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Diocese responds to economy: some layoffs necessary; services may be reduced

  The current unprecedented financial crisis in the United States is having an impact on every institution and individual in our country. The Catholic Church is not immune to the downturn in the economy. This downturn has resulted in dramatic declines in the stock market, which has led to significant losses of income from diocesan investments.
The diocese, like our parishes, foresees a possible reduction in contributions during these difficult times.

After careful consultation with those who oversee the finances of the diocese and carefully pursuing every avenue to keep the number of people affected to a minimum, the Diocese of Belleville regretfully announces that, effective March 31, it has had to lay off three full-time and four part-time staff members.

Three other full-time staff people have been reduced to part-time status, and all diocesan employees have taken graduated reductions in compensation.

These changes are determined by financial necessity. They do not, in any way, represent negative evaluations of any member of our dedicated diocesan staff.

In addition to a reduction in staff, the current financial situation may make it impossible for the diocese to continue to provide the same level of pastoral service to the people of God in southern Illinois.
It is likely that some ministries and programs may have to be discontinued, or diminished.

Bishop Braxton, commenting on the difficult decisions that have been made and the impact these decisions will have on individuals and families in our community said, “The current painful recession is taking place during Lent when Catholics traditionally ponder the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This Lent, the words of Christ, “take up your cross and follow me” speaks directly to the suffering of valued members of our Diocesan family on whom our financial constraints are having a direct impact.

I urge all of our people to join me in praying each day for those in our Diocese, in our state, and in our nation whose faith, hope, and love are being tested by this recession. Pray also for our national leaders as they work to reverse the current discouraging economic trends.