CV NEWS FEED // Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan announced drastic cuts across the Archdiocese of New York, part of a broad restructuring aimed at streamlining pastoral offices, cutting costs, and enhancing local ministry effectiveness.
In a November 8 news release, Cardinal Dolan shared that the restructuring plan was developed after months of evaluation, and after a thorough review led by the Vicar General. The plan includes merging offices, reducing administrative staff, and transitioning many programs to a parish-focused model.
These changes are intended to better support the Archdiocese’s nearly 300 parishes while addressing financial pressures and preparing for the move to new offices in 2025.
“This restructuring has, unfortunately, resulted in regrettable lay-offs,” Cardinal Dolan stated in the news release, referring to reductions at the Cardinal Cooke Building and other locations.
“Such decisions are never easy,” he said, “but the current financial crunch the archdiocese faces, and the upcoming move to our new offices in 2025, make this the appropriate time to make some tough decisions.”
Cardinal Dolan added, “I am grateful for the service of all those whose positions are being eliminated.”
In addition to immediate cuts, the Archdiocese will implement a policy of reviewing responsibilities when staff depart voluntarily, assessing if duties can be absorbed without rehiring.
To support the transition to operation on a more local level, the Archdiocese will also appoint priest chaplains for its diverse ethnic communities, including African, Asian, Hispanic, and Latino groups. These chaplains will be responsible for organizing special Masses, celebrations, and meeting the unique pastoral needs of each community.
This aligns with Pope Francis’ vision of the need for the Church to operate in a more “bottom-up” rather than “top-down” manner, according to Cardinal Dolan.
The Cardinal also announced a new grant program that will redirect some of the funds saved by these changes back to parishes, enabling them to apply for funding for local ministries.
”While the precise details are still being worked out,” he stated, “it is my hope that this, too, will help us better respond to local needs and initiatives as they arise, and that this will be a more effective and efficient use of our resources.”
Cardinal Dolan expressed his gratitude for the dedication of the Archdiocese’s community and assured them of his prayers as Thanksgiving approaches.
