As you know, the Catholic family of the Archdiocese of New York has for the last five years been engaged in an extensive pastoral planning process,
Making All Things New. This process intensified over the past fourteen months, as we asked even more specifically for the input of our Catholic faithful, through parish clusters, for their assistance in helping plan for our future. Thanks to all of you who were part of it.
We listened to your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions; we evaluated all the material and input presented by our parish clusters; and we sought the recommendations of others as well, such as an advisory board comprised of clergy, religious women and men, and members of the faithful from the nineteen vicariates (deaneries) of the archdiocese; our archdiocesan pastoral council; the college of consultors; our auxiliary bishops; key staff members; and the priests’ council.
Today we have announced the decisions on parish mergers that I have made based on the recommendations that have been presented to me.
As parishioners of the Archdiocese of New York, I want you personally to know what is going on and to be the first to know when I have an important announcement like the one today. I will use this communication channel on a limited basis when I feel there is something you should hear straight from me. This will also help your pastor reach you more effectively when he needs to. You can, of course, opt out of these at any time. If you would like to read the full press release that we will be issuing to the media today, you can do so here. It is available in both English and Spanish, and has a list of the parishes that are involved. The goal of
Making All Things New was simple: to ensure that all of our parishes are active, vibrant communities of faith. With your continued help, I know that we will be successful in our efforts.
With prayerful best wishes for a blessed fall, Thanksgiving, and Advent, I am,
Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan