Rezoning asked for new parish

The Albany Diocese has taken another step in a plan to establish a new parish in Malta, to be named the Church of Blessed John XXIII.

In June 2002, The Evangelist reported that the Diocese would open the parish to serve the needs of the steadily growing population in Saratoga County. The neighboring parishes of Corpus Christi in Round Lake, St. Mary's in Ballston Spa and St. Edward's in Clifton Park have experienced growth.

In its latest step toward opening the new parish, the Diocese has asked the Town of Malta to rezone property to include a cemetery, which would open first, and a church large enough to accommodate 1,000 people. The latter is not expected for five to ten years.

The plan also projects the possibility of adding a school or senior housing facility in the distant future.

If accepted by the Town Board, the Diocese's proposal will be sent to the Planning Board for review.

If it comes to fruition, the parish would be the first new one in the Diocese since St. Bonaventure's Church opened in Speigletown (Rensselaer County) in 1970.

John XXIII, pope from 1958-'63, guided the world's Catholics during the time of the Second Vatican Council. He was beatified in 2000.

(1/29/04)