SAGINAW — The parish cohorts made recommendations for changes, as sought by the “Planning Tomorrow’s Parishes” process, and those reports were filed with the diocesan planning commission, which reviewed the recommendations and either approved or came up with recommendations of its own.
This is what the commission recommended for each cohort:
PARISHES: St. John-Ubly; St. Ignatius-Frieburg, St. Joseph-Argyle, St. Columbkille-Sheridan Corners
The cohort recommended linked and partnership parishes, based on geography and a 10-year history of working together, but the diocesan planning commission disagreed, calling for a merger of the four parishes at St. John by July 2013, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal. St. Columbkille will be kept as a second worship site, with use, viability and building condition to be evaluated every two years.
PARISHES: Most Holy Trinity-Smith Corners, Sacred Heart-Bad Axe, St. Joseph- Rapson
The cohort recommended, and the diocesan planning commission agreed, on the merger of the three parishes by July 2013, with Sacred Heart as the worship site, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal. St. Joseph would be kept as a second worship site, with use, viability and building condition to be evaluated every two years.
Some of the reasons given for the merger were that the parishes are duplicating efforts while trying to serve all the people of their parishes well; the parishes already have had experience in cooperating with each other; and the sharing of human and financial resources will help to put in place stronger and more vitalized evangelization, youth and outreach programs for all the people of the three parishes.
PARISHES: St. Mary/St. Edward-Kinde, St. Felix-Pinnebog, St. Francis-Pigeon, St. Michael-Port Austin, St. Roch-Caseville
The cohort recommended a combination of partnered and merged parishes, but the diocesan planning commission disagreed, calling for a merger by July 2013 of St. Francis Borgia, St. Roch and St. Felix at St. Roch and a merger of St. Mary/St. Edward and St. Michael at St. Michael, dependant on a study of each church and a long-term maintenance appraisal. St. Francis Borgia would be kept as a second worship site, with the use, financial viability and building condition to be evaluated every two years.
In addition, the two remaining parishes are to form a partnership by July 2014. And, as the cohort recommended, the group pursues the possibility of a new central worship site.
PARISHES: St. Denis-Lexington, St. Patrick-Croswell, St. Mary-Port Sanilac
The cohort recommended a partnership between the three parishes but the diocesan planning commission disagreed, calling for a merger by July 2013, with St. Denis as the worship site, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal. St. Mary, however, would be kept as a second worship site, with the use, financial viability and building condition to be evaluated every two years.
PARISHES: St. Joseph-Sandusky, St. John-Peck, St. Elizabeth-Marlette
The cohort, citing financial stability and a willingness to cooperate and share more, recommended a linking of the three parishes. The diocesan planning commission disagreed, calling for a merger of the three by July 2013, with St. Joseph as the worship site, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal. St. Elizabeth would be kept as a second worship site, with the use, financial viability and building condition to be evaluated every two years.
PARISHES: St. Patrick-Palms, St. Anthony of Padua-Helena, Our Lady of Lake Huron-Harbor Beach, SS. Peter and Paul-Ruth, St. John Chrysostom-Forestville, St. Mary-Parisville
The cohort, citing geography and an existing linkage, recommended the status quo. The diocesan planning commission disagreed, calling for a merger of Our Lady of Lake Huron and St. Anthony of Padua by July 2013, with Our Lake of Lake Huron as the worship site, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal. St. Anthony would be used as a second worship site, with the use, financial viability and building condition to be evaluated every two years. The other four parishes would merge by July 2013, with SS. Peter and Paul as the worship site, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal.
The two remaining parishes then are to become partners by July 2014.
In addition, the combined parishes were told to “strengthen” their finances and to update the facilities “as needed.”
PARISHES: St. Joseph-Mayville, St. Michael-Wilmot, Sacred Heart-Caro, Holy Family-Sebewaing, St. Agatha-Gagetown, St. Pancratius-Cass City
The cohort, citing the rural geography and distance, recommended linking and partnerships for the parishes. The diocesan planning commission disagreed, citing a steadily declining number of parishioners and younger people at both St. Michael and St. Agatha and calling for a merger of St. Michael, St. Agatha, Holy Family and St. Pancratius by July 2013, with St. Pancratius as the worship site, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal.
Holy Family would be kept as a second worship site, with the use, financial viability and building condition to be evaluate every two years. St. Joseph and Sacred Heart also would merge by July 2013, with Sacred Heart as the worship site, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal.
PARISHES: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary-Bridgeport, Blessed Trinity-Frankenmuth, Sacred Heart-Birch Run, St. Elizabeth of Hungary-Reese, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini-Vassar, St. Norbert-Munger
The cohort made two proposals, one calling for two-parish partnerships among the six parishes and one calling for mergers. The diocesan planning commission chose the latter, calling for a merger between St. Elizabeth and St. Norbert by July 2013, with St. Elizabeth as the worship site, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal; a merger between Sacred Heart and Assumption BVM, also by July 2013, with Sacred Heart as the worship site, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal, and the pastor of Blessed Trinity as the sacramental minister. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini would continue with a pastoral administrator, with a sacramental minister supplied by St. Elizabeth.
