Congregations sort out details

In Colonie, St. Francis de Sales and Our Lady of Mercy are merging into one parish and will on one worship site, though they are likely to use both sets of facilities for other purposes. As in Rensselaer, the parish held a town meeting and then one for parish leaders to sort things out.

“It would have been easier, but more painful, if the Bishop had decided,” said Rev. David E. Noone, pastor. “This [process] has taken more time, but we’ll have ownership.” They will submit a final plan by the end of the year to Bishop Howard J. Hubbard.

In other places, the choices may be less dramatic but are also difficult. Most are settled through discussions among lay people and parish leaders. Next year, Immaculate Conception in Schenectady will close and merge with Our Lady of the Assumption in Rotterdam. A transition committee is steering talks on various decisions, including new parish name, said Rev. Joseph Cebula.[[In-content Ad]]