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29 May 2008 |
Diocese Working
to Ensure Short/Long Term Viability of St. Gabriel’s
Spiritual Center for Youth
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ROCKVILLE
CENTRE, New York. –
On May 27, 2008, members of the St. Paul of the Cross Eastern
Province of the Passionist Community made public its plans to
end ministerial work at the St. Gabriel’s Spiritual Center for
Youth in Coecles Harbor, Shelter Island this year. The Most
Reverend William Murphy, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese
of Rockville Centre is currently working with the lay board of
St. Gabriel’s to keep the retreats going for the upcoming year
and to find a solution to help guarantee the long-term future
of the Center.
The decision
to end Passionist ministerial work at St. Gabriel’s came after
a study of various Passionist facilities in the St. Paul of
the Cross Eastern Province in light of a declining number of
active Passionists available to staff its many ministries.
After
hearing of the decision, Bishop Murphy was deeply
disappointed. “St. Gabriel’s is the one place in our diocese
that specializes in retreat and prayer experiences for young
people,” said Bishop Murphy. “Many of our parishes send their
youngsters there for confirmation preparation. It is a
beautiful place, welcoming and friendly, just what we need for
our young people.” At the same time, Bishop Murphy realizes
the situation for the Passionists. “With the aging population
of priests comes an increased need for financial resources to
care for them. I am grateful to the Passionists for the many
years they have devoted to this apostolic work and especially
grateful to Father Chris Cleary, C.P. (retreat and spiritual
director), who is a beloved priest to so many of the youth of
our diocese.”
The
Passionists are giving the diocese time to provide for the
future of the retreat house. Neither the diocese nor the
members of the board have sufficient funds to purchase 22
acres of waterfront property in Shelter Island at market
prices. Yet, “I would not want the property to cease being a
place of apostolic ministry,” said Bishop Murphy.
Bishop
Murphy and the board are looking forartners and other
possibilities to ensure the mission of St. Gabriel’s
continues. “It would be ideal if we could find a religious
order or other Catholic organization with the resources to
take over the Center. We will also look for some combination
that will keep this important part of our diocesan life active
and fruitful.” Bishop Murphy would be pleased to receive any
ideas or proposals anyone might wish to
offer.
“The board and I are eager to entertain any and every such
offer,” said Bishop Murphy.
About The Diocese of Rockville Centre
The Diocese of Rockville Centre
www.drvc.org was formed in
1957 and covers 1,198 square miles in Nassau and Suffolk
Counties. The diocese serves approximately 1.4 million
Catholics (total population in both counties is
approximately 2.8 million). There are 134 parishes in
115 towns. Last year over 18,000 baptisms, 18,000
confirmations, 19,000 first communions and 4,000
marriages took place in the diocese. There are
approximately 22,000 students in Catholic elementary
schools; 13,000 in secondary schools and 3,300 in higher
institutions. There are 69 Catholic elementary and high
schools and one Catholic college in the diocese. There
are also 120,189 total students in religious education.
Catholic Health Services of Long Island consists of five
hospitals, three nursing homes, a community-based home
for those with special needs and a hospice. Last year,
Catholic Charities assisted more than 59,000 individuals
who are poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged on Long
Island. (4/20/07)
CONTACT:
Contact,
Diocese of Rockville Centre
Sean P. Dolan, 516-678-5800,
ext. 625
rvcinfo@drvc.org
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