Though dioceses across the country are consolidating and/or closing churches, every process has been somewhat unique. To find out what is universal and what is particular to the Diocese of St. Cloud, we sat down with Father Matthew Crane, diocesan Vicar for Canonical Affairs.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: We’ve been hearing a lot about the planning process, especially the Committee for the Affirmation of Plans, the CAP. Where is the CAP in Canon Law?
Father Crane: It’s not! Well, it’s not specifically. Canon 50 sets up the general principle that whenever someone in Church authority is going to make a big, formal decision, he should consult those who might be affected by that decision, the Code uses the words “iura laedi possint,” meaning those whose “rights might be harmed.” That’s a general rule, though, a general requirement.
Q: So, if the CAP isn’t in Canon Law, why are we doing it?
Father Crane: Strictly speaking, if you want to merge parishes for instance, the particular details of the required consultations are laid out in c. 515 §2. That canon states that, in order to merge parishes, the diocesan bishop has to consult the Presbyteral Council (that’s a group of priests, all of whom work or at least live in the diocese). They are elected by their peers or chosen by the bishop, and they give him advice on certain big governance decisions, according to the requirements of Church Law.
But that’s it. The bishop has to consult the Presbyteral Council, and then he can merge two or more parishes. Viewing that and recognizing the complexity of the Diocese of St. Cloud, 131 parishes of all different sizes and demographics, with their unique cultures and apostolates; nursing homes, schools – he wanted a broader consultation than just the priests. So, the whole thing – from ACCs to ACC Planning Councils to the CAP – isn’t in the Code. It comes from the mind and heart of Bishop Neary and those who support and assist him working in the Diocese of St. Cloud.
Q: When a plan has been affirmed by the CAP, what happens then?
Father Crane: Well, then it does go to the Presbyteral Council, but the Council has to look at it in smaller pieces, based on the requirements of Canon Law. So, they need to be consulted about each merger, each relegation of a church to secular use, each sale of church property over certain dollar amounts. Their opinion is noted and recorded with a formal vote on each question.
Then, we’ve added another step not written in the Code: all the plans are assembled together into one master plan for the whole diocese. Then, Bishop Neary will write and sign decrees, as he is the only one with the authority to decide to merge parishes or set a church aside for something other than sacred worship.
