In the Early Church, as related by the account found in the Acts of the Apostles, many were converted by the concern which the faithful had for each other. "The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need" (Acts 4: 32, 34-35).
The end of the fiscal year finds the parishes and institutions of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, as well as the Administrative Offices of the Archdiocese, evaluating the financial resources and expenses of the past year, as well as their visions and plans for the coming fiscal year. Financial responsibility is a significant aspect in pastoral administration. In these fiscally challenging times, the Church is particularly conscious of and prudent in exercising fiscal responsibility.
In Pastores Gregis, the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on The Bishop, Servant of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the Hope of the World, Pope John Paul II emphasized the importance of the relationship of the Bishop to the parishes of his diocese. Our late beloved Holy Father wrote: "If a spirituality of communion is lived out in the diocese, special concern will certainly be shown for poorer parishes and communities, and every possible effort will be made to set aside a part of the diocese's financial resources for the needier churches, especially those in mission lands and areas affected by migration" (no. 45).
Inter-Parochial Cooperation Commission
In the early 1970s, as the Archdiocese of Philadelphia began to experience a significant demographic shift in the Catholic population in portions of the city, a number of parishes began to undergo financial hardship. Numerous parishes were forced to deal with large, deteriorating buildings and were unable to meet expenses due to dwindling collections and escalating bills. My predecessor Cardinal Krol, out of great concern for parishes in the inner city, established the Inter-Parochial Cooperation Commission (IPCC) as a means for coordinated assistance to struggling parishes.
The IPCC consists of twelve pastors who represent the six vicariates of the Archdiocese. Under the Chairman, Reverend Monsignor Herbert A. Bevard, Pastor of Saint Athanasius Parish in Philadelphia, the Commission works closely with the Vicar for Administration and the Secretariat for Temporal Services in evaluating the financial needs of struggling parishes. The IPCC meets several times each year. During these meetings, the members conduct a careful review of the parishes' budgets, and consider each parish's situation, and offer recommendations and guidance for each parish to adhere to those budgets. Furthermore, through the agency of the Commission, the Archdiocese provides a subsidy to those parishes which are severely affected by financial burdens. The preservation of our rich past and the investment in a hope-filled future guide the Archdiocese in aiding our struggling parishes.
Each year, the Archdiocese budgets approximately $4.5 million in ordinary and extraordinary subsidy to struggling parishes. Currently, there are 33 parishes and 2 mission outreach centers which receive assistance from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The funding for this assistance is derived from the annual parish assessments, as well as some funds raised through Catholic Life 2000, the fund which was initiated by my predecessor Cardinal Bevilacqua. In recent years, the requests for subsidy have been greater than the budget allowed. Last year alone, the requests exceeded $6 million. While the Archdiocese strives to meet the needs of struggling parishes, it does so in the face of diminishing resources. For this reason, pastoral planning among these parishes remains a great priority.
Through the years, the work of the IPCC has developed and borne much fruit. Through the coordination of Monsignor Bevard, members of the Commission are partnered with parishes which receive a subsidy. The IPCC members visit these parishes and meet with the pastors in order to assist in evaluating the parishes' financial picture. The Commission members offer advice based on IPCC guidelines as well as on a fraternal bond and the solicitude, not only of the Commission, but also of the Archdiocese. Through these efforts, particularly by the knowledge of fraternal support and through stewardship and development initiatives, several pastors have been able to improve the financial situation in their parishes.
I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Monsignor Bevard and to the members of the Commission for their dedicated service. By their efforts, they closely collaborate with me in expressing my concern for all of the parishes, but especially my solicitude for our parishes which are in need. I also thank the pastors of these parishes for their faithful service in circumstances which can be very difficult. Through the collaborative efforts of our dedicated pastors, the Commission, and the generous support of all the faithful, the mission of the Church continues in neighborhoods and communities often afflicted by poverty, plight and violence. The Church brings hope and shines the face of Jesus upon all who find refuge and strength in our parishes.
Solidarity among Parishes
From the very beginning of the Church, there was established in the mind-set of the Church concern for the poor, proper stewardship of resources, and solidarity with those who are in need. Saint Paul brought this matter to the attention of the faithful in Corinth: "I say this not by way of command, but to test the genuineness of your love by your concern for others. For if eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have; not that others should have relief while you are burdened, but that as a matter of equality your surplus at the present time should supply their needs, so that their surplus may also supply your needs, that there may be equality (2 Cor 8: 8, 12-14).
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is blessed with a rich history made up of the individual successes of our parishes. Through the years, our parishes have accomplished great things in caring for the spiritual needs of thousands and thousands of people. Our Philadelphia Catholics are rightly proud of their parishes and are quick to identify themselves with the particular parish where they live or where they were raised. Our Catholic people also are avidly faithful in their grateful support of their parishes. It is through this support that parishes assist each other. It is through this support as well that a prevailing spirit of solidarity exists among all parishes — a solidarity celebrated in communion and in charity. For this generous spirit among the faithful, I am most grateful.
