From the Office for Canonical Affairs
The following are some questions and answers to help with the canonical process of closing a parish:
Has the Archdiocese followed Canon Law throughout this process?
Some have asked this question because the process we are using now for suppressing parishes is different from the process used in this Archdiocese for many years. The former process was a much longer process and included many things not required by Canon Law. For example, in the old process, the Pastor would come several times to a discussion before the Presbyteral Council. This will not occur in the new process, because pastors and administrators were consulted early in the process (i.e., before March 8, 2004), as well as later in the process (each pastor was invited to write a letter to the Archbishop by April 23, 2004).
The most critical canon that the Archbishop must follow to make these actions valid is Canon 515 §2, and we are faithfully following this canon in this new process:
Canon 515 §2 - It is only for the diocesan bishop to erect, suppress, or alter parishes. He is neither to erect, suppress, nor alter notably parishes, unless he has heard the Presbyteral Council.
On May 7th, 10th, and 11th, 2004, the Archbishop consulted with the Presbyteral Council and each of the Archbishop’s proposed parishes for closing was presented to the members.
What is the difference between the suppression and the altering (merger) of a parish?
To suppress a parish is to end its existence. In this case, its assets and liabilities, by law, become the property of the Archdiocese, unless the Archbishop were to determine another disposition of the assets and liabilities. To alter a parish may involve the merger of two or more parishes. In this case, all the assets and liabilities become the property of the new parish, which is created through the merger. The merging entities/parishes go out of existence simultaneously with the creation of the new parish. To alter a parish may involve changing its status to a territorial parish from a personal parish, to a personal parish from a territorial parish, or to alter its territorial boundaries in relation to neighboring parishes.
Why has the Archbishop chosen to suppress rather than merge parishes?
What is happening at this time in the Archdiocese is a reconfiguration of the entire Archdiocese, because of the many demographical shifts in our Catholic population and the overall financial situation of our Archdiocese. These are not local issues; they are issues that affect our entire Archdiocese. It is the Archbishop’s goal to reorganize these assets and liabilities so that all parishes that remain will be financially secure to continue their mission. Moreover, in many cases, if there were to be a merger, the liabilities of a parish that is closing could cripple the new parish formed.
Does the Welcoming Parish have a canonical claim to the assets of the suppressed parish? For example, if the Archdiocese later sells the Church of the suppressed parish, does the Welcoming Parish automatically receive any proceeds?
No, the only way the Welcoming Parish would receive any proceeds from a suppressed parish would be if the Archbishop designated this. This is usually done by decree. Note that, in some cases, the parishes that are being suppressed have more liabilities then assets.
Will any of the monies acquired by the Archdiocese be used to settle sexual abuse cases?
No.
What will happen to the suppressed parish after the closing date?
In most cases the parish will be prepared for future sale. Therefore after a suppression date has been set and the parish has celebrated its last Mass, the doors will be locked, and the Archdiocesan real estate people will take over the property. Because of the nature of their work, there will be no celebrations after the closing date, including weddings and funerals. It will be the responsibility of the last pastor to do all that he can to transfer weddings scheduled after the closing date to a suitable place nearby where the wedding can be celebrated at the same time as originally scheduled. This “suitable place” will normally be the Welcoming Parish. It is the obligation of all neighboring pastors and parishes to cooperate fully with the resolution of all wedding and funeral scheduling.
How can the Archdiocese sell a Church if it is a holy place?
Shortly after the doors are closed, Archbishop Seán will deconsecrate the Church so that we can sell it. Sacred items will be removed from the Church and the Archbishop will issue a decree that “relegates the Church to profane use.” After this is done, the Church may be sold for any use except one that would be deemed “sordid.”
How is the new parish of the people determined?
After consulting with those who know the situation of the people in the territory in question, the Archbishop will inform the people by decree where their new parish is.
Will the people be able to find their sacramental records?
The Archbishop shall determine and clearly publish where a former parish’s records are kept. Records prior to 1930 will be kept at the Archives of the Archdiocese. Records after 1930 will either be kept at the Archives or in a nearby parish designated by decree to conserve such records. As has been the practice, each year the “Archdiocese of Boston Catholic Directory” will include a list of suppressed parishes and where their sacramental records are kept.
How will the boundaries of the new parish be determined?
After the decision is made to close a Church, the Assistant for Canonical Affairs will work with the Planning Office, the Pastors of the area, the Vicar Forane and the Regional Bishop to determine the new parish boundaries. The Archbishop will then issue a decree and publish it.
Is there any difference in determining boundaries if my parish is a “personal parish?”
When a personal parish is suppressed, there are normally no boundaries to alter (the only exception are the French personal parishes in Lowell). The members of a suppressed personal parish become parishioners of the territorial parish within which they reside, or, they may choose to become parishioners of another personal parish (if this is applicable).
If there are announced Masses to be said beyond the closing date, where are these Masses celebrated?
It will be the outgoing pastor’s responsibility to reschedule these Masses, first in the Welcoming Parish and second in a place suitable to the original requestor. If the person who requested the Mass cannot be located, then it is the pastor’s responsibility to reschedule the Mass. If they can be located and they object to the new location, it would be the pastor’s responsibility to return the stipends to the person requesting. When a pastor transfers a Mass to another parish, he is to give the entire offering to that other parish, unless the amount in excess of the standard donation was given to the priest personally (Canon 955 §1).
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