Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

You may have seen or read the recent article in the Minnesota Catholic Magazine from Brenda Kresky, director of the diocesan planning office, on the proposed diocesan-wide plan for parish mergers https://thecentralminnesotacatholic.org/milestone-moment-proposed-parish-mergers-announced/ It is in line with what I have already reported to you for our ACC. Both plans we submitted had us going to one parish corporation - which will be the first subject of the bishop's decrees coming (likely) this month. The CAP also chose to affirm the plan that moves us to two worship sites. When the article lists "proposed churches that will be used on an infrequent basis" it does not indicate exactly what that means or when it is to take place. Our plan is still as I have mentioned: We will plan on moving to three weekend Masses after July 1st when that will be required by the bishop, discontinuing the Mass at St. Kathryn in Ogilvie. Though St. Louis Bertrand is also on the list, the plan is to continue weekend Masses there probably at least through the 2026 calendar year and possibly longer (depending on other factors such as financial situation and Mass attendance). And though St. Kathryn might not have regular weekend Masses there, we likely would still be able to have Masses there for major feasts (such as the commemoration of the patron saint), or things like funerals or weddings for some time before the closure of the church.

 

Any decrees concerning the closure of church buildings would be separate from this first decree concerning parish corporations, and (from what I have heard) would likely not be coming for several more months. I believe the article includes something on the appeal process for those decrees. Once the formal decree by the bishop has been published, anyone who feels they have been aggrieved may file an appeal within ten (10) working days. The bishop then has 30 days to respond. If anyone has questions on that process, you can use the diocesan contacts listed in the article or on their website. I would also be willing to answer questions or assist anyone in drafting their appeal should it come to that. (Note that you can only appeal what is in the decree - for example, you could not really appeal a church building closure in a decree that only merges corporations.) Again, since we do not yet have the actual wording or details of a decree, this is all still preliminary and may be subject to change. I have done my best to be honest and transparent with the information I receive. If there is any confusion or apparent discrepancies, please reach out to me for clarification. If you are feeling a certain way, chances are that someone else is too. I would be happy to try to clarify or go into more detail on anything related to these issues. It is, however, rather difficult to properly respond if I do not even know there is an issue or question - so please do ask.

 

Peace in Christ,
Father Timothy