Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Saginaw Diocese announces plans for Catholic churches

The Catholic Diocese of Saginaw made public its plans for diocese churches this weekend, through announcements in each church and a Sunday news release.
 
“I believe many parishioners will welcome these decisions as an exciting opportunity to come together as stronger faith communities,” said the Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, bishop of the diocese. “However, I do realize some will experience feelings of loss and deep sadness. These feelings are real and I have promised to walk with our people during this time of transition and renewal.”

The need to consolidate parishes was announced by the bishop in the fall of 2011. 

The diocese was divided into cohorts of three to seven parishes, and more than 600 people from the parishes offered their recommendations, which then were reviewed by the bishop and a 19-member planning commission. 

Priests and pastoral administrators were interviewed about their health and retirement plans, and engineering studies were commissioned for each parish structure.

Little will change in Midland. Blessed Sacrament, at East Ashman and Swede, and St. Brigid of Kildare downtown are remaining open as distinct parishes, as is Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Larkin Township.

Elsewhere in the county, St. Agnes in Sanford, St. Anne Mission in Edenville and St. Philip Neri in Coleman will merge into a new parish on July 1. St. Agnes will serve as the parish church, while Mass also will be celebrated each weekend at St. Anne, which will serve as an additional church. 

St. Philip will be designated as a church for occasional use, which means that regularly scheduled Masses will not be celebrated there, but former members may ask permission to use the church for occasions such as weddings or funerals.

By 2015, there will be 56 new parish communities, 24 churches for additional use and 29 churches for occasional use. Currently, there are 105 parish communities, several of which are technically missions, and four additional churches throughout the diocese.

St. Agnes in Freeland is remaining a distinct parish but beginning July 1, it is being asked to partner or collaborate with the new parish that will come from the merger of St. Josaphat and St. John the Baptist in Carrollton, and St. Matthew in Zilwaukee.

“Our parishioners are excited over the opportunities to work with other parishes. I truly hope this new plan brings a new vigor to our Catholic community,” said the Rev. Bob DeLand of St. Agnes.

In Auburn, St. Anthony (Fisherville) and St. Joseph Auburn will become St. Anthony and St. Joseph Parish. 

It will be at the current St. Joseph, which houses religious education and Auburn Area Catholic School.

Elsewhere in the area:

• St. Anne in Linwood will be the host church in 2014 for a new parish from a merger with Sacred Heart in Kawkawlin and St. Valentine in Beaver Township.

• St. Vincent de Paul in Shepherd will be the host church for a new parish formed from merging in 2013 with St. Leo the Great of Winn. In 2014, St. Patrick Mission of Irishtown will join them.

• In Mount Pleasant, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Mary University Parish will remain distinct parishes.

• Sacred Heart in Gladwin will remain a distinct parish.

• St. Mary in Hemlock will be the host church in 2014 for a new parish from a merger with Sacred Heart of Merrill and St. Patrick of Ryan.