Download Questions and Answers: Church Relegation and Sale

Questions and Answers: Church Relegation and Sale of Parish Property
As Father McDermott communicated last weekend, St. John Fisher has requested that
Archbishop Charles Chaput relegate Holy Saviour Church. As outlined over the past 8 weeks in
the bulletin, this decision was reached collectively by the parish’s Finance and Pastoral councils
after much evaluation, consideration and prayer. If the relegation of Holy Saviour Church is
approved, we plan to sell the Holy Saviour property. While it is sad for us to part with Holy
Saviour Church and its buildings, it is necessary for the long-term survival of our parish. We are
providing this Q&A document to assist you in understanding the relegation process.
Q: What does it mean to “relegate” a church?
A:” The “relegation” of a Catholic church is also sometimes referred to as “deconsecration.”
Guided by Canon Law (Canon 1222), our parish has officially requested the “Relegation of the
Church to Profane but not Sordid Use.” Once a church is relegated to “profane use” (i.e., being
used for non-sacred or secular purposes), it will no longer be used for Catholic liturgical
worship.
The relegation enables the Archdiocese to give us permission to sell Holy Saviour Church for
"appropriate and dignified" – but not "sordid” – use. “Sordid use” is defined as something
immoral or offensive to Catholics. Relegation to profane use takes place only after the
Archbishop issues a formal decree removing the church's dedication or consecration. The
subsequent removal of relics, altar and other items of sacred art is a consequence of this
decree.
Q: Who decides what “sordid” use is?
A: The Archbishop determines if the proposed use of a relegated church is sordid or not. This is
a prudential judgment that can vary according to time and place. But every effort will be made to
ensure that no unseemly activities will be allowed in the future.
Q: Why do we need the Archdiocese’s permission to sell our property?
A: While St. John Fisher is the administrator and beneficiary of all parish property, the formal
ownership is in the person of the Archbishop of Philadelphia. Therefore, the sale of Holy Saviour
Church, school, convent and rectory requires the permission of Archbishop Chaput.
Q: Who receives the proceeds from any sale of our parish property?
A: When the three parishes were merged in July 2013, all money, property, buildings – as well
as any debt -- from the three parishes remained with the newly merged parish. It did not go to
the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Likewise, the proceeds from any property we sell in the future
will belong to St. John Fisher Parish.
St. John Fisher
March 1, 2015
Q: If we sell Holy Saviour church and the surrounding buildings, how will the money be
used?
A: In the case of the sale of church properties, any proceeds must first be used to pay any debt
that the parish has with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. We currently have an existing debt of
$135,000 with the Archdiocese. Proceeds from the sale of parish property beyond our debt
would become assets of St. John Fisher.
Q: What will happen to Holy Saviour’s religious artwork and sacred objects?
A: Whenever possible, the artistic treasures of relegated churches are found new homes in
other churches in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia or in other Catholic domains. St. John Fisher
has first rights to all items. This is both a sign of continuity of the faith in spite of demographic
changes and an act of respect for those generations who built the original churches with so
much love and sacrifice.
Q: Who oversees the placement of the religious artwork and sacred objects that St. John
Fisher decides not to keep?
A: In 1992, the Ecclesiastical Exchange of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia was founded and
established for the preservation and respectful placement of Catholic identity in our closed
parishes or Archdiocesan facilities. It provides other parishes and facilities the opportunity to
purchase the art/objects thereby enabling them to share in the same vision of stewardship and
tradition that these items deserve. The Exchange’s main focus is the placement of these items;
any revenues realized go directly to the parishes that continue to serve the people at the
churches they attend. No revenue goes directly to the Archdiocese.
The Ecclesiastical Exchange has evolved into an entity that not only coordinates the placement
of items in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, but also assists parishes and other religious
facilities throughout the country.
Q: How long does the relegation process take?
A: There is really no way to know how long this process will take. In the past, it has varied
greatly for churches undergoing this process. We are committed to keeping you informed every
step of the way. Once our relegation request gets on the docket for review, we should have a
better idea of the timeline.
Q: Is Immaculate Conception Church being relegated too?
A: No, we have not requested the relegation of Immaculate Conception Church. That will
remain the property of St. John Fisher parish, and we will continue to use it as a parish worship
site. Immaculate Conception School is currently leased by the Delaware County Intermediate
Unit (DCIU). That lease funds the utilities and insurance costs for both the church and the
school.
St. John Fisher
March 1, 2015