Boston, Mass., Jan 25, 2007 / 07:11 am
The Archdiocese of Boston wants to distribute more than $3 million held by closed parishes to 58 churches that took in parishioners after by closings.
The money could be used by financially struggling parishes to pay for scholarships to Catholic schools, building repairs, and other needs, church officials said.
The proposal affects only “restricted funds,” which are charitable donations given for a specified purpose.
The archdiocese is in the process of gauging the opinion of effected parishioners and benefactors on the plan and will need to seek the approval of Massachusetts’ state Supreme Judicial Court to proceed.
Attorney General Martha Coakley, who is responsible for ensuring that charities spend donations appropriately, has agreed to review reaction to the plan and make a recommendation to the court.
Another $4 million given by parishioners to closed parishes was not restricted. That money was taken by the archdiocese for general church purposes, which included the paying of the debts of closed parishes.
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