In these tough economic times, prayers seems to be the only way many are getting through. That might turn tough if you don't have a place to pray anymore.
The Archdiocese of Miami is feeling the pinch of the economy as hard as any business and is contemplating closing some parishes that are not bringing in the dollar signs at the collection plate. On Sunday, each parish had a letter read from the Archdiocese that told of the religious organization's tough economic outlook and its potential plans for the future.
"At the same time, these are trying times for all of us and certainly the parishes of the Archdiocese of Miami are not immune to the economic crisis that everyone in this country is facing," read the letter, signed by Archbishop John. C Favarola. "I will have to make some difficult decisions, including the possibility of merging some parishes."
In short, closing the doors to some churches is all but a done deal.
Around 128 Catholic parishes serve the 800,000 Roman Catholics in the tri-county area, but booming healthcare and employee salaries have outpaced membership and contributions.
On June 19, all parishes will hold a period of adoration for the Archdiocese, but it will take more than a bunch of Hail Marys to get the church back on the financial path to prosperity.
