of Syracuse is declining at a rapid rate, as is also the case in most of the world. Very few places have as low a ratio of priest to parish families as we do in the United States. As of the end of 2005, the ratio of the number of Catholics per priest in the world was 2439 to 1. For North America it was 1230 Catholics per priest. In contrast, in Central and South America it was 6700 to one, while in Africa it was 4700 to one. Very few places are as blessed as we are currently.
3. Most retired priests are celebrating Masses to “take up the slack”. Infirmities due to advancing age will further restrict their ability to preside, or at least to travel.
4. Roman Catholic Community of Norwich currently has just one full-time priest, serving as sacramental minister. The Roman Catholic Community of Norwich is blessed with two 3rd Year Diaconate Candidates in Formation who will be prepared for ordination in June 2008. However, the ministry of the Permanent Deacon is not that of a Priest. While the addition of two Deacons to the community will be a significant help, it will meet only a portion of the pastoral need.
5.The cultural heritage of both churches needs to affirmed and preserved.
Planning Process
Earlier this year the bishops met with the pastors of the Syracuse Diocese to discuss the on-going planning process for change in the local church. Bishop Moynihan asked the 35 pastoral care areas of the diocese to develop plans that meet the needs of the people of God in each area. These plans are to reflect the reality of fewer priests and good stewardship of the resources of our faith communities so that the mission of the Church can grow and be enhanced. These initial plans, normally three from each area, are to be presented to him by Thanksgiving, with review, approval and timetables to be developed by July 2007. Bishop's meeting, May 3rd, 2006 Location: Holy Family School Bishop Moynihan, Diocesan Vicar, Fr. Lang, and the Assistant Chancellor, Fr. Baranski, Fr. Cunningham, Parish Council President Bill Callahan, Parish Council Secretary David Kirsch, St. Bartholomew Church Trustees Nicky Mendolia and Jim Rotundo, St. Paul Church Trustees Michael Borfitz and Tom Whittaker and lawyers Mr. Vitanza and Ms. DiStefano met to discuss the process that must be followed concerning the Bishop’s request for submission of pastoral plans.
Father Lang very clearly explained the process that must be followed to help choose the best course for the future. He stressed it is the task of the Parish Council and its existing Planning-Subcommittee alone to gather input in the form of ideas and suggestions from the parish community. Bishop Moynihan and Fr. Lang gave the group instructions regarding the input gathering task, stating it would be necessary to submit three plans with the pros and cons listed for each. One plan may make the argument to leave things the way they are. Another plan should answer the Bishop’s question as to what one parish would be like. Yet another plan should reflect ideas and suggestions that would affect the entire pastoral care area, taking into account the reality of roughly 50% fewer priests in the near future. As further instructed, the Parish council will submit all plans to the Vicar for Parishes, the Regional Vicars and others selected by the Bishop. They, in turn, would present the plans to the Bishop who will make the final decision. Bishop Moynihan further cautioned everyone to set up specific ground rules so that input gathering sessions are polite and respectful. Fr. Lang confirmed the preliminary plans must be submitted by Thanksgiving 2006. As a final statement, the Bishop noted, “Whatever the future will bring, we know that we all have to get there together…. and now we can say that the process is underway.”
The Minutes of the Bishop’s meeting were published in the church bulletin.
Parish Council meeting, May 4, 2006 Location: Rectory This special Parish Council meeting was also attended by Br. Ed Falsey, OFM, who was invited to assist the council through the process of change affecting our Roman Catholic Community of Norwich. Brother Ed has a great deal of experience throughout the diocese in helping parishes plan for the future. In addition to hearing from Br. Ed, Parish Council members were advised of the information presented at the Bishop’s meeting held on May 3, 2006.
Parish Council meeting, May 10, 2006 Location: St. Paul Church Parish Hall This meeting was held to obtain feedback, suggestions and approval from the Council on planning proposal guidelines submitted by the Planning-Subcommittee to the Council. It was noted at this meeting that Fr. Lang would be coming to Norwich on May 16, 2006 to meet with the people of both parishes.
The Parish Council, by affirmative vote, approved the Planning-Subcommittee proposal regarding how information would be gathered from parishioners. This would include Parish Planning Meetings and the submission of a plan(s) to Parish Council. In reviewing this proposal, Parish Council further approved and directed that only registered parishioners of St. Bartholomew Church and St. Paul Church shall submit written ideas for consideration by the Planning-Subcommittee and Parish Council. Only registered parishioners will be allowed to speak at the Parish Planning meetings. After approval of this process, Parish Council directed the Parish Council President to seek a moderator from among leaders of the Norwich community to serve during Parish Planning Meetings.
The Parish Council President and Fr. Cunningham were able to retain the services of the Rev. Jeff Hale, Pastor of the Norwich Broad Street Methodist Church, to serve as moderator.
