Local Parish Mergers in Archdiocese Initiative, Cardinal Dolan Announces

The Archdiocese of New York released decisions regarding its multi-year pastoral planning initiative, Making All Things New.

That includes mergers in 48 of the 368 parishes in the archdiocese covering 10 counties in the New York City area and a stronger presence in the upper counties of the Archdiocese—which includes Rockland.

• Saint Joan of Arc in Sloatsburg and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Tuxedo Park are in the first group of mergers. Masses and sacraments will continue at Our Lady of Mount Carmel but Saint Joan of Arc will become the designated parish church.
• In Haverstraw, Saint Peter and Saint Mary of the Assumption are in the second group of mergers. Saint Peter will become the parish church. Although remaining a church which may be used for special occasions, masses and the sacraments will no longer be celebrated on a regular weekly basis at Saint Mary of the Assumption.

The pastoral planning process also brought to light numerous new pastoral needs and opportunities which are now either underway or undergoing serious consideration, the diocese said in its announcement.

Responding to the growing number of Catholics in the upper counties, a second auxiliary bishop has been assigned to live and serve there. There are also needs in existing parishes, for example , the need for an expanded church at Saint Mary’s Parish in Washingtonville and a more intense presence in the works of charity and healthcare in the upper counties.

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