Skip to content
News
Link copied to clipboard

S. Philadelphia, Delco parishes enter consolidation process

Three South Philadelphia parishes and two in Delaware County are entering the Philadelphia Archdiocese's consolidation process, which could result in merged parishes.

Three South Philadelphia parishes and two in Delaware County are entering the Philadelphia Archdiocese's consolidation process, which could result in merged parishes.

The three in South Philadelphia are Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, and Saint Rita Cascia, while the Delaware County parishes are Sacred Heart in Clifton Heights and St. Charles Borromeo in Drexel Hill, the archdiocese announced Sunday.

In less than five years, mergers have reduced the number of parishes in the five-county area from 266 to 219, according to the archdiocese.

In order to determine the viability of each parish, an Area Pastoral Planning Committee will look at the number of registered parishioners and households, financial gains or losses, and building maintenance costs, among other factors. The committees consist of the pastor and three representatives of each parish.

The Parish Area Pastoral Planning Initiative, which began in 2010 and will eventually reach all parishes, can lead to any of three outcomes: the parishes in question maintain their independence, they merge into one parish, or they enter a partnership. A partnership allows all involved parishes to keep their parish status and financial independence, while maintaining only one pastor and one set of staff for all of the parishes in the partnership.

Though the planning committee and other members of the parishes can offer recommendations, the final call is made by the archbishop himself.

Members of the three South Philadelphia parishes were informed at Masses over the weekend. A decision should be made later in the spring, according to the archdiocese.

"Everybody has a different reaction to the process," said Kenneth Gavin, archdiocese spokesman.

"My hope is that [parishioners] see this as an opportunity to try to make sure we have parish communities that are going to be viable. Long-range planning is something every organization does and should do."

In a merger, one of the churches is designated the parish church, where most Sunday Masses and ceremonies, such as baptisms and the Easter vigil, take place. The other churches become limited-use "worship site churches" to host weddings and funerals. A transition team made up of members of both parishes works together to determine such things as the Mass schedule and other parish activities.

jcastellano@phillynews.com

215-854-4521

@jill_castellano