Updates regarding "Phase III" and other matters
Beginning Phase III in our Churches
Beginning on June 29, 2020, the State plans to implement “Phase III” pertaining to new restrictions on indoor spaces. Places of worship, which opened at a percent capacity during “Phase II,” may begin increasing capacity to 66%. Our Catholic churches fall into this category. Thus, beginning on Monday, June 29, attendance at Masses and other liturgical ceremonies will be limited to 66% of the church’s stated capacity in the fire code. While this is an important development from the previous 25% capacity limitations, parishioners must still maintain six feet distance at all times (with the exception of families living in the same household). For large churches, this may mean that more parishioners can attend Mass at the same time. Given the six feet regulations, however, this new metric may not substantially affect the current situation faced by smaller churches. All other diocesan regulations, including the use of face masks, hand hygiene, and sanitizing commonly used surfaces remain in place. We continue to work expeditiously with the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Office of the Governor to prepare amenable solutions in the weeks and months ahead.
Changes in Diocesan Central Administration
Due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a substantially reduced operating budget, we made the difficult decision to permanently eliminate a number of positions in diocesan central administration. This was a deeply challenging process, but necessary in light of our shared responsibility to maintain fiscal sustainability for our local Church. Undoubtedly, thousands of small businesses and large corporations throughout the country have made similar decisions. As painful as this process was—and will continue to be for many in our community—we are confident these decisions will help alleviate the economic difficulties which have surfaced over the past few months.
Ten positions were permanently eliminated:
(1) MIS Director (Peg Ryan)
(2) Public Affairs Manager (Karen Davis)
(3) Production Manager (Sue McCarthy)
(4) Youth Ministry Parish Outreach (Terry Viccione)
(5) Family Life Director (Carol Owens)
(6) Faith Formation Secretary (Paul Merola)
(7) Receptionist (Jan Vargas)
(8) Receptionist (Jackie Osorio)
(9) Northern RI Office Coordinator (Rosanna Lenus)
(10) Kent County Office Coordinator (Darlene Lemoi)Other employees have decided to retire, including Richard Lafond (RI Catholic Advertising/Sales), Peter Magnotta (Social Worker/Counselor), Phil Ricci (Youth Center Administrator), Christine Daneault (Parish Administrator). Two employees are now part-time: Sue Folcarelli (part-time Facilities Secretary) and Marie Zagorsky (part-time RI Catholic Bookkeeper). Kate Hancock, who formerly worked in Human Resource, is now employed at St. Antoine/St Clare nursing facilities.
We thank all of our employees for their dedication and professionalism over many years of shared service in the Diocese of Providence. In particular, we would like to recognize John Barry, Secretary for Catholic Charities and Social Ministry, who will retire on June 30, 2020. John has served the Diocese of Providence faithfully over a 48-year career. His care for the poor and vulnerable has inspired many. He has been a faithful witness to evangelical charity. We are grateful that John will continue to serve temporarily as a consultant to the Secretariat of Catholic Charities and Social Ministry.
Microfilming Project
Over the past several years, the Diocese of Providence began an extensive microfilming project in order to preserve vital sacramental records from parish registers. If you have not been contacted previously, someone from our office will call you soon in order to retrieve sacramental registers from your parish to scan at the chancery. Thank you for assisting in this important endeavor.