Merger comes closer for two parishes

The parishioners of Sacred Heart Church in Philmont and the Church of the Holy Cross in West Taghkanic have reached a general consensus to proceed with what would likely be the canonical merger of the two parishes, said Rev. Raymond J. Ethier, pastor of both parishes.

The pastoral councils of the two churches agreed in August to explore such a plan. On Nov. 14, "a majority of the active parishioners from the two churches attended a joint meeting at St. Mary's Academy in Hudson where, after prayerful consideration, they reached the merger consensus," Father Ethier said.

Deacon Warren Dorsch, who serves both parishes, said, "I am excited that parishioners have reached a consensus to come together as a community of faith to address the problems confronting our two parishes. Most have decided to look beyond their own needs in favor of preserving the entire Catholic community in southeastern Columbia County. They are real heroes."

As a result of the recent meeting, Father Ethier will formally ask Bishop Howard J. Hubbard to approve the merger. If he does, Father Ethier said that the two parishes, which lie roughly ten miles apart, would likely merge into a single worship community, possibly at a new complex to be built in the area.

Father Ethier stressed that the Church is not the buildings, but the parishioners who comprise the community of faith. The pastoral planning process attempts to consider all concerns while ensuring that the overall mission of the Church is maintained, he explainedport the merger, he added, with the most important one to ensure that the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ is fulfilled in southern Columbia County.

Selling the church buildings, finding an interim worship site and creating a single, energy-efficient house of worship that would result in a reduction in operating costs will be left to a strategic planning committee comprised of parishioners from Sacred Heart and Holy Cross.

(11/25/04)