Second Phase Of
As he discussed the second phase of diocesan parish reorganization during a Sept. 26 press conference at the Catholic Center in Evansville, Bishop Charles C. Thompson highlighted a significant difference between this announcement and one that took place 364 days earlier.
“When we went through this the first time, it was kind of a labored process,” Bishop Thompson told reporters covering the announcement of additional parish mergers and links. “People were very apprehensive.
“As a result of going through that first process and seeing the outcome,” he continued, “this second time around, the process with all the different groups was much smoother because people saw what could happen. They saw a positive outcome, and it lessened a lot of the apprehension leading into this phase.”
Bishop Thompson and Chief Operating Officer/Chancellor-elect Tim McGuire announced creation of six new parishes through the merger of 15. Mergers will take effect from April 27, 2015, through July 1, 2016. Links involving seven parishes will occur July 1, 2015.
“Prayer has guided us through this whole process,” Bishop Thompson said. “The process is not new to the diocese. Parishes have merged and linked in the past. This is just a more comprehensive process than was done before last year.
“Demographics, infrastructure, Mass attendance, technology, fewer priests – those are the components we had to take into consideration,” he added. “But the focus always has been on the mission. Our ultimate goals are the Kingdom of God and the salvation of souls.”
The bishop described a process that involved several consultative groups, and listening sessions involving more than 60 parishes. “Those listening sessions were very profound for me,” he said, “witnessing the tremendous faith of our people.”
“I applaud all of our people,” he continued. “Bishop (Emeritus Gerald) Gettelfinger, who started this process in 2008; all of our directors, priests, deacons and religious; and parishioners from across the diocese. This was a collaborative approach.”
The first two phases involved parish reorganization. The next phase is focusing on the Diocese of Evansville’s seven deaneries. “The third phase is already underway,” Bishop Thompson said. “We now have seven deaneries. As a result of these two phases of parish reorganization, we’re now looking at reorganization of the deaneries.
“Right now,” he added, “we’re not envisioning any time in the near future another major announcement (of parish reorganization) like we had last year and this year.”
He said some people have struggled with changing Mass times as mergers have taken effect. “We’re creatures of habit, and sometimes we have to change our routine,” he said. “That can be a little discomforting.
“We know people have to grieve, and we’re trying to be as sensitive as we can,” Bishop Thompson added. “I assure people of my prayers because I know what they’re going through.”
