February 13, 2009
Bishop Gettelfinger writes of ‘tough times’
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The past several weeks have called me to task as your bishop. In reality, it is a threefold task required of me as bishop. It is represented by the shepherd’s staff I carry.
Regularly I remind candidates for Confirmation that the first of the threefold jobs of the bishop is to lead as a shepherd leads his flock. The second is to defend and the third is to care for the flock entrusted to his care.
As your shepherd I am striving to lead the way as I recognize the financial crises facing many of our families. They may have been caused by job loss or burdensome debt, not to mention the harshness of this winter. Many of our elderly have to forego needed medicines because they need food and shelter first. I have a great concern for all of you in these most stressful times.
In recognition of the existing burdens facing you and all our parish communities, I have taken some painful steps.
There are two major elements driving my decisions:
- Reducing the Catholic Parishes Campaign Diocesan Goal
- Minimizing the diocesan exposure to the volatile fluctuations of the financial markets
Last Friday, February 6, 2009, I personally communicated my decisions to my staff. Those directly affected were personally contacted in advance of any communication to others. Subsequently, I also presented the budget and staff reduction to the Diocesan Pastoral Council last Saturday.
The following actions will be implemented for Fiscal Year 2009-2010 beginning September 1, 2009:
- The implementation of the diocesan budget with a decrease of 1.77 percent in the Catholic Parishes Campaign goal.
- The bishop and all priests will forgo any cost of living increase for the fiscal year 2009-2010.
- All directors and other diocesan staff members will also forgo any cost of living increase for the same period.
- The search for a Director of Schools is deferred for another year.
- The Director of Activities and Facilities for the Catholic Center, Sarto Retreat House, Rabenwood Retreat and Villa Maria is retiring and will not be replaced.
- The Director of Stewardship and Development is retiring and will not be replaced.
- The Catholic Center Print Shop is being closed immediately with the loss of a staff member.
- Work hours are being cut for three other staff members.
- Departmental budgets will be reduced by an additional 10 percent.
- Holiday gatherings for 2009-2010 are eliminated.
I cannot tell you how proud I am of each and every one of our diocesan staff members. It has made my decisions even more painful to implement. I am especially grateful to each member of the staff whose life has been altered by my decisions. Each of them has been most gracious and understanding even in spite of their pain which I share.
The remaining staff members are courageously taking up the challenge to show the way for all parish and school staffers throughout the diocese by taking on additional burdens without additional pay.
Now, I turn to you who are parish and institutional leaders. I ask you to follow my leadership in recognition of the stresses placed on all families and parishes at this time.
And all of you who are parishioners, I urge you to continue your generous support of your respective parishes and a like response to your parish portion of the Catholic Parishes Campaign. These tough times call each of us all to share our best of time, talent and treasure. I am walking with you.
May Mary, the Mother of God, our patroness intercede for us all!
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger