On Thursday, April 27^th, the Parish Pastoral Council and the Parish Finance Committee met with Archbishop Marcel Gervais, and Msgr. Kevin Beech (the new Vicar General replacing Msgr. Pat Powers), who delivered two messages from the Archdiocese,

The Archbishop knows that St. Brigid’s is a vibrant living parish community, that it is difficult to raise money (notwithstanding that the operations of St. Brigid’s is doing well, and operated in the black this past year), BUT "there is NO way that the community can raise millions of dollars, for a restoration." Even if the money was raised, the Archbishop "could not in all conscience approve an expenditure on a crumbling building, with a roof that needs replacement."

"The demographics of the area also have changed and this affects everyone. In the early days it was "chock full of Catholics", but everything has changed. People walked to church. The general level of religious practice has changed. New buildings – External Affairs and the National Gallery have gone up. Even the Basilica has changed; it is no longer a French parish, but a bilingual one. There are not many English Catholics in this area."

"Therefore, I HAVE MADE DECISIONS ABOUT THE PARISHIONERS AND THE BUILDING."

"I have consulted with the Priest Council on about 25-30 people, who support this decision. St. Brigid’s Parish will be amalgamated with the Basilica, under the guidance of Msgr. Powers. Father Pedro Arana will be assigned to another parish (to be announced later) and will in any event be gone from the parish by September. There is no use for this church and, as it cannot be left unused, it will continue to function under the pastoral care of Msgr. Len Lunney, who will be assigned under Msgr. Powers. The building will be put up for sale."

Msgr. Kevin Beech then spoke and explained it was not easy for anyone to make this decision. He has a personal history with this parish, and the Shepherds of Good Hope. He then went into the details, most of which have not been worked out.

He stated that it was the Archdiocese desire that the parishioners would hopefully find a home in the pastoral care of the Basilica. Many of the Filipino community, perhaps all of them, might choose to follow Father Arana, which of course would be up to them but, if they wished, they would be welcome at the Basilica.

There will be two committees formed, the first a transition team to make the move as easy as possible, made up of members of the St. Brigid’s community, and the second team to advise on the disposal of the building. Msgr. Lunney will provide particular pastoral care to St. Brigid’s. Details have not been worked out, the Sunday Eucharist will continue, as will the daily Mass until further notice. Requests for Marriages, certificates, baptisms, and funerals will be handled by the Secretariat at the Basilica on a one-to-one basis.

Regarding the future of the building, as it has a heritage status and is of significant heritage identification, it cannot be sold, except for an appropriate use, to an appropriate owner. An advisory committee will be formed of 4-6 members who will actively pursue this sale. Members from the existing group at St. Brigid’s will be welcome to serve on this committee.

Discussion

Filipinos asked about the assignment of Father Arana, which was not finalized, and could not be discussed. With regard to Masses, the question of language was raised, it they went to the Basilica (Filipino as well as Spanish). Filipino parishioners at St. Brigid’s come from all over the city and are not identified as a homogeneous group. How will that be handled? They are extremely happy in St. Brigid’s Parish and wish to remain as an ecumenical group with the Irish/English community. Father has been at this church for 12 years and his term is up.

Archbishop Gervais and Msgr Beech were made aware that the Ontario Heritage Trust has an authority interest in the use and possible disposal of St. Brigid’s Church. They have an easement which entitles them to 50% of the ownership. They also are investing in the new roof and in a discussion last Thursday, they suggested that they will continue to provide funding for their properties where possible.

They were also made aware that St. Brigid’s is a family-oriented church, vibrant with activity each and every week, and itw as not appropriate to destroy one parish community to support another in difficulty. This is not the first time such a decision has been made without input or support from the St. Brigid’s community and unfortunately, this will be the subject of much discussion and public action.

A letter will be issued next Sunday from the Archbishop on this edict. However, any questions or clarification (or opposition) can be raised with the Archbishop prior o that issuance.

A meeting will be held on May 2^nd at 7:00 pm in the church hall to discuss these actions. Please plan to attend. If you are unavailable, please make your concerns known to Marilyn Donoghue, Parish Pastoral Council Chair or to Father Arana.

It is the intention of parishioners to challenge this edict. We have placed too much effort in bringing this church forward to its current status. Much money has been given following the communication we had last June, authorizing us to proceed with the restoration. St. Brigid’s future was assured. No apology was provided for this change. We intend to pursue our religious right.

Marilyn Donoghue,

Parish Pastoral Council Chair