Blessed Trinity and the remaining parishes, however, are to become partners by July 2014.
In addition, the group is to consider holding one or two youth gatherings during the year within the cohort; seek other areas to partner such as religious education programs for children, groups for the divorced, widowed, grieving, etc.; partner in pastoral councils, worship commissions and other committees and commissions so there is less stress on the priest and pastoral administrator
The commission also recommended the group form a cohort-wide adult faith formation committee to provide ongoing formation for the entire cohort including the areas of advocacy, justice and Catholic social teaching and offer all training for any liturgical or other ministries in partnership with the whole cohort.
PARISHES: Resurrection of the Lord-Standish, St. Joseph-Alger, St. Mark-AuGres, St. Mary-Pinconning, St. Michael-Pinconning
The diocesan planning commission recommended the group merge St. Mary and St. Michael by July 2013, with St. Michael as the worship site, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal; and merge Resurrection and St. Jospeh by July 2013, with Resurrection as the worship site, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal. St. Joseph would be kept as a second worship site, with the use, financial viability and building condition to be evaluated every two years. The parish would keep the name Resurrection of the Lord because it is a recently merged parish with a relatively new name.
The remaining two parishes are to partner with St. Mark by July 2014.
The group also was told to establish a cohort school board.
PARISHES: Our Lady of the Visitation-Bay City, St. Maria Goretti-Bay City, St. Mary of the Assumption-Bay City, St. Vincent de Paul-Bay City, Holy Trinity-Bay City, St. Hedwig-Bay City
The cohort suggested, and the diocesan planning commission agreed, three mergers. Our Lady of the Visitation and St. Mary would merge by July 2013, with St. Mary as the worship site; St. Hedwig and Holy Trinity would merge by July 2013, with Holy Trinity as the worship site; and St. Maria Goretti and St. Vincent DePaul would merge, with St. Vincent as the worship site. The choice of worship sites is dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal.
In addition, the remaining three parishes would become partners by July 2014.
PARISHES: Our Lady of Guadalupe-Bay City, St. Boniface-Bay City, St. Hyacinth-Bay City, St. James-Bay City, St. Joseph-Bay City, St. John the Evangelist-Essexville, St. Stanislaus Kostka-Bay City
The cohort made two recommendations and the diocesan planning commission approved the second. It calls for a merger of St. John and St. Boniface by July 2013, with St. John as the worship site; a merger of St. James, St. Joseph and Our Lady of Guadalupe by July 2013, with St. James as the worship site; and a merger of St. Stanislaus and St. Hyacinth by July 2013, with St. Stanislaus as the worship site. The choice of worship sites is dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal.
In addition, the remaining three parishes would become partners by July 2014.
They also were asked to explore the feasibility of consolidating the two elementary schools on the eastside of Bay City, to consider establishing one catechetical center for the cohort, to use the resources of the three remaining parishes to create higher quality pastoral care and outreach; and to increase financial efficiency by reducing the cost of staff and cost and maintenance of the buildings.
PARISHES: Holy Spirit-Shields, St. Agnes-Freeland, St. John Vianney-Saginaw, St. John the Baptist-Carrollton, St. Josaphat-Carrollton, St. Matthew-Zilwaukee
The diocesan planning commission recommended a linking of St. John Vianney and St. Agnes by July 2013, with a retired priest to ensure at least two Masses every weekend in each parish. It recommended a merger of St. John the Baptist, St. Josaphat and St Matthew by July 2013, with St. Josaphat as the worship site, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal.
In addition, Holy Spirit and the remaining parishes would form a partnership by July 2014.
PARISHES: St. Valentine-Beaver, St. Anthony/St. Joseph-Auburn/Fisherville, Sacred Heart-Kawkawlin, St. Anne-Linwood
The cohort recommended, and the diocesan planning commission agreed, to merge St. Valentine and St. Anne by July 2013, with St. Anne as the worship site; and to merge Sacred Heart and St. Anthony/St. Joseph by July 2013, with St. Anthony as the worship site. St. Joseph would be kept as a second worship site, with the use, financial viability and building condition to be evaluated every two years. The choice of worship sites is dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal.
The remaining parishes are to partner by July 2014.
PARISHES: St. Andrew-Saginaw, St. Helen-Saginaw, Ss. Peter and Paul-Saginaw, St. Stephen-Saginaw, St. Thomas Aquinas-Saginaw
The cohort called for a merger between St. Helen and St. Andrew parishes and partnerships between the rest, relying on pastoral administrators. The diocesan planning commission disagreed, calling for a merger of St. Helen, St. Andrew and St. Thomas Aquinas by July 2013, with St. Thomas as the worship site and St. Helen kept as a second worship site with the use, financial viability and building condition to be evaluated every two years; a merger of SS. Peter and Paul and St. Stephen by July 2013, with St. Stephen as the worship site and SS. Peter and Paul kept as a second worship site with the use, financial viability and building condition to be evaluated every two years.
