(Two Diocese of Albany) Parishes to hold talks on merger

Albany (NY) Times-Union ^ | November 2, 2004 | DAVID FILKINS

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Pastor of both Columbia County churches says the union would "ensure their continuation"

ALBANY -- Two Columbia County parishes are set to start discussions that are likely to result in their merger, possibly at a new nearby site, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany announced Monday.

The Pastoral Councils at Sacred Heart Church in Philmont and the Church of the Holy Cross in West Taghkanic unanimously agreed in August to explore uniting, the diocese said.

The Church of the Holy Cross worship space is a former Grange hall built in 1927 that was never intended to be a permanent church. The building needs extensive repairs, as do five other buildings on the two parish sites, church officials said.

"We're exploring the proposed merger of bringing two communities together in order to ensure their continuation," said the Rev. Raymond J. Ethier, who is pastor of both churches. "The main driving force is to continue the ministry of Jesus in our area. The best way to do that is by drawing the memberships together."

Ethier said attendance and collections are declining at both churches, and a new complex would cost less than repairing the existing ones. One large community would mean one strong community, he said.

Church officials and members of the two congregations will meet on Nov. 14 at St. Mary's Church in Hudson to see if there is consensus among parishioners about the project.

The new worship center would be built on a site equidistant from both churches, but a specific location has not been established. There is no timetable for the project.

Ethier said that if the parishes do not come to a consensus, they would explore alternatives.

Some parishioners have been hesitant to support the merger because it would mean an end to the buildings they have become accustomed to, but most of the members understand the move is necessary, he said.

"If nothing is done, we could face a closure at some point," said Ethier, who voiced optimism about the meeting's outcome. "We're trying to preserve the future of two communities rather than facing death."

Bishop Howard J. Hubbard has given his support to the project, saying the diocese and the churches involved will remain sensitive to parishioners' concerns.

"The Pastoral Councils and the building committees of these two parishes have initiated a remarkable process that will allow them to fully explore all their options and develop a viable plan to continue their mission," Hubbard said.

David Filkins can be reached at 454-5057 or by e-mail at dfilkins@timesunion.com.