Archdiocese of New York | Financial Services Report
Dear friends in the Lord,
I feel very fortunate that we in the Archdiocese of New York have been able to resume many of our cherished pre-pandemic celebrations, rites and activities during the past year. We all know people directly affected by COVID-19 and we are still observing many of the practices we implemented to keep our people safe during the crisis. Nonetheless, I think we have largely made it through the darkest days and can breathe a cautious sigh of relief[…] – Faithfully in Christ, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan Archbishop of New York
Click below to download the full letter and report
Archdiocese Office of Risk Management | Parish Safety and Security Plan
Prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Archdiocese Office of Risk Management & Insurance organized parish safety trainings and distributed a copy of the Parish Safety and Security Guide to all parishes. (If you need a copy, please contact Lauren Krauss at Lauren.Krauss@archny.org). This guide was created to assist parishes and schools with the formation of a safety committee and development of a complete safety plan.
The expectation is that every parish is working on the framework laid out in the Parish Safety and Security Guide to create a safety committee, perform a security assessment, create a safety plan, and train staff on safety protocols.
Archdiocese For The Military Services | Summer 2022 Issue
ICS | Updates
We are committed to getting you all of the resources you need at the best possible prices. Like everyone else, we are feeling the pinch from supply chain issues and inflation. Each week, I hear from our reliable longtime vendors about price increases imposed by their suppliers. These challenges are compounded by rising freight costs related to fuel prices and driver shortages. To make sure we save you money and can deliver the items you need, we have shortened the ordering windows on the Ordo, the Daily Mass Record and the Liturgical Desk Calendar. This will allow ICS to place an early order, consolidate shipping, ensure you a good discount and timely delivery, and avoid disappointments related to industry-wide paper shortages.
Real Estate Office | Parish Property Survey
Pastors, please remember to fill out the Parish Property Survey.
Over the years, our pastors and administrators have assisted the archdiocese with various initiatives and policy reviews by providing details about the usage of parish buildings. With the arrival of Paula Roy Carethers as the new director of the real estate division last September, now is a good time for us to update our property usage records. I am seeking your help to gather this information.
Tracking this carefully is imperative to the archdiocesan-wide planning process. There is also a constant need to have the most accurate information so we can more effectively handle issues that may arise and offer specific counsel when needed.
The questionnaire may be completed via this link: Parish Property Questionnaire. If there are questions, or if you need assistance, call Courtney McMahon at 646-794-2925.
We are requesting to have the completed questionnaire returned to us as soon as possible.
Respect Life Office | Updates
Respect Life Curriculum
Education on the sanctity of human life is of critical importance. Consider implementing the Respect Life Week curriculum in your parish school and/or CCD program. The curriculum is available for free online with lesson plans on a wide-range of life issues including abortion, assisted suicide, immigration, and marriage. The material is presented at an age-appropriate level for all grades (PK-12). You can access the curriculum on the Respect Life Office website.
Walking with Moms in Need
Walking with Moms in Need is a national initiative to better integrate the Church’s ministry to pregnant and parenting mothers in difficult circumstances with our parish communities. If you are interested in bringing Walking with Moms in Need to your parish, please contact Sr. Virginia Joy S.V. (sr.virginia.joy@archny.org) at the Respect Life Office or visit the website bit.ly/walkingwithmoms . A presentation on how to incorporate the initiative into your parish can be arranged for leaders in the parish.
Step into Hope Posters
Help get the word out about resources for women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy or adverse prenatal diagnosis, suffering after abortion, or suffering from infertility.
Every parish should have the “Step into Hope” poster posted on the parish bulletin board which includes resources and contacts in the Archdiocese of New York to assist those who find themselves in these difficult situations. Access the posters here: English Poster Spanish Poster
If your parish does not have a Step into Hope poster, or if you would like additional palm cards with the same information to keep in a public place or to give out to parishioners in meetings or the confessional, please contact the Respect Life Office at 646-476-0931 or sr.mary.margaret.hope@archny.org We would be happy to send materials to your parish.
