1. April-Fall 2008
Parishes utilize “Coping with Change Together” resources beginning in spring 2008. For more information about parish resources that are available, see http://www.GatheringGodsGifts.org.
2. May 1-June 15, 2008
In advance of the naming of pastors for newly merged parishes, consultations will occur to determine the pastoral needs of parish communities that will merge or be open due to a pastor resignation. Representatives from the Priest Personnel Board and diocesan or parish staff will meet with eight to 10 representatives from the parishes (typically those who currently are on parish pastoral and finance councils) to determine the pastoral needs of the newly configured parish(es).
Pastors of parishes that will remain stand-alone or clustered and who choose not to continue in their present assignments are to indicate by May 15 their intention to resign at a date to be determined.
4. June 1, 2008
The Vicar for Clergy publishes the list of parish openings and invites priests to indicate their preferences and to apply for available parish assignments.
5. July 15, 2008
Priests will have until July 15 to apply for open parishes.
6. Early August
The Priest Personnel and Policy Board deliberates and consults with the individual priests involved and submits recommendations to Bishop Galante for his consideration.
7. Mid-August
Bishop announces to parishioners the names of the priests who eventually will become pastors when the new parishes are established formally by decree. There will be much work to be done before that can happen, pastorally, canonically and administratively. When the parish has completed its work, Bishop Galante will issue the decree, at which time the new parish comes into existence. Existing pastors de facto cease to be pastors when the decrees establishing the newly-merged parishes are promulgated. Until then, current pastors continue their ministry to the people of their parishes.
8. Late August
The process of naming priests to open parishes occurs a second time to address the vacancies that will occur as a result of the assignments announced in mid-August. At this time, a list of parish openings will be published. Priests will have until September 2 to apply for these openings. After deliberation by the Priest Personnel and Policy Board, recommendations will be forwarded to Bishop Galante for his consideration. The assignments for these openings are expected to be announced in late September.