May 20, 2020

Beloved Parishioners,

It has been in the air recently that a Merger may be coming to the Cranberry Catholic Collaborative Parishes. 

Meetings, discussions, consultations about this are ongoing with Staff, CPC/Finance Council, Parishioners, etc to discuss this phenomenon of a Merger and all the possibilities that may come with it. 

The ideas/suggestions/contributions of parishioners will be immensely valuable in this process of conversation as we chart the way forward “in order to survive.”

We have three steps to climb in the discussions/consultations:

Step 1: the “Why” of the Merger.

Step 2: the “How” of the Merger.

Step 3: the “WHEN” of the Merger

WHY?

Three major reasons are advanced: 

• Declining finances
• Priests shortage
• Big Staff and maintenance of Facilities in multiple locations.

We shall explain in subsequent statements, with fact and figures/numbers, how each of these is a real issue. The common underlying motive or philosophy is “Survival”, “in order to survive.”

A dedicated Feedback Gmail account has been created for all Parishioners. To give Parishioners opportunity to be part of the process and to throw their thoughts into the discussions/consultation, we have created a dedicated Gmail Account: CCCFuture@cranberrycatholicevangelization.org

We also have created on the CCC website (CranberryCatholic.org) a “COMMENT PAGE” where parishioners can send in comments. We also created a “MERGER UPDATE PAGE”  [this page] from where the Administrator will disseminate Merger updates. These are available to all so we can receive submissions/feedback from parishioners, especially those who may not have been captured in the group discussions. The aim is to receive them and make them part of the discussions.

After discussions/consultations, the Administrator will be expected to make a recommendation to the Cardinal. It will be left completely to the Cardinal to take a decision. 

CURRENT MERGERS:

Salem Parishes have already merged; Lynn parishes have  already voted to merge; Lynnfield parishes have voted to merge; Dorchester-Mattapan voted to merge; Neponset parishes also have voted to merge. Billerica, Newton, and others are discussing as we are doing. 

Be assured we are not in any hurry about this, and that a thorough discussion will be done before the next steps. 

I encourage all to put the issue out there, discuss it among yourselves, get us feedback, send your ideas through the dedicated Gmail account and the Comment column on the CCC website.

Peace & Bles+sings!

Fr. JT.

Administrator