Into Life Series
For those parishes who have been inspired to get more involved, an excellent resource is the brand new video series/12-week study program produced by the Sisters of Life and the McGrath Institute for Church Life called INTO LIFE.
INTO LIFE: Love Changes Everything
Journey with the Sisters of Life as they explain what it means to walk with a woman who is pregnant and vulnerable. Learn how to listen and understand the heart of another, how to rejoice in the beauty of the individual person in an encounter of hope, and how to truly accompany someone into God’s life and freedom.
The INTO LIFE program consists of 12 videos, personal reflection questions, and group discussion questions, along with both facilitator and participant guides. Although the program is designed to be completed in small in-person groups over the course of 12 weeks, it can be adapted to a wide variety of formats, including personal use at your own pace.
Access these FREE resources at https://intolifeseries.com/
Vicar General | August Updates
Curia Reports
Desfile Mariano de New York
Kindly run this announcement in your upcoming parish bulletin as soon as it is convenient. It has become necessary for us to inform the people of our parishes about these misleading organizations.
Lay Trustee Form and Minutes
Every year in June, we ask your help with the annual election of two lay trustees to serve your church. This is necessary to ensure that every parish corporation in the archdiocese is in compliance with the New York State Religious Corporation Law which offers many benefits.
The by-laws direct that the following requirements are fulfilled:
- The elected trustee should be both a lay person and a parishioner;
- The appointment is for one year;
- Trustees should not serve more than three consecutive years;
- The pastor nominates the trustee;
- The cardinal-archbishop and vicar general appoint the nominees.
We are asking every pastor to take the next two months to complete the 2022 Lay Trustee Nomination Form. I will be grateful to receive all of these by Friday, July 29. You may return to Dorothy via email at dorothy.francke@archny.org or via USPS mail:
Dorothy Francke | Lay Trustee Nominations
1011 First Avenue, Suite 1950
New York, New York 10022
Vicar for Clergy | Survey of the Permanent Diaconate
Bishop Ed Whalen, in his role as vicar for clergy, is writing to all the priests and permanent deacons asking for a thorough review of the diaconate program of formation and ministry. Included are guidelines which will be helpful for feedback.
Youth Faith Formation Office | Updates
Important Dates
- September 18, 2022 – Catechetical Sunday
- October 15, 2022 – Forum for Catechesis and Youth Ministry, Bronx
- October 22, 2022 – Forum for Catechesis and Youth Ministry, W. Nyack
- November 20, 2022 – Global Celebration of Young People
- March 3, 2023 – Ministerial Formation Day (formerly Professional Day) for full-time staff
- March 4, 2023 – Ministerial Formation Day for part-time/volunteer staff
- April 22, 2023 – NY Catholic Youth Day
- April 23, 2023 – Middle School Youth Rally
Ready to Build or Enhance Your Parish Religious Education or Youth Ministry?
Joe Long and Christina Davis our new Directors of Children’s Faith Formation and Youth Ministry are available to provide support and consultation to parishes wanting to start or enhance ministry to the young Church at your parish.
For early childhood to 5th grade, contact Joe Long at joe.long@archny.org or 646-794-2849
For grades 6th to 12th and Confirmation preparation, contact Christina Davis atchristina.davis@archny.orgor 646-794-2853.
Formation for Catechists and Youth Ministry Team Members
The age-old adage, “you can’t give what you don’t have” also applies those who minister with our children and youth. The Archdiocese provides free catechist and youth ministry team member formation throughout the year! We have courses online and in person, both English and Spanish. Pastors, D/CREs, and Youth Ministry Coordinators – please continue to encourage your team to take advantage of these great opportunities. If you have any questions regarding formation or assessing the formation needs of your team, please reach out to Bertha Peralta-Rodriguez, Director of Ministry Formation (Bertha.Rodriguez@archny.org / 646-794-2855).