Two Parish Planning Meetings - May 23 June 6, 2006 Locations: Msgr Guy A. Festa Parish Center Holy Family School Gymnasium Registered parishoners were given the opportunity to spek for five minutes concerning the writers proposals. Oral presentations were given and written proposals were accepted. After the presentation the floor was open to questions & answers. As a result of these two Parish Planning Meetings, the Planning-Subcommittee received 43 written suggestions/ideas/proposals and all writers received a written thank you for their recommendations. As noted in the timeline below, the first stage of the Process was to read and consider all submitted information. Each proposal was read in its entirety before all of the Planning-Subcommittee members. During this time the Planning-Subcommittee identified common themes in order to begin the preparation of submitting plans to the Parish Council.
Conclusion After considering all submissions, it became very clear to the Planning-Subcommittee that the majority of the parishioners wished to keep both churches open, therefore:
One Plan initiative should be submitted stating this fact.
Planning-Subcommittee Timeline for the One Plan Process
● August 1st – Read & capture ideas from all submitted suggestions/ideas/proposals. ● August 7th – Begin drafting of the plan. ● August 16th – Presentation of the One Plan initiative to the Parish Council. ● August 17th through September 19th – Complete the 1st draft of the plan. ● September 20th – Present 1st draft to the Parish Council. (After September 20th – Parish Council communicates plan to the parish community through the bulletin.) ● September 21 through October 17th – Finalize the draft. ● October 18th – Present final draft to the Parish Council ● Between October 19th and November 5th – Conduct a Parish Meeting to share the plan. ● November 6th – Receive final input from the Parish Council. ● November 15th – Present and submit final plan to the Parish Council. ● November 20th – Parish Council forwards its recommendation to Syracuse.
Parish Council meeting, August 16, 2006 Location: Mgsr. Guy A. Festa Parish CenterAt this meeting, the Planning-Subcommittee submitted the above referenced timetable and the intention of submitting one plan. Parish Council reviewed and approved the timetable and strongly endorsed the idea of the submission of One Plan.
Large Catholic community ● 1,023 families ● Neither church is individually large enough to accommodate this great existing number without extensive and costly renovation. ● Neither church is individually large enough to accommodate future growth, based upon Chenango County’s growth trend. Distinctive features ● St. Bartholomew Church is easily accessible to Norwich’s senior population, an important consideration given the fact that three senior housing complexes are within walking distance of St. Bartholomew Church and a fourth complex is planned for Spring 2007. ● St. Paul Church is handicapped accessible with a large greeting area and features a Marian Chapel for small worship services, weddings and funerals. A restroom is available on the main floor. ● St. Paul Church and St. Bartholomew Church have a strong commitment in the spiritual and financial support of Holy Family School, Chenango County’s only Catholic school. Strong sacramental presence in both churches ● Confirmations for 2006 - 30 ● First Communions for 2006 - 30 ● Weddings 2003 to Present – 33 ● Baptisms for 2005 – 45 ● Funerals 2005 to Present - 63 ● Formation for Ministry in both churches ● Since the inception of the Formation program, 32 Lay Ministers have been commissioned. Vocations ● Priests - Fr. John O’Brien, Fr. Kevin O’Brien, Fr. Harry Winter ● Sisters - Sr. Mary Bartholomew Biviano, Sr. Rose Mary Caravaglio and Sr. Joan Curley ● Seminarians - Rene Fahey, James Schultz ● Two 3rd year deacon candidates - David Kirsch, Tim McNerney Ministry Team ● Priest - Fr. Douglas Cunningham ● Five Sisters of the Holy Cross - Sr. Alice, Sr. Celestine, Sr. Jackie, Sr. Rosy, Sr. Sheena ● Religious Brother - Br. Richard Cote Religious Education ● Strong unified religious education program for grades K to 12 serving a total of 399 children.
Demographics pertaining to the Roman Catholic Community of Chenango County Norwich sits in the geographic center of Chenango County and serves as the County Seat. It is the focal point for all government, health and retail activities. Population Growth ● From 1990 to 2000 there was a 26.5% increase in the Catholic population of Chenango County – this is extremely important for the future pastoral planning for the Chenango County Catholic community.
Positive Economic Trends ● Increased housing starts ● Land values have been steadily increasing ● Several downtown businesses reflect 2nd generation ownership ● Sporting and recreational businesses have been expanding and growing ● Well-established annual arts, cultural, sporting events and festivals add thousands of dollars to the economic health of the area ● Colorscape Arts Festival, Blues Fest and the Gus Macker Basketball Tournament ● Major retailers have recently located/expanded here ● Wal-Mart Super Center ● Lowe’s ● P & C ● Curtis Lumber ● Tractor Supply ● Growth in cottage industries, micro businesses & agri businesses ● Cornell Cooperative Extension has identified over 70 agri businesses in the area ● Newly constructed state/county facilities ● Chenango County Public Safety Building ● SUNY Morrisville, Norwich Campus ● New York State Office of Mental Health – Center for Intensive Treatment ● New York State Workers Compensation Board ● Large employers that continue to thrive ● Baille Lumber ● Chenango Memorial Hospital ● Esterline – Norwich Aero ● Frontier Communications Regional Office ● Golden Artist Colors ● Kerry Bio-Science ● Label Gallery ● MidYork Press ● NBT Bank, N.A. – Corporate Headquarters ● Outsourcing Services Group – Norwich Pharmaceuticals ● Raymond Corporation – recently broke ground for large addition ● Snyder Communications, Inc. ● Unison The Pastoral Plan “Our Catholic Community Is Larger Than Any One Church”
As a Roman Catholic Community working in a collaborative manner over the past five years, we believe a firm foundation has been established to keep both churches open. Because of the unified efforts of our parishioners, it is clear to us our Roman Catholic Community of Norwich is stronger today and will be so in the future.
