Slowly, the mass schedules are being altered. The number of masses are less and less so as not to overly tax the parish priest.
We are facing a drastic decline in the number of Chicago's priests — the archdiocese projects going from 766 at the beginning of 2015 to 240 in 2030 — which makes parish and school closures or mergers, or even a total re-imagining of local structures, almost inevitable.
How will this shortage affect life in our neighborhood? We currently have seven parishes. Will each of them still be open? Will Sunday mass still be available? Who will officiate at weddings and funerals? What will happen to the churches and schools if they are closed?
Out here in Beverly, 80% of the parishioners dont attend mass except on Christmas and Easter. That's why they call the "Chreasters". That's why you can get a seat in church on Easter or Christmas since the holiday schedule reflects the Sunday schedule.
ReplyDeleteSure they won't miss it then.
DeleteIf I were a bettor I would say, Christ the King, St. Walters, and St J. Fisher will be closed in 10 - 15 years.
ReplyDeleteCK and Walters for sure. It all depends on demographics.
DeleteA temporary problem this is.
ReplyDeleteThere's still a strong financial base in Christ the King that would delay a closing. St. Walters...not so sure.
ReplyDeleteMONEY WILL NOT CURE THIS PROBLEM
DeleteWishful thinking
DeleteCK should be a Middle School and St. Barnabus k-5. Travel not an issue anymore because most of the kids driven to school these days. CK should build a senior housing complex on the playground and restricted to
ReplyDeleteVicariate parishoners. Rental income profits distributed fairly. Also, all the parishes should write letters and fight for a middle and lower income tax credits for parochial/private school families.The key to the 19th ward's survival is in the private schools. We are the only ward that has several elementary, 3 Catholic High Schools and a Catholic University. St. Xavier's needs to reflect it's Mercy order,Catholic identity in a more robust manner. Last time I was there It seemed like public university.
Last time I was there, Xav's had hired a non-catholic dean. So of course that is going to filter down and non-catholic values will eventually be pushed. I think they call it academic freedom.
DeleteNot sure I agree with CK or St John Fisher. Fisher is one of the largest schools and parishes in the entire Archdiocese. CK is also one of the wealthier.
ReplyDelete