The remaining two parishes are to partner by July 2014.
Among several factors for its decision, the commission cited the October enrollment count, the excessive buildings on the west side of Saginaw, the financial information of each parish which demonstrates the need to reduce the number of parishes and the parishes’ desire for strong programs for religious education at all levels and other programs which can best be supported through four worship sites, with two parishes.
PARISHES: Holy Family-Saginaw, St. Anthony of Padua-Saginaw, SS. Casimir and George-Saginaw, SS. Simon and Jude-Saginaw, St. Joseph-Saginaw, St. Mary Cathedral-Saginaw, St. Christopher-Bridgeport
The cohort recommended linked and partnered parishes, relying as needed upon pastoral administrators. The diocesan planning commission disagreed, calling for a merger of St. Mary Cathedral and Holy Family by July 2013, with St. Mary Cathedral as the worship site; a merger of St. Joseph and St. Anthony by July 2013, with St. Joseph as the worship site; and a merger of St. Christopher, SS. Casimir and George and SS. Simon and Jude by July 2013, with St. Christopher as the worship site.
The remaining parishes are to partner by July 2014.
PARISHES: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary-Midland, Blessed Sacrament-Midland, St. Brigid of Kildare-Midland, St. Agnes-Sanford, St. Anne-Edenville, St. Philip Neri-Coleman
The cohort recommended partnerships among the parishes, but the diocesan planning commission disagreed. It called for partnerships among the three Midland parishes and a merger of the other three parishes by July 2013, with St. Agnes as the worship site, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal. St. Anne will be kept as a second worship site, with the use, financial viability and building condition to be evaluated every two years.
Among the reasons cited for the merger were decreased Mass attendance at St. Philip Neri and St. Anne, the close geographic proximity of the Midland and Sanford parishes, the existing ministerial sharing at St. Anne and St. Philip Neri and the fact that St. Agnes was asked by both Bishop Kenneth E. Untener and Bishop Robert J. Carlson to expand the church capacity for the explicit purpose of the future cluster with St. Anne of Edenville and/or St. Philip of Coleman. The new merged parish is to partner with the Midland parishes by July 2014.
In addition, the parishes were charged with forming a single school at two sites supported by the cohort and promote St. Brigid/Blessed Sacrament school within the Midland Area Catholic Community parishes.
PARISHES: Sacred Heart-Mount Pleasant, St. Mary University Parish-Mount Pleasant, St. Joseph the Worker-Beal City, St. Leo the Great-Winn, St. Vincent de Paul-Shepherd, St. Patrick-Irishtown
The cohort recommended partnerships and a solidum team for the group, but the diocesan planning commission disagreed, recommending a merger of St. Leo, St. Vincent de Paul and St. Patrick by July 2013, with St. Vincent de Paul as the worship site, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal; and a team of two priests to serve the Mount Pleasant parishes and St. Joseph the Worker. In addition, the parishes are to form a partnership by July 2014.
PARISHES: St. Cecilia-Clare, St. Henry-Rosebush/St. Charles-Leaton, St. Athanasius-Harrison, Sacred Heart-Gladwin
The cohort recommended linking, but the diocesan planning commission disagreed, calling for a merger of St. Cecilia and St. Henry/St. Charles by July 2013, with St. Cecilia as the worship site, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal. St. Henry will be kept as a second worship site, with the use, financial viability and building condition to be evaluated every two years. St. Athanasius and Sacred Heart are to be linked and all of the parishes are to become partners by July 2014.
PARISHES: Immaculate Conception-St. Charles, St. Mary-Albee, St. Michael-Maple Grove, Our Lady of Perpetual Help-Chesaning, St. Michael-Oakley, St. Cyril-Bannister
The cohort recommended linking the parishes but the diocesan planning commission disagreed, calling for a merger by July 2013 of St. Michael-Maple Grove, Immaculate Conception and St. Mary, with St. Michael as the worship site, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal.
Immaculate Conception will be kept as a second worship site, with the use, financial viability and building condition to be evaluated every two years. Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Michael-Oakley and St. Cyril also will merge by July 2013, with Our Lady of Perpetual Help as the worship site, dependant on a study of the structure and a long-term maintenance appraisal.. St. Cyril will be kept as a second worship site, with the use, financial viability and building condition to be evaluated every two years.
In addition, the remaining parishes are to partner by July 2014.
PARISHES: St. Paul the Apostle-Ithaca, St. Mary-Alma, St. Martin de Porres-Perrinton, Mount St. Joseph-St. Louis
The cohort recommended partnership and in solidum teams for the parishes, but the diocesan planning commission disagreed, calling for a merger, by July 2013, of St. Martin de Porres and St. Paul, with St. Paul as the worship site and a merger of St. Mary and Mount St. Joseph by July 2013, with St. Mary as the worship site. Mount St. Joseph would be kept as a second worship site, with the use, financial viability and building condition to be evaluated every two years.
In addition, the remaining parishes are to partner by July 2014.