Dear Parishioners,  

In September 2019, our parish was officially merged as one parish with two worship sites. One of the biggest challenges has been the administration of seven aging buildings. That is why I am writing to you today. 
In August, the Diocesan Office of Buildings and Grounds did an evaluation of the properties at Transfiguration. We have been having problems with the roof for a long time. Over the years, many patchwork jobs were done but their effectiveness has worn out. Other maintenance issues were discovered. The bottom line is that the cost to make Transfiguration Church safe and stable is estimated at $800,000. This would not include new heating and air conditioning systems. In addition, the rectory would need an estimated $500,000 in repairs to be eligible for renting. 

There are currently three churches in a very short walking distance (Transfiguration, St. Stanislaus, and Holy Cross). The Catholic population no longer fills them as it once did. So, we have a problem. The lack of need for three worship sites makes it difficult to justify the cost of the repairs to Transfiguration; a cost we could not cover as a parish but would have to incur as another diocesan debt.   

I presented this situation to the Parish Financial Advisory Board (Kevin Cavanagh, Dennis Gander, Mike LoCascio, and Bill Vallely). Although no one was in favor of the closing of Transfiguration, no one had any alternatives to recommend. The same information was presented at a joint meeting of the Financial Board and the Parish Council (in attendance were the members of the Finance Board and Maria Flaim, Sandra Martinez, Marge Migliaccio, and Nick Sacco. Karin Gully attended as secretary) and the same conclusion was reached. Although it saddened everyone, I was advised to inform the Vicar General of the Diocese, Msgr. Joseph Grimaldi, that we see no option to the closing of Transfiguration Church and the sale of the property.   

He will present those findings to Bishop Brennan for a decision. Nothing is definite yet, but it is very probable that the bishop will agree that there are no prudent options. As decisions are made, I will keep everyone informed.  Please, keep us all in your prayers. 

Sincerely, 
Msgr. Joseph Calise
Pastor, Transfiguration/St. Stan’s