The Parish Council makes the following recommendations to the Bishop:
● St. Bartholomew Church must remain open. ● St. Paul Church must remain open.
St. Paul and St. Bartholomew Churches must remain open under the leadership of Father Douglas Cunningham. Six years ago Father Cunningham made the commitment to pastor both churches for at least 12 years and has reaffirmed his commitment for both throughout the entire process.
The pastoral plan to keep both St. Paul and St. Bartholomew Churches open is clearly outlined in the Constraints, Process and Demographics sections of this document. This plan emerges from solid facts, careful review of thoughtful proposals from our parishioners, and the compilation and study of emerging demographics, while acknowledging the emotional outpouring of the community.
● The Roman Catholic Community of Norwich is committed to continuing the collaborative use of resources. ● Shared Eucharistic celebrations ● The current configuration of Masses allows for an even distribution of worshippers at Eucharistic celebrations. ● Holiday Eucharistic celebrations are rotated between the two churches to provide fairness to all parishioners. ● Combined Parish Councils ● According to Parish Pastoral Guidelines, Bishop Moynihan has affirmed the presence of a joint council. ● St. Paul and St. Bartholomew Parish Council has worked collaboratively over the past six years to minister to the needs of the large Roman Catholic Community. ● Through this planning process, Parish Council has identified the need to establish criteria outlining the duties, responsibilities and reporting structure of the various church committees that report to Parish Council. Father Cunningham will appoint the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from the Parish Council to serve on the various committees. It will be the responsibility of the Chairperson to select a designated number of parishioners from both churches to serve on that committee. The committees, functions and activities will be brought to Parish Council for review and approval. These committees will include but not be limited to: ● Buildings and Grounds ● Facilities Assessment ● Program for Increased Giving ● Fundraising ● Liturgy ● Religious Education/Youth ● Parish Survey ● To help us continue the assessment of the needs of our faith community and how best to minister to them.* *Per Parish Council Guidelines, November 1, 2004, “Guiding the Parish – Moved by the Spirit”, Diocese of Syracuse ● Cooperative Finance Committees ● A Finance Committee member from each church will have a monthly review with the bookkeeper. ● A Finance Committee member will report to Parish Council bi-monthly. ● A Finance Committee member from each church will report to the congregation semi-annually until the budget is balanced. ● The Finance Committee will investigate the use of independent advice regarding financial safeguards and procedures. ● Consolidated business offices ● Savings have been realized through cooperative purchasing. ● Sharing the support staff has reduced operating expenses and increased business operations efficiency, thereby eliminating duplication of efforts. ● Our united religious education and liturgical music programs have set the example for working together as a Christian community.
● A Facilities Assessment process will be initiated by January 2007. ● This process will be carried out by the Facilities Assessment Committee under the guidance of the existing Parish Council Buildings and Grounds Committee. ● The goal of the process is to reduce overall operating costs and direct freed resources to programs and charitable works that will best support our faith community. ● The first step of the process will be to inspect and evaluate all structures and grounds at both church sites. ● Based upon these findings, an itemized list will be developed along with the costs required to maintain or bring the structures and facilities to their best condition. ● During the process the Facilities Assessment Committee will periodically update the Buildings and Grounds Committee on their progress. ● The results of the assessment process will determine which structures should be renovated and which ones should be sold. These recommendations will be presented to Parish Council at the June 2007 meeting.
● A “Program for Increased Giving” will be initiated to strengthen our financial resources. This newly formed committee will report directly to Parish Council. ● The benchmark for stewardship will be our current envelope system. The use of envelopes is the best way for the parishes to budget each year for operating expenses. ● The effort to improve stewardship must be balanced with a commitment by all church personnel to fiscal responsibility by conserving, consolidating and using financial resources wisely. ● Special activities and events will be encouraged to build unity as well as raise additional funds.
● To insure the vibrancy of our faith community, parishioners will be encouraged to participate in all aspects of church life: worship and liturgy, education, fund raising and outreach. Opportunities exist for all age groups to participate in our Christian mission.
Let us enjoy our blessings: an established Roman Catholic community already sharing liturgical, catechetical, personnel and structural resources. Let us celebrate our past while embracing the challenges of the future: not just here in Norwich but in Chenango County as well.
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