by Ed Wilkinson
A new deanery structure for the diocese has begun with enthusiastic prayer.
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio conducted a vespers service during which he formally installed 22 priests as deans April 28 at St. James Cathedral-Basilica, Downtown Brooklyn.
Deaneries, or groupings of parishes in specific neighborhoods, replace parish clusters for the purpose of planning the work of the Church.
“We recognize that the fundamental thing we are working on is building relationships,” said Bishop DiMarzio. “Truly in being a Church, we must work together for the sake of the Kingdom. We are developing working relationships to better execute good works.”
The bishop explained that he is aware that most people do not want to attend more meetings, but he said that they will provide a necessary structure for organizing and providing pastoral services of the Church.
Bishop DiMarzio said that everyone is interested in passing on the faith to the next genration. So, he challenged the new deans, “If you want to be heroes in the deaneries, figure out what the Church can do for young people.”
He further advised the deans, “Listen to the people, and they will tell you what to do.”
The bishop said that at a deanery planning meeting, he sensed a great deal of enthusiasm for the new structures.
During the vespers, Msgr. Anthony Hernandez, diocesan chancellor, read the decree formally establishing the new system and then called forward by name all the deans into the sanctuary.
They then made an oath of allegiance and profession of faith before the bishop.
The dean will be responsible for calling together parish staff and clergy to work toward greater collaboration and the sharing of resources, but he may also invite lay leaders to gather on a deanery level to share pastoral plans, dialogue about changes in the wider neighborhood and propose plans to increase collaboration.
In addition, the dean is asked to support the priests in the deanery. This includes being attentive to clergy who may be ill or elderly but may also include the spiritual support of all clergy. With the recent parish mergers comes more complex assignments for pastors. Couple this with the decrease in the number of priests in general, and the need for a local dean to support priests in their assignments becomes more apparent and more urgent.
